Millwood State Park near Ashdown is located on the banks of Millwood Lake, which is renowned for fishing. The lake was created in the 1960s when Millwood Dam, the longest earthen dam in the state, was built across the Little River.

Millwood may be a smaller park but according to Mark Myers, superintendent at Millwood State Park, they hold their own in their own way in areas that include great crappie fishing, birding, and maintaining a clean and friendly environment for visitors to explore. 

As to what makes the fishing stand out at the park, Myers mentioned their location on a very large shallow lake. “It has the right ingredients to produce large numbers of large fish, crappie, bass, catfish, that people want,” he said.  

The lake area has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. According to Myers birders who venture to Millwood can find “different and varied number of species both year-round and seasonal.” More details about birding at Millwood State Park can be found in this photo essay.

Though Millwood Lake is not suited for recreational boating or swimming, it is a main feature of the park with a full-service marina, which opens in March and closes in mid-November. The marina is located near the park campgrounds. At the marina there are fishing boats to rent as well as options like kayaks. There is also a boat ramp at the park if you have your own boat. 

The park also has two trails to hike, including the Wildlife Lane Nature Trail and the shorter Waterfowl Way Trail. Hikers interested in exploring the rich land and history that can be found here can call ahead or click here to check for conditions. 

The park is also known for alligators, providing visitors with an opportunity to see unique wildlife in their natural habitat. Myers encourages visitors to "be aware they are here." But he notes that those who may be afraid of encountering the wild animals should know they "really don't want anything to do with us." Visitors can explore the natural landscape of the park with awareness and caution. More details about alligators can be found in this photo essay. 

Though the lake is known for its wildlife and recreational assets, flood control is a main function of the lake that also serves as a water supply. Millwood Dam was built by the US Corps of Engineers in the 1960s. Among the Corps of Engineers recreation areas that was on the shore of Millwood Lake was one called Cypress Slough. In the mid-1970s, the Corps signed a lease with the State Parks Division and that area became Millwood State Park. 

More details about fishing at Arkansas State Parks can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-river-parks/fishing. More details about Millwood State Park such as camping availability can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/parks/millwood-state-park.

Other nearby state parks include Historic Washington State Park and Crater of Diamonds State Park.