How much does camping cost at Big Coon Creek?

Camping fees at Big Coon Creek range from $14-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Coon Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Coon Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Coon Creek before I book?

Yes! Big Coon Creek has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Coon Creek?

Big Coon Creek is open March 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Coon Creek?

Yes, Big Coon Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Big Coon Creek have?

Big Coon Creek has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Coon Creek?

Pets are not allowed at Big Coon Creek. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Coon Creek?

Big Coon Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Coon Creek?

Popular activities at Big Coon Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Coon Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Coon Creek?

Fire policies at Big Coon Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.29

122 reviews

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

591 ft

Price

$14 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

591 ft

Price

$14 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Big Coon Creek

$14.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC - Full Hookup: $18.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-65789: $14.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-385-7126

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Big Coon Creek

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Nearby places

Gillham (approximately 5 miles), De Queen (approximately 15 miles), Texarkana (approximately 45 miles)

Weather at Big Coon Creek

Current alerts(9)

A maximum of 2 Tents and 8 Occupants per site.
Beware of sudden changes in water level below dam; if warning horn sounds twice, water will rise, if it sounds once, water will lower.
Bring extra water hose and electric cords to allow for longer distances from campsite.
Check in with Gate House upon arrival and before you set up on site.

Best Time to Camp at Big Coon Creek

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and lower crowds — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (55–75°F) with crisp mornings, making boating, fishing, and hiking especially pleasant. Lake levels are usually stable after summer, shoreline foliage colors peak in late October to early November, and bugs and summer humidity drop off. Weekday crowds taper after the busy summer season so you’ll find quieter campsites and excellent fishing conditions. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called best: mild temps (65–75°F), stable lake levels, foliage color and fewer bugs.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to December 31. 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.

About Big Coon Creek

Big Coon Creek is a mid-sized campground on Gillham Lake in southwestern Arkansas, operated through Recreation.gov with full hookups for tent and RV campers. The low-elevation setting offers lake access for boating and fishing, plus hiking trails and a swim area. Reviewers praise the scenic views, spacious sites, and quiet family atmosphere, though some note maintenance concerns with play areas and facilities.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and lower crowds — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (55–75°F) with crisp mornings, making boating, fishing, and hiking especially pleasant. Lake levels are usually stable after summer, shoreline foliage colors peak in late October to early November, and bugs and summer humidity drop off. Weekday crowds taper after the busy summer season so you’ll find quieter campsites and excellent fishing conditions. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation591 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Gillham Lake, which has 36 miles of shoreline surrounded by wooded hills. Mature trees shade many sites and frame views of the open water. The lake sits at 591 feet elevation and is fed by the clear waters of the Cossatot River. The surrounding terrain is hilly and forested, typical of southwestern Arkansas. Wildlife frequents the area, especially near the shoreline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during one visit or a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 2 tents and 8 occupants per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThere are no explicit mentions of dedicated accessibility features. However, some reviews imply that the campground accommodates various needs, such as hosts assisting with parking.

Site SizeSites vary in size and offer plenty of space. One user noted, 'Our site (#5) was nice and long, and there was plenty of space to park the boat.

PrivacySites are spaced out to offer privacy. A user review stated, 'Nice campsite. Sites are spaced out so you have nice space.' However, some users mentioned foot traffic through their sites as an issue.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect lakeside sites for direct access to swimming and fishing. Campsite #10 is ideal for families due to its layout and proximity to amenities.

Best CampsitesReviews mention site #10 for its views and proximity to clean bathrooms. Site #09 gets shade and sits close to the swim beach. Site #5 is noted as long with plenty of space to park a boat. Sites are generally well-spaced, though some campers report foot traffic cutting through sites.

Need help booking Big Coon Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Coon Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. It features 32 campsites, all equipped with water and 50-amp electric hookups. Additional facilities include hot showers, a boat ramp, a swimming beach, a playground, and a dump station. The campsites are paved and include grills and picnic areas. The location is praised for its scenic views and proximity to the lake. Reviews highlight both positive aspects such as 'clean park' and concerns like maintenance issues, particularly in the showers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, although one review noted issues with trash being left around the area.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews about cell service availability. One camper mentioned, 'Very little cell service but enough to occasionally send and receive text.' Several other reviews confirm cell service is limited.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

122 reviews

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 122 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 122 reviews.

Site #5Loved
Site #5: Long and spacious, ideal for parking boats.
Site #10Loved
Site #10: Highly rated for its proximity to the lake and cleanliness.
Site #23Loved
Site #23: Praised for its beauty but noted for occasional odor due to lake conditions.
Site #9Loved
Site #9: Conveniently located near the lake and swim beach, ideal for tent camping.

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 122 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 122 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 122 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...

Based on 122 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...

Based on 122 reviews