4910 S. Culberhouse Road
Jonesboro, Arkansas
870-933-4604

Craighead Forest Park opened when the Young Men's Civic Club began work on the lake in 1937. Today the park comprises 692 acres in the scenic beauty of Crowley's Ridge and features a fishing lake, camping facilities, hiking/biking trails, bird watching opportunities, picnic sites, and recreational fields.

Craighead Forest Park offers the outdoor enthusiast a brisk workout of any of the park's walking, hiking, or biking trails. Approximately 15 miles of mountain bike trails weave through the forest, 2.4 miles of chat trail skirt the lake's edge, and 2.9 miles of paved road circle the park. The park also offers an exclusive area for ATV riders. Horseback riding is also permitted in the park. There are no marked trails for horses, but horse enthusiasts may take a nice trail ride on several trails located outside the main road that circles the park. For a more complete nature experience, three trails lead to the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center.

The campground at Craighead Forest Park offers visitors a home-away-from-home atmosphere with rustic surroundings. The park has 26 tree-shaded asphalt pads that are great for RV Camping; and five tent campsites right on the edge of the lake, as well as a primitive camping area. A central bathhouse is also located near the campgrounds. Pets are welcome at the park and are free to take advantage of the many trails (if properly leashed) or even take a jump and a swim at our dog jumping pier. Camping at Craighead Forest Park is now available all 365 days every year.

Fishing in the 60-acre Craighead Forest Lake is a favorite pastime of local residents and of campers who visit the park. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission stocks the lake with bass, bream, crappie, and tilapia. Anglers can fish from the docks and jetties, or they can launch boats to fish on the lake. Boats are allowed on the lake year round during daylight hours only. A 5 mph speed limit and a "no wake" rule is enforced at all times. The Family Fishing Area is located near Rotary Way. With its location near Rotary Centennial Park and by being fully handicapped-accessible, the Family Fishing Area was created to help handicapped children enjoy outdoor recreation and fishing. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission stocks this area more heavily with brim, bass, and catfish, and they add trout in the winter and tilapia in the summer. Anyone can fish in the Family Fishing Area as long as they have a child with them.

Camping
The campground at Craighead Forest Park offers visitors a home-away-from-home atmosphere with rustic surroundings. The park has 26 tree-shaded asphalt pads equipped with water, electrical outlets, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, great for RV Camping. There are also five tent campsites right on the edge of the lake, as well as a primitive camping area. A central bathhouse is also located near the campgrounds. Barrier free sites are available and pets are welcome if properly leashed. Visit Craighead Forests Park’s camping webpage for more information.

Visiting Craighead Forest Park
6 am - 10 pm daily
There is no charge to visit Craighead Forest Park.