Millwood State Park
This is the place for serious bass fishing. A series of boat lanes meanders through submerged timber, marshes, and oxbow cutoffs making Millwood Lake an outstanding fishing destination. This 29,260-acre lake abounds in largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Birding is also popular at this Audubon-designated Important Bird Area with sightings of over 300 of the state’s 400 species on record. The park features 45 campsites (27 Class AAA, 2 Class A, 13 Class B, and three primitive tent sites). The camping is relaxed and quiet. Nearby are picnic sites plus a self-guided walking trail and a bicycle trail. A marina offers gift items, groceries, bait, gas for sale, and rental fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and more.
Fishing- Famous for its bass tournaments, the reservoir abounds in largemouth, or black bass. Many trophy fish of over 10 pounds have been recorded, and 4 and 5 pound catches are common. A special bass management plan has been in effect for several years, and has succeeded in building the population of bass up to the point where even a novice bass angler can have success. During the spring and fall, Millwood offers some of the best crappie fishing in Arkansas, and summer provides excellent catfish and bream fishing. Just beyond the park, the lake empties into the Little River. When the spillway gates are open, fishermen cast for striped bass of up to 30 pounds with heavy deep sea fishing rigs or try their luck for the unusual spoon-billed catfish.
Birding- Millwood Lake is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. Of 400+ birds on the state list, over 300 have been recorded around Millwood. A variety of species of conservation concern breed here including Hooded Merganser, Osprey, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Prothonotary Warbler, and Painted Bunting. The lake is especially well known for its water birds: Anhinga, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow-crowned NightHeron, White Ibis, Wood Stork, Purple Gallinule, and Common Moorhen.
A kayak or boat outing on the lake, or a walk on the park’s trails, offer birders various habitats to explore.
Camping- Nestled in the mixed pine and hardwood forest along the banks of Millwood Lake, 45 campsites with water and electric hookups offer a pleasant camping experience year-round. Always a popular campground for the spring and fall fishing seasons and summer family vacations, Millwood is also a favorite among those seeking the beauty and solitude of winter camping. Each site has a picnic table and grill, and modern bathhouses with hot showers are located throughout the campgrounds. Campsites with no hookups are available for those who prefer more primitive tent camping . A trailer sanitary station is nearby.
Marina- A full-service marina is located within a short walk of the campgrounds. Check with the marina operator for tips on locating and landing some of the record “lunkers” brought into this popular floating store. Camping and picnicking supplies, resident and non-resident fishing licenses, artificial and live bait are available. Shoppers can also choose from a selection of T-shirts and other souvenirs. Flat bottom boats, canoes, and pedal boats are available for rent. Covered slips may be rented at the marina for private boats. (Note: the marina is closed mid-November and opens in March.)
Trails
Waterfowl Way Trail
Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours hiking time
This level loop trail begins at Camping Area E. It crosses a bog and prairie bumps and meanders through both pine and hardwood stands. Fishing, waterfowl observation and photography are popular activities for hikers on this trail. At Cypress Point, a picnic table is available for those wanting to rest or enjoy a picnic lunch. On its return loop the trail passes an active beaver lodge and an alligator 'hole'. This trail is especially popular during the fall and winter months when many varieties of migratory waterfowl use Millwood Lake as a resting site along their long journeys.
Wildlife Lane Nature Trail
Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4
This trail is a four mile path meandering through several hundred acres of land set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife Lane is a multi-use trail and is designed to accommodate both hikers and bicyclers. Ride and walk with respect of others in mind.
