Jack Creek Recreation Area
4.5823 reviews1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsJack 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(479) 637-4174
What Campers Say
4.58
Top-Rated
Based on 23 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."
Fees & Passes at Jack Creek Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No specific stay limits were mentioned.
Cancellation: No specific cancellation policy provided.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features trails that connect with overlook vistas and the day-use area. Specific accessibility options for individuals with disabilities are not described.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as small by reviewers, suitable for tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacySites are described as spread out. Some campsites are located near the swimming area, while others are up the hill from the recreation area.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations include Campsite 3 for access to trails and views. Users also suggest sites near the creek for swimming.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally (specific dates not specified).
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.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
Hole-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.Fishing
Fishing is available in the river/stream waters at Jack Creek. Specific details about types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Swimming
The creek features popular swimming holes with cold and clear water, suitable for summer activities as noted in user reviews.Winter Activities
No information is available about winter activities.Water Sports
Swimming is a popular water activity in the creek at Jack Creek, as mentioned in user reviews.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flooding is a noted hazard, especially during rainy periods.
Weather at Jack Creek Recreation Area
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District, located at 1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958. Phone: (479) 637-4174.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash and recycling facilities are mentioned in the reviews or official sources.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to flowing waters and swimming holes.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention the need for campsite cleanup and parking challenges.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
23 reviews
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 23 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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsPro 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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsCamper 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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
There is no direct feedback from users with disabilities, though the trails and vistas may pose challenges to those requiring accessible options.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews confirm that the campground is pet-friendly, with many visitors enjoying outdoor activities with their pets.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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