Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

4.59

187 reviews

Haw Creek Falls Campground, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Spring Camping Arkansas#3 Primitive Camping Arkansas Hiking Camping Arkansas +8 more

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Big Piney Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Big Piney Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Haw Creek Falls is completely free with no fees for day use or camping.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(479) 284-3150

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 187 reviews

168 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingwater

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, including its waterfalls, creek, and surrounding mature forest. Common themes include the peaceful and remote atmosphere, the lack of modern amenities, and the risks associated with flash flooding. Reviews also mention occasional maintenance issues, such as unclean vault toilets and rusted grills."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Haw Creek Falls Campground, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

Haw Creek Falls Campground, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Driving directionsFrom Hagarville, take Arkansas 123 north for 14 miles. From Pelsor, take Arkansas 123 west for 12 miles.

The campground is accessible via a low-water bridge, which can be dangerous during flash flooding. Visitors should be cautious during rainy seasons.

Nearby places

Hagarville (14 miles), Pelsor (12 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are unavailable based on provided sources. Assumed to be in nearby towns Hagarville or Pelsor.

Best Time to Camp at Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

Each season paints Haw Creek Falls in different colors and moods. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a brilliant tapestry of golds and crimsons. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for cooling off near the waterfalls, though visitors should pack accordingly for the Southern heat. Winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow, creating a serene wonderland for hardy campers. Throughout the year, the low-water bridge entrance serves as nature's gatekeeper—easily passable in dry conditions but potentially impassable during heavy rains when flash flooding can occur. Savvy campers check conditions before arrival and embrace the dynamic weather as part of the adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular for swimming in summer; can be crowded but offers good water recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in AR

Autumn leaf color and scenic views draw visitors; reviews highlight prime fall conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in AR

Spring rains enhance waterfalls and wildflowers; reviews strongly praise April conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with lower crowds; winter offers quiet but fewer activities and colder conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: The site is decommissioned by the Forest Service, meaning maintenance is minimal.

About Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

Tucked away in the heart of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Haw Creek Falls Campground offers an intimate escape into Arkansas's wild beauty. This hidden gem features approximately 10 primitive campsites nestled among towering hardwood trees, where the sound of cascading waterfalls provides nature's soundtrack. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of the renowned Ozark Highlands Trail, while crystal-clear streams and dramatic bluffs create a natural playground just steps from camp. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water or trash service, it rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

Haw Creek Falls is a primitive campground with designated tent sites. It is suitable for tent camping and small vehicles, with no RV hookups or modern amenities. Group camping and cabin lodging are not officially available.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Haw Creek Falls in different colors and moods. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a brilliant tapestry of golds and crimsons. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for cooling off near the waterfalls, though visitors should pack accordingly for the Southern heat. Winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow, creating a serene wonderland for hardy campers. Throughout the year, the low-water bridge entrance serves as nature's gatekeeper—easily passable in dry conditions but potentially impassable during heavy rains when flash flooding can occur. Savvy campers check conditions before arrival and embrace the dynamic weather as part of the adventure.

ElevationElevation details for this scenic location have not been documented in available sources.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Haw Creek Falls, where ancient hardwood forests create a living cathedral overhead. The campground's namesake waterfalls tumble over weathered rock faces, creating misty grottos and peaceful pools that invite exploration. Limestone bluffs rise dramatically from the forest floor, their craggy faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making. The nearby Big Piney Wild and Scenic River winds through the landscape like a liquid ribbon, while the legendary Ozark Highlands Trail weaves directly through the campground, offering endless opportunities for discovery. This convergence of water, stone, and forest creates a photographer's paradise and a hiker's dream destination.

Geological RegionHaw Creek Falls Campground sits proudly within the ancient Ozark Highlands, a geological wonderland where time has sculpted limestone and sandstone into dramatic bluffs and hidden waterfalls. This rugged plateau region showcases millions of years of Earth's history, with mountain streams carving their way through layers of sedimentary rock to create the spectacular falls and swimming holes that define the area. The mature hardwood forests that blanket these weathered hills represent one of the oldest deciduous forests in North America, creating a living museum where massive oaks and hickories stand sentinel over moss-covered boulders and spring-fed creeks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

User reviews suggest a limited number of sites but do not specify guest limits per individual site.

Groups

No group site-specific details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutApproximately 10 sites scattered near the creek and waterfalls. User reviews describe the campground as small and compact.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve. User reviews suggest weekends fill up quickly, but weekdays are quieter.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system; camping is first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, though one review notes that bathrooms are handicap accessible.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as small to moderately sized, suitable for tents or small vehicles.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as semi-private, with some located near the creek and others more heavily wooded.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to the creek and waterfalls are praised for their views and natural ambiance.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Haw Creek Falls offers a variety of recreational activities including scenic hiking, swimming, and fishing. The Ozark Highlands Trail runs through the area, and there is easy access to picturesque waterfalls and a creek that provides opportunities for relaxing and exploration.

HikingThe Ozark Highlands Trail passes through the campground, offering hiking opportunities. Some shorter trails are accessible near campsites 6 and 7. Trails vary in length and difficulty.

FishingFishing is permitted in the nearby creek. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingThe creek and waterfall area provide natural swimming opportunities. The water is described as clear, cool, and inviting, though shallow in certain areas.

Wildlife viewingVisitors report seeing diverse wildlife and hearing the sounds of waterfalls and birds, enhancing the natural experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding is the primary hazard, as the campground is accessed by a low-water bridge. Wildlife and ticks are other notable concerns. Theft has been reported in user reviews.

Active AlertsThe site is decommissioned by the Forest Service, meaning maintenance is minimal.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyUser reviews suggest some sites have grills, but many are rusted or unavailable. Firewood must be brought by campers.

Emergency ServicesBig Piney Ranger District (Address: 12000 AR-27 Hector, AR 72843; Phone: (479) 284-3150). Hours: Visitor Center open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm (Closed 12:00-1:00pm). Monday, Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm phone services only (Closed on federal holidays)

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. There are no trash or recycling services available on-site.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on a creek with picturesque waterfalls. Swimming is possible, and water sounds are heard throughout the campground.

Weather at Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest

Reviews

4.6

187 reviews

Top-Rated

Haw Creek Falls Point Of Interest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, including its waterfalls, creek, and surrounding mature forest. Common themes include the peaceful and remote atmosphere, the lack of modern amenities, and the risks associated with flash flooding. Reviews also mention occasional maintenance issues, such as unclean vault toilets and rusted grills.

Review Summaries

Based on 187 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic waterfalls, clean and inviting swimming areas, and the peaceful, remote atmosphere. The campground's proximity to hiking trails and the Ozark Highlands Trail is a frequent...

Based on 187 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of security, with reports of theft occurring when campers leave their sites. Other issues raised include unclean vault toilets at times, rusting fire grills, and...

Based on 187 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own drinking water, as there is no potable water on-site. Packing out all trash is necessary due to the lack of trash services. Visitors are advised to monitor weather...

Based on 187 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during spring and fall due to favorable weather and the appeal of the waterfalls after rainfall. Summer can be popular for swimming, but some campers note the area gets...

Based on 187 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful picture-perfect place to visit! Even better after rain showers.' - Shayna Kirby 2. 'Primitive camping at its finest with waterfalls and wildlife all around.' - Mitch Block 3....

Based on 187 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 6 and 7 are noted for having smaller trails nearby. Campsites closest to the creek are praised for their scenic views and the sound of waterfalls.

Based on 187 reviews