Jack Creek Recreation Area

4.60

222 reviews

1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958

Featured in:Primitive Camping Arkansas#2 Hiking Camping Arkansas#3 Mountain Camping Arkansas#3 +6 more

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Jack Creek Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground operates at no cost; no fees are charged for camping or day-use.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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USFS

Provider

(479) 637-4174

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 222 reviews

198 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingwell-maintained

"User reviews are largely positive, highlighting the campground as a hidden gem with beautiful scenery, trails, and cold, clear water for swimming. Common themes include family-friendly activities, clean campsites, and scenic hiking trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958

Jack Creek Recreation Area

1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958

Driving directionsTake Arkansas Hwy. 23 south from Booneville, AR for 2 miles; turn left (east) on Arkansas Hwy. 116 for 1 mile; then south at sign on paved County Road for 4 miles; then 1 mile south on Forest Service Road 19; turn left (east) on Forest Service Road 141 for 1 mile.

The campground is accessible via paved county roads and forest service roads. No specific seasonal closures were mentioned but it may be necessary to check for flash floods as mentioned in user reviews.

Nearby places

Greenwood is approximately 35 minutes away (distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

Supplies likely obtainable from Booneville, AR, and Greenwood, AR, approximately 35 minutes away from the campsite.

Best Time to Camp at Jack Creek Recreation Area

Jack Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain sanctuary. Winter arrives crisp and dry, perfect for cozy campfires and clear starlit nights. As spring unfolds, the mountains come alive with rushing waters—though visitors should remain alert for the occasional flash flood during heavy rains. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for creek exploration and shaded forest hikes, with temperatures ranging from pleasantly warm mornings to sweltering afternoons. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise as cool air returns to the highlands.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season for cold, clear swimming holes and family activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Trails and overlooks popular in fall for colorful vegetation and views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Trails and scenery revive in spring; swimming resumes as temperatures rise.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter offers crisp nights and campfires but swimming and many activities wane; seasonal operation noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally (specific dates not specified).

About Jack Creek Recreation Area

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, Jack Creek Recreation Area whispers stories of the 1930s when skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps carved this primitive campground from the wilderness. Today, visitors discover a timeless escape where towering rock bluffs frame pristine campsites, crystal-clear waters dance over ancient stones, and miles of trails wind through forests that have watched decades pass. This rustic gem preserves the authentic charm of Depression-era craftsmanship while offering modern adventurers a chance to disconnect and rediscover nature's simple pleasures.

Jack Creek Recreation Area provides primitive camping opportunities with no fees. It is suitable for tents and small RVs. Some group camping sites are positioned further up the hill from the recreation area.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Jack Creek, where the enduring legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in every hand-hewn stone and carefully placed timber. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, young men arrived here with little more than determination and simple tools, transforming raw wilderness into a recreational haven that would serve generations. The original facilities they built—sturdy, practical, and harmonious with nature—stand as monuments to American ingenuity and the conservation movement that helped shape our modern park system.

Weather and SeasonsJack Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain sanctuary. Winter arrives crisp and dry, perfect for cozy campfires and clear starlit nights. As spring unfolds, the mountains come alive with rushing waters—though visitors should remain alert for the occasional flash flood during heavy rains. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for creek exploration and shaded forest hikes, with temperatures ranging from pleasantly warm mornings to sweltering afternoons. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise as cool air returns to the highlands.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has sculpted Jack Creek into an outdoor cathedral where ancient rock bluffs rise like weathered sentinels above the forest floor. Pine trees sway and whisper secrets in the mountain breeze, their evergreen boughs providing year-round beauty and sheltering shade. The creek itself serves as the area's beating heart, its clear waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks and pooling in quiet eddies perfect for contemplation. Come autumn, the deciduous trees burst into flame-like colors, transforming the landscape into a living canvas of reds, oranges, and golds that reflect brilliantly in the flowing waters below.

Geological RegionThe ancient Ouachita Mountains embrace Jack Creek Recreation Area, offering visitors a glimpse into geological history written in stone. These weathered peaks, among the oldest mountain ranges in North America, create a dramatic backdrop of stratified rock bluffs that tell stories spanning millions of years. The signature pine forests that blanket these slopes thrive in the unique soil conditions, while the region's abundant springs and creeks have carved intimate valleys and hidden grottos throughout the landscape. This distinctive mountain ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of plant and animal life found nowhere else in the region.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

No specific stay limits were mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit information provided but user reviews suggest areas are suitable for families.

Groups

User reviews suggest the presence of group camping areas up the hill, but no specific details are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms mentioned; the campground is first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAs no reservations are possible, all sites are first-come, first-served; user reviews indicate fill patterns may vary.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityThe campground features trails that connect with overlook vistas and the day-use area. Specific accessibility options for individuals with disabilities are not described.

Site SizeThe campground is described as small by reviewers, suitable for tents and small RVs.

PrivacySites are described as spread out. Some campsites are located near the swimming area, while others are up the hill from the recreation area.

Recommended SitesRecommendations include Campsite 3 for access to trails and views. Users also suggest sites near the creek for swimming.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Jack Creek Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, picnicking, and fishing. It features scenic trails, swimming holes, and clear creek waters that are popular among visitors. Hunting is also noted.

HikingHole-In-The-Ground Mountain Hiking Trail (4 miles, non-loop) and Sugar Creek Hiking Trail (3 miles, connecting Jack Creek to Knopper's Ford Recreation Area) are available. User reviews mention trails with challenging elevations and scenic overlooks.

FishingFishing is available in the river/stream waters at Jack Creek. Specific details about types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingThe creek features popular swimming holes with cold and clear water, suitable for summer activities as noted in user reviews.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding is a noted hazard, especially during rainy periods.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Jack Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6

222 reviews

Top-Rated

Jack Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are largely positive, highlighting the campground as a hidden gem with beautiful scenery, trails, and cold, clear water for swimming. Common themes include family-friendly activities, clean campsites, and scenic hiking trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 222 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the scenic views, well-maintained trails, cold and clear swimming holes, and overall cleanliness of the campground. The campground's free accessibility and proximity to swimming and...

Based on 222 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note issues such as the need to clean campsites upon arrival, spotty cell coverage, and limited restroom facilities. Parking can be a challenge on busy days.

Based on 222 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User recommendations include bringing water and supplies due to the lack of potable water on-site. Visitors also suggest exploring trails, especially the ones leading to overlook vistas, and choosing...

Based on 222 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is the peak season for swimming and family activities, while the trails and vistas are popular during fall due to the colorful vegetation.

Based on 222 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Jack Creek is one of those amazing hidden little gems located right on the edge of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains.' - Shawna N Williams - 'The waters are clear, cold, and flowing perfectly for...

Based on 222 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 3 is mentioned for its proximity to a trail leading to an overlook. Other sites near the swimming area are noted as convenient for water activities.

Based on 222 reviews