RV Parks In Marion, Arkansas
35.2145° N, 90.1965° W
Quick Overview
Marion, Arkansas is the quiet, RV-friendly side of the Memphis metro. It sits in Crittenden County just north of West Memphis, right where I-40 and I-55 split, and across the Mississippi River from Memphis itself. For RVers, that location is the whole pitch: you camp in a calmer, cheaper Arkansas-side base and you are still only about 15 minutes from Beale Street, Graceland, and Memphis barbecue. The RV scene here leans private, built for travelers passing through on the interstate or setting up to explore the city.
The anchor is Memphis KOA Journey, located right in Marion off I-55 exit 14. It takes big rigs up to 65 feet on pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups and 50-amp power, and adds a pool, dog park, laundry, and an on-site cafe that delivers to your site. The other standout is Tom Sawyer's RV Park, perched on the edge of the Mississippi in West Memphis, where full-hookup sites look straight out at passing barges and Memphis sunsets. It is a genuine bucket-list river park.
For public, state-park camping you head out a little farther. Village Creek State Park near Wynne, about 45 miles northwest on Crowley's Ridge, has modern hookup sites, hiking, and lakes, and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park sits across the river in Tennessee. Closer in, Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge offers day-use wildlife viewing. So the honest mix here is strong private parks right at Marion and good public options a short drive out, which covers most RVers either way.
What makes Marion stand out from a hundred other interstate stops is that it gives you a real reason to stay more than one night. You can spend a morning at the free Sultana Disaster Museum, an afternoon birding at the Wapanocca refuge, and an evening crossing the river for Memphis barbecue and music, then come back to a quiet, affordable site with full hookups. For snowbirds running between the Midwest and the Gulf, it is also a comfortable, easy stopover right where the two interstates meet. We think it earns a couple of nights, not just a quick overnight.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Marion
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Gear for Your Trip to Marion
All Dump Stations Near Marion
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Park | 0.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Memphis KOA Journey | 3.7 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Memphis Koa Journey | 3.7 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Lalman Mobile Home Park | 6.0 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tom Sawyer's RV Park, West Memphis Ar | 6.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tom Sawyers Mississippi River RV Park | 6.1 mi | 4.4 | RV Park | Free |
| Cook's Lake RV Resort And Campground | 9.9 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dogwood Ridge Campground | 12.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Graceland RV Park & Campground | 14.9 mi | 4.1 | RV Park | Varies |
| Elvis Presley Boulevard RV Park | 15.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Forest Park
0.2 miMemphis KOA Journey
3.7 miMemphis Koa Journey
3.7 miLalman Mobile Home Park
6.0 miTom Sawyer's RV Park, West Memphis Ar
6.1 miTom Sawyers Mississippi River RV Park
6.1 miCook's Lake RV Resort And Campground
9.9 miDogwood Ridge Campground
12.5 miGraceland RV Park & Campground
14.9 miElvis Presley Boulevard RV Park
15.4 miTraveling to Marion by RV
Marion is easy to reach and easy to leave, which is half the appeal. It sits at the I-40 and I-55 split just north of West Memphis. For Memphis KOA Journey, take I-55 north to exit 14 at Jericho; the approach is flat Delta road, simple for a big rig. Tom Sawyer's RV Park is off I-55 near the river in West Memphis. US-64 and AR-77 handle the local connections if you are coming in off the smaller highways.
West Memphis, about eight miles south, has full services, fuel, and the Southland Casino, while Memphis, Tennessee, roughly 15 miles east across the river, has everything else including Memphis International Airport (MEM) for fly-and-rent trips. We like Marion precisely because you skip the city traffic and congestion when you are towing, then cross the bridge into Memphis only when you want to, in a tow vehicle rather than the whole rig.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Marion, Arkansas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Marion
Camping costs around Marion run a bit higher than rural Arkansas because these are full-service private parks serving the Memphis market. Memphis KOA Journey and Tom Sawyer's both sit in the upper tier for the area, charging full-hookup resort-style rates with amenities like pools, cafes, and riverfront sites built in. Expect to pay more on event and festival weekends when Memphis demand spikes.
If you want to spend less, public options stretch your dollar. Village Creek State Park near Wynne charges typical Arkansas state-park rates for water and electric sites, well below the private parks, in exchange for a longer drive to the city. Midweek stays at the private parks are also easier to book and sometimes cheaper than weekends. For a quick interstate overnight, the KOA off I-55 is the convenient choice; for a budget multi-night base, the state park wins on price.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Marion
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Best Time to Visit Marion by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
34F - 50F
Crowds: Low
Mild for the South. Private parks stay open, making Marion an easy snowbird stopover between the Midwest and the Gulf. Book ahead only around holidays.
Spring
Mar - May
52F - 72F
Crowds: Medium
Green and pleasant, but watch the Mississippi: high water can close riverside rows at Tom Sawyer's. Severe-storm season, so keep a weather eye and pick a park with solid hookups.
Summer
Jun - Aug
73F - 92F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and very humid Delta summer. The KOA pool helps; plan AC time midday. Good base for Memphis attractions, and reservations are usually easy midweek.
Fall
Sep - Oct
52F - 74F
Crowds: Medium
The best season: warm days, cool nights, lower humidity. Great for Memphis events and river views. Book around festival weekends when city demand spills across the river.
Explore the Marion Area
Use Marion as your calm Arkansas-side base for a Memphis trip. It is cheaper and quieter than staying in the city, and the drive across the river is only 15 to 20 minutes, so you get Memphis without the city campground prices or congestion. For the simplest big-rig in-and-out, the Memphis KOA off I-55 exit 14 is built for 65-foot rigs and keeps the approach stress-free.
If you want the river experience, book Tom Sawyer's, but call ahead in spring; high Mississippi water can close the lower rows during flood season. While you are in town, the new Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion is free and worth an hour, telling the story of the deadliest maritime disaster in U.S. history. For a public-land change of pace, Village Creek State Park near Wynne is about 45 miles northwest and makes a good second stop on a longer Arkansas loop. Top off fuel and groceries in West Memphis before settling in.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Marion
What are the best RV parks in Marion, Arkansas?
The two standouts are Memphis KOA Journey, located right in Marion off I-55 exit 14, and Tom Sawyer's RV Park on the Mississippi River in nearby West Memphis. The KOA is the easy full-service base with big-rig sites, a pool, dog park, and an on-site cafe, while Tom Sawyer's is a bucket-list river park where you watch barges drift by from your site. For public, state-park camping you head out about 45 miles to Village Creek State Park near Wynne. Most RVers pick a Marion-area private park for the quick Memphis access.
Do RV parks near Marion have full hookups?
Yes. Both of the main private parks offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer. Memphis KOA Journey has pull-through and back-in sites with up to 50-amp service and accommodates rigs up to 65 feet, and Tom Sawyer's RV Park on the river offers full-hookup sites that are big-rig friendly. If you head to public land, Village Creek State Park near Wynne provides water and electric (30 and 50-amp) hookups with some sewer sites. So whether you want a full-service private park right at Marion or a state park a bit farther out, full or near-full hookups are available.
How much does RV camping cost around Marion, Arkansas?
The private parks serving the Memphis market sit in the upper tier for the region. Memphis KOA Journey and Tom Sawyer's both charge full-hookup, resort-style rates that climb on event and festival weekends when Memphis demand spikes. If you want to spend less, public camping stretches your dollar: Village Creek State Park near Wynne charges typical Arkansas state-park rates for water and electric sites, well below the private parks, in exchange for a longer drive to the city. Midweek stays at the private parks are also easier and sometimes cheaper than weekends.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site near Marion?
For a normal weekday or off-peak weekend, the private Marion and West Memphis parks usually have room on short notice, so a few days ahead is fine. Around Memphis events, festivals, and holiday weekends, demand spills across the river and you should book one to several weeks out. Tom Sawyer's riverside sites are popular and worth reserving early, with a phone call in spring to check on river levels. State parks like Village Creek fill for spring and fall weekends, so reserve those further ahead through the Arkansas State Parks system to be safe.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Marion?
Fall is the sweet spot, roughly late September through November, with warm days, cool nights, and lower humidity, perfect for crossing into Memphis for events and enjoying river views. Spring is green and pleasant but brings severe-storm season and high Mississippi water that can affect riverside sites. Summer is hot and very humid Delta weather, manageable with the KOA pool and midday AC. Winter is mild for the South, with highs in the 40s and 50s, making Marion a comfortable snowbird stopover. Overall, fall and mild winter days are the most comfortable for RVing here.
Can big rigs camp in Marion, Arkansas?
Yes, the Marion area is genuinely big-rig friendly. Memphis KOA Journey accommodates rigs up to 65 feet on pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups and 50-amp power, and the flat Delta approach off I-55 exit 14 makes towing in simple. Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis is also big-rig friendly with many pull-through riverside sites. The level terrain and easy interstate access at the I-40 and I-55 split mean you are not fighting tight mountain roads or steep grades. For the easiest experience with a large rig, the KOA is the most straightforward choice.
Is there a campground right on the Mississippi River near Marion?
Yes. Tom Sawyer's RV Park, in West Memphis just south of Marion, sits directly on the edge of the Mississippi River. Full-hookup sites look out at passing barges and Memphis skyline sunsets, and it is one of the most talked-about river parks in the country for exactly that reason. It is big-rig friendly with many pull-through sites. The one caveat is spring flooding: when the Mississippi runs high, the lower rows can close, so call ahead in spring to confirm availability. For a memorable riverside night near Memphis, it is hard to beat.
Are there public or state-park campgrounds near Marion?
Right around Marion the strong options are private, but public camping is within reach. Village Creek State Park near Wynne, about 45 miles northwest on Crowley's Ridge, offers modern hookup sites, hiking, and lakes at state-park prices. Across the river in Tennessee, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park has wooded camping along the Mississippi bluffs. Closer to Marion, Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge is a federal day-use area for wildlife viewing rather than camping. So while you will camp private if you stay right in Marion, good public, state-park options are a short to moderate drive away for a quieter, cheaper night.
How far is Marion from Memphis attractions?
Marion is about 15 miles from downtown Memphis, a 15 to 20-minute drive across the I-40 bridge over the Mississippi River. That puts Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, and the city's famous barbecue all within easy reach. The advantage of basing in Marion is that you tow your rig into a calmer, cheaper Arkansas-side park and then cross into Memphis in your tow vehicle, skipping city traffic and congestion. Many RVers use Marion specifically as a quiet, convenient base for exploring Memphis without paying city-campground prices.
What is there to do in Marion besides Memphis?
More than you might expect for a small county seat. The new Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion tells the story of the 1865 steamboat explosion that killed more people than the Titanic, and admission is currently free. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, about 12 miles north, offers birding and wildlife viewing along the Mississippi Flyway. Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis has gaming, dining, and live racing right off the interstate. Add river watching at Tom Sawyer's and a day trip out to Village Creek State Park, and you can fill several days without ever crossing into Tennessee.
Is Marion a good snowbird stopover?
Yes, Marion works well as a snowbird stopover rather than a winter destination. Sitting at the I-40 and I-55 junction, it is a natural overnight or few-night stop for RVers heading between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast or Texas. Winters are mild for the South, with highs in the 40s and 50s and only occasional hard freezes, and the private parks stay open year-round with full hookups. It is not a months-long warm-weather destination like Florida or Arizona, but for breaking up a long winter haul with a comfortable, full-service stop and a Memphis visit, it is excellent.
Does high water on the Mississippi affect camping near Marion?
It can, specifically at the riverside parks. Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis sits right on the Mississippi, so during spring flooding or high-water events the lower rows of sites can close temporarily. If you are planning a spring trip and have your heart set on a riverfront site, call ahead to confirm conditions and availability. The inland parks like Memphis KOA Journey in Marion are not affected by river levels, so they make a reliable backup. High water is mainly a spring concern; by summer and fall the river typically drops and all sites are open.
What highways serve Marion for RV travel?
Marion sits at the split of two major interstates, I-40 and I-55, just north of West Memphis, which makes it one of the easiest RV stops in the mid-South to reach. For Memphis KOA Journey, take I-55 north to exit 14 at Jericho. US-64 and AR-77 handle local connections to the smaller communities and into West Memphis. The terrain is flat Delta country, so there are no steep grades or tight mountain curves to worry about with a big rig. Easy interstate access in every direction is a big part of why Marion works so well as an RV base and stopover.
What are the best RV parks in Marion, Arkansas?
The two standouts are Memphis KOA Journey, located right in Marion off I-55 exit 14, and Tom Sawyer's RV Park on the Mississippi River in nearby West Memphis. The KOA is the easy full-service base with big-rig sites, a pool, dog park, and an on-site cafe, while Tom Sawyer's is a bucket-list river park where you watch barges drift by from your site. For public, state-park camping you head out about 45 miles to Village Creek State Park near Wynne. Most RVers pick a Marion-area private park for the quick Memphis access.
Do RV parks near Marion have full hookups?
Yes. Both of the main private parks offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer. Memphis KOA Journey has pull-through and back-in sites with up to 50-amp service and accommodates rigs up to 65 feet, and Tom Sawyer's RV Park on the river offers full-hookup sites that are big-rig friendly. If you head to public land, Village Creek State Park near Wynne provides water and electric (30 and 50-amp) hookups with some sewer sites. So whether you want a full-service private park right at Marion or a state park a bit farther out, full or near-full hookups are available.
How much does RV camping cost around Marion, Arkansas?
The private parks serving the Memphis market sit in the upper tier for the region. Memphis KOA Journey and Tom Sawyer's both charge full-hookup, resort-style rates that climb on event and festival weekends when Memphis demand spikes. If you want to spend less, public camping stretches your dollar: Village Creek State Park near Wynne charges typical Arkansas state-park rates for water and electric sites, well below the private parks, in exchange for a longer drive to the city. Midweek stays at the private parks are also easier and sometimes cheaper than weekends.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site near Marion?
For a normal weekday or off-peak weekend, the private Marion and West Memphis parks usually have room on short notice, so a few days ahead is fine. Around Memphis events, festivals, and holiday weekends, demand spills across the river and you should book one to several weeks out. Tom Sawyer's riverside sites are popular and worth reserving early, with a phone call in spring to check on river levels. State parks like Village Creek fill for spring and fall weekends, so reserve those further ahead through the Arkansas State Parks system to be safe.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Marion?
Fall is the sweet spot, roughly late September through November, with warm days, cool nights, and lower humidity, perfect for crossing into Memphis for events and enjoying river views. Spring is green and pleasant but brings severe-storm season and high Mississippi water that can affect riverside sites. Summer is hot and very humid Delta weather, manageable with the KOA pool and midday AC. Winter is mild for the South, with highs in the 40s and 50s, making Marion a comfortable snowbird stopover. Overall, fall and mild winter days are the most comfortable for RVing here.
Can big rigs camp in Marion, Arkansas?
Yes, the Marion area is genuinely big-rig friendly. Memphis KOA Journey accommodates rigs up to 65 feet on pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups and 50-amp power, and the flat Delta approach off I-55 exit 14 makes towing in simple. Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis is also big-rig friendly with many pull-through riverside sites. The level terrain and easy interstate access at the I-40 and I-55 split mean you are not fighting tight mountain roads or steep grades. For the easiest experience with a large rig, the KOA is the most straightforward choice.
Is there a campground right on the Mississippi River near Marion?
Yes. Tom Sawyer's RV Park, in West Memphis just south of Marion, sits directly on the edge of the Mississippi River. Full-hookup sites look out at passing barges and Memphis skyline sunsets, and it is one of the most talked-about river parks in the country for exactly that reason. It is big-rig friendly with many pull-through sites. The one caveat is spring flooding: when the Mississippi runs high, the lower rows can close, so call ahead in spring to confirm availability. For a memorable riverside night near Memphis, it is hard to beat.
Are there public or state-park campgrounds near Marion?
Right around Marion the strong options are private, but public camping is within reach. Village Creek State Park near Wynne, about 45 miles northwest on Crowley's Ridge, offers modern hookup sites, hiking, and lakes at state-park prices. Across the river in Tennessee, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park has wooded camping along the Mississippi bluffs. Closer to Marion, Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge is a federal day-use area for wildlife viewing rather than camping. So while you will camp private if you stay right in Marion, good public, state-park options are a short to moderate drive away for a quieter, cheaper night.
How far is Marion from Memphis attractions?
Marion is about 15 miles from downtown Memphis, a 15 to 20-minute drive across the I-40 bridge over the Mississippi River. That puts Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, and the city's famous barbecue all within easy reach. The advantage of basing in Marion is that you tow your rig into a calmer, cheaper Arkansas-side park and then cross into Memphis in your tow vehicle, skipping city traffic and congestion. Many RVers use Marion specifically as a quiet, convenient base for exploring Memphis without paying city-campground prices.
What is there to do in Marion besides Memphis?
More than you might expect for a small county seat. The new Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion tells the story of the 1865 steamboat explosion that killed more people than the Titanic, and admission is currently free. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, about 12 miles north, offers birding and wildlife viewing along the Mississippi Flyway. Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis has gaming, dining, and live racing right off the interstate. Add river watching at Tom Sawyer's and a day trip out to Village Creek State Park, and you can fill several days without ever crossing into Tennessee.
Is Marion a good snowbird stopover?
Yes, Marion works well as a snowbird stopover rather than a winter destination. Sitting at the I-40 and I-55 junction, it is a natural overnight or few-night stop for RVers heading between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast or Texas. Winters are mild for the South, with highs in the 40s and 50s and only occasional hard freezes, and the private parks stay open year-round with full hookups. It is not a months-long warm-weather destination like Florida or Arizona, but for breaking up a long winter haul with a comfortable, full-service stop and a Memphis visit, it is excellent.
Does high water on the Mississippi affect camping near Marion?
It can, specifically at the riverside parks. Tom Sawyer's RV Park in West Memphis sits right on the Mississippi, so during spring flooding or high-water events the lower rows of sites can close temporarily. If you are planning a spring trip and have your heart set on a riverfront site, call ahead to confirm conditions and availability. The inland parks like Memphis KOA Journey in Marion are not affected by river levels, so they make a reliable backup. High water is mainly a spring concern; by summer and fall the river typically drops and all sites are open.
What highways serve Marion for RV travel?
Marion sits at the split of two major interstates, I-40 and I-55, just north of West Memphis, which makes it one of the easiest RV stops in the mid-South to reach. For Memphis KOA Journey, take I-55 north to exit 14 at Jericho. US-64 and AR-77 handle local connections to the smaller communities and into West Memphis. The terrain is flat Delta country, so there are no steep grades or tight mountain curves to worry about with a big rig. Easy interstate access in every direction is a big part of why Marion works so well as an RV base and stopover.
Are there free dump stations in Marion?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Marion.
All Dump Stations Near Marion (74)
RV ParkForest Park
RV Park with Dump StationsMemphis KOA Journey
RV Park with Dump StationsMemphis Koa Journey
RV ParkTom Sawyer's RV Park, West Memphis Ar
RV Park with Dump StationsTom Sawyers Mississippi River RV Park
RV ParkLalman Mobile Home Park
RV ParkCook's Lake RV Resort And Campground
RV Park



