Big Coon Creek

Star4.31
165 reviews
493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

591 ft

Price

$14 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Coon Creek
$14.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary seasonally. Peak season rates range from $23 to $32 per night for standard electric sites, while transition season rates are $14 to $18 per...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
870-385-7126
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What Campers Say

4.31

Satisfactory

Based on 165 reviews

70 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanspacious

"Big Coon Creek Campground has received mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18/5. Visitors appreciate its scenic location, well-spaced sites, and recreational options. However, maintenance issues, particularly with showers and groundskeeping, are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Big Coon Creek

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Driving directionsFrom Gillham on Hwy 71, go east on Tower Rd. for 1.3 miles; Turn left onto Gillham Lake Rd. for 4.3 miles; Turn left onto Polk Road 474 for 1.7 miles.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though seasonal flooding may impact driveability. Beware of sudden changes in water level below the dam, and check lake levels before traveling.
Nearby places
Gillham (approximately 5 miles), De Queen (approximately 15 miles), Texarkana (approximately 45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be available in nearby Gillham (5 miles) or De Queen (15 miles). Note that the area is described as remote with limited shopping options.

Best Time to Camp at Big Coon Creek

Experience the dynamic beauty of Arkansas seasons at Big Coon Creek, where nature paints an ever-changing canvas throughout the year. Spring arrives with frequent showers that nourish the verdant landscape, though visitors should note the area's susceptibility to seasonal flooding. As temperatures dance between comfortable highs of 63°F and crisp lows of 45°F during shoulder seasons, campers can enjoy everything from misty morning hikes to cozy evening campfires. The variable weather creates an authentic outdoor experience where each day brings its own adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Prime season for swimming, boating and fishing; peak season March–Oct includes summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall popular for moderate temps and scenic foliage; reviewers favor spring/fall seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring popular with moderate temps and showers; listed as a peak/transition season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open through Dec 31 but fewer activities and limited visitation; winter is low season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to October 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from March 1 to December 31 annually. Peak season is March 1 to October 31, and transition season is November 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding potential throughout the year. Guests are advised to verify water levels before traveling.

About Big Coon Creek

Nestled along the tranquil banks of Gillham Lake, Big Coon Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and peaceful retreat. Here, mornings begin with mist rising from the water as anglers cast their lines, while afternoons invite swimmers to cool off in the lake's refreshing waters. Every campsite comes equipped with modern conveniences including water and 50-amp electric hookups, ensuring comfort meets wilderness in this scenic Arkansas haven where boating enthusiasts can launch into 1,370 acres of pristine water surrounded by lush, rolling hills.
The campground is suitable for a range of camping styles, including RV camping and tent camping. All sites come with electric hookups and water access.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check in with the gatehouse upon arrival.
Check-out
Check out is by 5 p.m.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during one visit or a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Boating is a significant attraction, with a dedicated boat ramp. The lake is popular for fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Swimming is supported with a designated beach area. Other activities include hiking, hunting (in specified areas), and wildlife observation.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, but the specific trails and their difficulty levels are not detailed in the source material.
FishingFishing is a popular activity with available species including smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass, saugeye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and sunfish. Fly fishing is also common.
SwimmingA swimming beach is available. Users highlight the beach area as a positive feature, although one reviewer mentioned it could benefit from more sand.
BoatingBoating is highly encouraged, with a boat ramp provided. Canoeing opportunities are also mentioned, with routes ranging from 16 miles to shorter trips.
Beach activitiesThe beach area is a draw for many campers. One review described it as 'nice,' but another noted that the beach needs more sand, likely due to seasonal flooding.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is prone to flooding; sudden water level changes below the dam are signaled by horns. Poison ivy and knee-high grass have been reported in some reviews.
Active AlertsFlooding potential throughout the year. Guests are advised to verify water levels before traveling.

Weather at Big Coon Creek

Reviews

4.3
165 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big Coon Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Big Coon Creek Campground has received mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.18/5. Visitors appreciate its scenic location, well-spaced sites, and recreational options. However, maintenance issues, particularly with showers and groundskeeping, are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 165 reviews

What Campers Love

Key positives include scenic views, friendly and helpful hosts, clean and spacious sites, and excellent fishing opportunities. Users also commend the quiet atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
Based on 165 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve maintenance issues such as poorly functioning showers, overgrown grass, and rusted grills. Limited cell service and occasional foot traffic through sites were also mentioned.
Based on 165 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water hoses to ensure connection to water faucets. Check lake levels before arrival due to potential flooding. Arrive with sufficient supplies, as there are no nearby stores.
Based on 165 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and the absence of summer crowds. Summer offers prime opportunities for swimming and boating but can be hot, while winter sees fewer...
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Based on 165 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sunrise in the morning is breathtaking.' 2. 'Nice campsite. Clean park. Sites are spaced out so you have nice space.' 3. 'Great spot for camping or fishing!' 4. 'Our family camps at this...
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Based on 165 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5: Long and spacious, ideal for parking boats. Site #10: Highly rated for its proximity to the lake and cleanliness. Site #23: Praised for its beauty but noted for occasional odor due to lake...
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Based on 165 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific mentions of accessibility features, but hosts are described as accommodating and helpful.
Based on 165 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews explicitly reference pet policies or experiences.
Based on 165 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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