Where Highway 264 winds toward Beaver Lake's eastern shore, Hickory Creek sits within forested terrain that drops toward the water through a series of steep, narrow access roads. This Army Corps of Engineers campground operates seasonally from April through October, offering both drive-in and boat-in access to 43 sites scattered across rolling, wooded terrain near the lake's edge.
The campground's layout creates distinct camping experiences depending on site selection. Sites 1-32 occupy more accessible terrain with standard RV maneuvering room, while sites 33-43 present challenging access conditions. "Spaces 33 through 43 I would recommend only if you have a small bumper pull that is maybe less than 21 feet long," notes Lisa M., who had to navigate her 30-foot fifth wheel down a 100-foot hill around a corner to reach site 33. Most sites include electric and water hookups, accommodating RVs up to 92 feet, with picnic tables and fire rings standard throughout.
Beaver Lake access defines much of the camping experience here. Multiple sites sit directly on the water, with an on-site boat ramp serving both campers and day-use visitors. Campers fish from the shoreline and swim in the lake during warmer months. The surrounding forest provides shade cover, though maintenance patterns vary seasonally according to multiple reviews mentioning irregular mowing schedules that sometimes leave tall grass clippings across sites.
Access requires careful route planning, as the area's winding roads can challenge larger RVs. The campground provides a single shower house and vault toilets, with a dump station available for RV users. America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders receive 50% discounts on camping fees. Those seeking alternatives with easier access might consider War Eagle Campground or Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area & Campground nearby.
Description
Overview
Hickory Creek Park sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Recreation
Fishing opportunities are plentiful near Hickory Creek Park. Beaver Lake has more than 28,000 surface acres of water, and anglers can try their luck at catching large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bream, white bass, stripers, and channel or spoon-bill catfish. Just below the dam, the cold waters of the upper White River provide the perfect habitat for pole-bending rainbow and record-sized German brown trout. Several trails snake throughout the Ozark Mountains, offering peaceful hiking, biking and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. Hunters will find game plentiful in northwest Arkansas. A mixture of hardwood and evergreen forest provides a good home to many different species of wildlife. While Beaver Lake is conveniently located near several population centers, within a short driving distance hunters can find remote areas filled with upland game such as deer, rabbits and squirrels. Many other sports and activities await campers, including boating, swimming, picnicking, scuba diving, water skiing, spelunking and sightseeing.
Facilities
Hickory Creek Park has large campsites with plenty of shade and room for activities, and is steps away from the lake shore. Campfire rings, picnic areas, drinking water and flush toilets all make for a comfortable camping getaway. Group picnic shelters are also available, making it the perfect site for large parties or family gatherings.
Natural Features
Towering limestone bluffs, natural caves and a variety of trees and flowering shrubs surround Hickory Creek Park, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Beaver Lake and Dam, completed in 1966, was constructed in the White River Basin and boasts 449 miles of beautiful shoreline at the top of the conservation pool. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, hydroelectric power and public water supply, it has also created a popular recreational oasis.
Nearby Attractions
Several marinas are located around the lake, offering groceries, fuel, boat rentals and storage, fishing guides and camping supplies. Click here for more information.
Reservation Info
Reservations should be made at least two days in advance and can be made as far as six months in advance. A host is available on site to handle check-ins and to answer any questions or address any problems guests may encounter. Campsites are suited for RVs or tents.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Engaging in commercial business on US Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas is prohibited. This includes the delivery and setup of rental campers, rental boats or any other type of water craft.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHickory Creek - Beaver Lake is located in Arkansas
Directions
From Rogers, AR, take Highway 264 east for 4.5 miles. Turn right on Cow Face Road. After a mile, turn left on Hickory Creek Road. The park entrance sign is on the right after about a mile.
Address
12618 HICKORY CREEK ROAD
Lowell, AR 72745
Coordinates
36.2427778 N
94.0375 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 27 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 10 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 19 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 4 min from Springfield, MO
