Jacksonport State Park, Arkansas

Jacksonport, Arkansas located where the White and Black Rivers meet is a destination where Arkansas’s frontier past and scenic riverfront beauty converge. Once a bustling steamboat hub that rivaled the biggest ports in the South, today it serves as a peaceful retreat for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you are looking to stretch your legs on a riverfront trail or step back into the 1800s, Jacksonport State Park offers a unique blend of experiences.

The Tunstall Riverwalk Trail which is approximately 0.5 miles of easy strolling on a flat trail. This trail follows the banks of the White River, connecting the park’s boat launch area to the campground. It is particularly stunning in the spring and summer when the Tunstall Riverwalk Conservation Area is in full bloom with native wildflowers.

Beyond the established trail, the park includes 20 acres of wildflowers and interpretive nature walks led by park staff. The town was founded in the early 1800s and became a vital strategic point during the Civil War. Jacksonport was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces. It is famously the site where General M. Jeff Thompson surrendered his 6,000 Confederate troops at the end of the war in June 1865.

I spent 2 days in the park and was well pleased with the camping, history and engagement of the park staff.