A visit to Moro Bay State Park

There are 52 Arkansas State Parks. Join me as we visit those parks over the next several months.

Our first trip is going to be a short road trip to Moro Bay State Park, located at 6071 Highway 600 in Jersey.

A popular fishing and water sports area in south central Arkansas, the park lies where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake join the Ouachita River. This is the only state park on the lower Ouachita and is a great place for birders.

With its southern forest habitat, combined with the area’s rivers and lakes, Moro Bay attracts avian species year-round. You are encouraged to share your sightings with park staff and add to their wild bird list. Nature trails and kayaks offer two great ways to look for the diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors, among others. You can even catch a glimpse of eagles on occasion.

Also on site is the ferry that transported many travelers across the Ouachita River from April 28, 1965, to 1992. When two new bridges were completed over the river and Raymond Lake, the ferry was taken out of commission and now serves as an interpretive exhibit of the area.

This park invested in upgrading its campground last year and now boasts 23 Class AAA campsites with water, sewer, and 50-amp electrical services along Raymond Lake.

Each new campsite has a 60-foot-long camping spur and a living area equipped with a new picnic table, BBQ grill and lantern hanger. Each site also has a tent pad. Campers are required to register at the visitor center before occupying a campsite. Reservations are available up to one year in advance.

If you are not into camping but prefer to enjoy the amenities that housekeeping cabins provide, the park has five that are available for reservation all year long. The cabins overlook Moro Bay and are fully furnished with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a great room/kitchen and a screened back porch with river view. Behind each cabin, guests have a picnic table, a grill and a fire ring to enjoy.

A large, covered pavilion is located across the cabins and may be rented for group outings or family reunions. A large air-conditioned meeting room and kitchen adjacent to the visitor center

are also available to rent and may be reserved online.

Two picnic areas provide space for family and friends. The sites are equipped with tables and grills and water hydrants and restrooms are close

by.

The visitor center features a park store with grocery staples, bait and tackle, camping supplies, souvenirs and is where you rent motor boat rentals. The park’s marina is the only facility on the Ouachita River in Arkansas that offers gas and boat slip rentals.

Those who would like more information may

call the park at 870-4638555 or visit the park at 6071 Hwy 600, Jersey, AR. 71651. Campsites may be reserved for up to one year in advance. Reservations can be obtained by calling 877879-2471 or by visiting Arkansasstateparks.com.