Family/Cherokee/Veteran Owned.
Proud sponsor of the Arkansas Canoe Club.
Wild and Scenic River.
Busy week? Summertime Blues? Must Fish Attitude? Oklahoma Heat gotcha down?
Visit Highwater Camp (HWC) and cool off in the spring fed waters of the Wild and Scenic, Illinois River.
Private Access.
We are a small, off the beaten path, private campground and river outfitter that offers a “mostly private” experience with access to 30 acres of remote beach front property on one of the most underused sections of the river.
The gravel bar encompasses 12 acres and has over a quarter mile of open shoreline.
“Paddle the river without the crowds” -Paullei
Family Friendly.
You can camp, float, swim….or just relax. The evenings are a fantastic time to hang out and enjoy a campfire right on the rivers edge.
Adventure!
Just getting here is part of the excitement. If you like driving down back roads and don’t mind a few bumps… or Oklahoma pin stripes, then HWC is your kind of place.
The Fishing is Off the Hook.
The fishing is excellent with a healthy population of small mouth bass and many of the 15 Species Challenge are caught here. In the Spring, White Bass, (aka…Sand Bass, the Oklahoma state fish) migrate upriver in untold numbers. As the level drops, the water becomes so clear that you can observe hundreds of fish as you travel down river.
We have nature.
It is not uncommon to see eagles nesting or flying right over the camp. Additionally, there are lots of deer, owls, ducks, turtles, otters, turkeys, and other wildlife that are spotted year round.
After sunset, you can witness the sparkle of a thousand flashing lightning bugs dancing across the fields while listening to the songs of frogs chirping in the background.
Check out the Fall Colors.
We have extended our camping season to November 15th.
Explore the Ozarks.
There are a multitude of recreational opportunities including exploring the greater Ozark region. HWC is a great place to start your journey.
Exclusive Private Events.
If you would like to host a larger event and/or an exclusive private event such as a family reunion, wedding venue, or a retreat for your organization, contact us to see if we can help.
Primitive Camping
We currently have only 1 PRIMITIVE Campsite that can accommodate small or large groups. Base Price is for 6 people and 2 vehicles and goes up as you add more people and vehicles. Groups larger than 24 people or 12 vehicles must email us for a reservation.
Basically you are renting access to the entire campground, however, there may still be a few other small groups with access to the beach and common areas.
RV or Tent Camping with Electric
2 Electric sites are now available (50A/30A/110v, electric only, no waste or water hookups)
Small to medium size trailer campers, adventure style campers or overlander vehicles are preferred. Large RV’s are not recommended.
Day Use Access
Day Use for activities such as swimming, fishing, picnicking etc. is restricted to guests with a Camping Reservation and to Cohova BnB River Ranch Registered Guests. There are currently no other options for Day use at HWC. This is not a River Access Pass.
River Access Pass (RAP)
RAP allows private parties to park, launch and takeout at HWC using your own boats and vehicles to set your own shuttle - These are for boaters and not for day use of the beach - You must book a campsite or RV site to use the beach other than for launching or taking out.
5 River Access Passes are available per day
WOKA Whitewater Park
We are just down river from the world class WOKA whitewater park. You can use HWC as your base camp or just as a takeout if you want to float from the park. A HWC River Access Pass is required for this. https://visitwoka.com/
Float, Kayak or Canoe.
Float one of the areas best sections of the 145 mile long river. Trip options are full day, either 9 miles or 12 miles. No short river trips are available.
BYOB
(I know what you were thinking) Bring Your Own Boats.
We do not currently offer boat rentals or shuttle services.
We are still working out the logistics and finances of providing these services. In the meantime, there are many other fantastic river outfitters in area. We hope to provide these services to you eventually. Thanks for your patience as we slowly grow.
You can set your own river Shuttle.
Step 1. Book a Campsite or a River Access Pass from HWC.
Step 2. Set your vehicles for shuttle (Don’t forget your keys!)
Step 3. Float to or from HWC
Step 4. Pick up your remaining vehicles from shuttle as needed.
Step 5. Return to HWC and enjoy a night of camping if you booked a campsite.
Commercial Float Operators
We are also a Grand River Damn Authority (GRDA) approved Commercial Float Operator (CFO). Hang tight while we continue working on getting more services available for you soon.
Other GRDA approved CFO’s may launch or takeout their guests at HWC for a small fee. Give us a call if you would like to partner with us.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
HWC is a PRIVATE campground. You must book online before arrival. No cash.
There is no public river access without a camping reservation or purchasing a River Access Pass.
The Ranch House and all infrastructure is Off Limits to all guests. Please do not disturb the tenants. Thanks
Explore this website for additional useful information including the camp rules, weather, river levels, flood warnings and important details about the camp.
Navigation Warning
If your navigation system has the 4693 road, the 4685 road or the 0592 road as part of your route, it is the wrong way!
Don’t do it. Turn Around. Stop. XXX Cancel! Recalculate. Try Again Harder. Ok, here’s what you should do instead…
Go to the Maps page for more details.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Camp or float at your own risk! The main campground is on a gravel bar very close to the river which can and does get completely submerged during highwater. A flash flood can occur without warning, day or night, 365 days a year. You are responsible for monitoring river levels and weather conditions. HWC does not monitor or send notifications to guests regarding changing conditions. There are several links offered on this website to assist you in your own research.
If you choose to camp on the gravel bar and heavy rain is present on site or upriver, be prepared to break camp and move to higher ground. If you notice the river rising while you are camping, move to higher ground and get off of the gravel bar immediately. Its is highly recommended that you do not leave vehicles unattended on the gravel bar during your float, especially if the water levels are already high and more rain is expected. You may park vehicles in the main parking area or in the meadow. Please cancel your trip if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted. We want everyone to be safe. It is 100% up to you to be responsible for your own safety while camping and on the river. I don't want to scare anyone away, but I want you to be fully informed so you can make your own decisions.
ALTERNATE CAMPSITE: You may also choose to camp in the meadow if the river levels are high or expected to rise. You do not need additional permission or a separate reservation to use this option. It is always available to our camping guests. It is up to you to decide which location is best for your group.
LIFE SAFETY RISK: Flash flooding is a real concern and the consequences could be severe. You could die. For legal and liability concerns, that is about as blunt as I can state it. Seriously, if you have any concerns about your ability to safely exit the gravel bar or river from a flashflood, either camp at the Alternate Campsite or do not stay here.
Okay, now that I am done scaring the crap out of you….On a better note, when the weather is good, the river and the beach here are pretty darn nice. The point is, you need to be vigilant and have a plan. If you are still reading this and have not already booked a campsite at another location, Welcome to HWC, where we don’t sugar coat the liability information.
Kanuga (ᎦᏄᎦ)
Cherokee Translations
We like to think of Highwater Camp as a Gathering Place, or Kanuga
Kanuga (ᎦᏄᎦ)This is one of the closest translations, and refers to a traditional "gathering place". It is often associated with a community or a location for learning, friendship, and worship.
The water is high: ᎠᎹ ᎦᎸᎳᏗᎠ (a-ma ga-lv-la-di-a)
High Water (Flood): The word for a flood is ᎦᏃᎱᎩᏍᎬ (ga-no-hu-gi-s-gv).
Camp (Camping): A common word for "camp" or "camping" is ᎠᎴᏫᏍᏙᏗ (a-le-wis-do-di). Other options depend on the type of camp, for example:
ᏧᏂᏒᏍᏗ (tsu-ni-sv-s-di) refers to a temporary camp or lodging, like a hotel.
ᎤᏂᎳᏦᏛ (u-ni-la-tso-dv) or ᎦᎵᏦᏛᎢ (ga-li-tso-dv-i) can refer to a tent or temporary structure.
Proposed translation
The best option for "High Water Camp" would likely combine the idea of "flood" and "a place to camp." A speaker might refer to a specific flood event or the camp's location.
ᎦᏃᎱᎩᏍᎬ ᎠᎴᏫᏍᏙᏗ (ga-no-hu-gi-s-gv a-le-wis-do-di)
This literal combination means something like "flood camping place" or "camp of the flood."
