We are a family owned campground and river outfitter and a 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 offer 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 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 road can get a little spicy and washed out after a good rain, so larger RV’s are not recommended (small-medium sized trailer campers are usually okay). 4x4 isn’t required most of the time, but couldn’t hurt. (We are only 5 miles to pavement and 10 miles from town (Siloam Springs AR) A short section of the road is single lane, so be courteous if you come into contact with other humans.
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.
Primitive Camping
1 PRIMITIVE Campsite- (Basically you are renting the entire campground, however not exclusively, there may still be a few other parties with access to the beach and RV sites. This reservation can accommodate small or large groups) Base Price starts at $30/night on weekdays Mon-Thurs and $35/night weekends Fri/Sat/Sun or holidays for 6 people and 2 vehicles. October special is $25/night. (more people and vehicles can be added at checkout for an additional $5/per person per night and $5/ additional vehicle. (Contact us if your group is larger than 24 people and/or 12 vehicles)
RV Camping
2 RV sites are now available (electric only, no waste or water hookups) $35/night weekdays Mon-Thurs $45/night weekend Fri/Sat/Sun or Holiday (Small to Medium Adventure style Camper Trailers or Overlander vehicles are preferred) No Large RV’s are recommended. (Recommend a scout trip if you intend to bring a larger RV or camper)
River Access Pass (RAP)
5 River Access Passes are available per day (first come) ($10/vehicle) + $5/night for overnight parking
RAPs allow private parties to park, launch and takeout 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.
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.
Season Starts May 1st, 2025
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.
Important- The Ranch House and all infrastructure is Off Limits to all guests. Please do not disturb the tenants. Thanks
Check out the Fall Colors.
We have extended our season though October.
Float, Kayak or Canoe.
Float one of the areas best sections of the 145 mile long river. 12 miles or 9 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.
You can set your own river Shuttle.
Step 1. Book a Campsite, RV Site 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 remaining vehicles from shuttle as needed.
Step 5. Return to HWC and enjoy a night of camping if you booked a campsite.
Step 6. Repeat steps 1-5.
WOKA Whitewater Park
We are just down river from the world class WOKA whitewater park. You can use HWC as your takeout if you want to float from the park or just camp at HWC and visit WOKA for the day. https://visitwoka.com/
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.
Commercial Float Operators
We are 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.
The River Is Calling…. You should answer!
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.
Important- The Ranch House and all infrastructure is Off Limits to all guests. Please do not disturb the tenants. Thanks
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.
