Big Coon Creek

493 POLK 246
GILLHAM, AR 71841

Overview

Big Coon Creek Campground sits along the lush banks of Gillham Lake in southwest Arkansas.

Nicknamed the "Bright Spot on the Cossatot," Gillham Lake is a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy the lake for its vast boating opportunities, and a boat ramp is provided for easy water access. The river can be canoed from a point below the dam to U.S. Highway 71 South, a distance of about 16 miles. For shorter canoe trips, there are access roads to the river at Mize Crossing and Ladd Bridge. Anglers will find smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass, saugeye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish and various species of sunfish in the river. Hunting is allowed north of Little Coon Creek Park and on the eastern shore of the lake. Check with the Arkansas Game and Fish for Season Dates, Maps, and Regulations.

Facilities

Coon Creek provides 32 sites, each with water and 50-amp electric hookups. Additional amenities include hot showers, a boat ramp, swimming beach, dump station and a playground.

Natural Features

Gillham Lake spans 1,370 surface acres and boasts 36 miles of shoreline. The lake stems from the Cossatot River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.

Camp site features

Across 32 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 32 sites
Water hookups: all 32 sites
Sewer hookups: 2 of 32 sites
Longest rig: 77 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Gillham on Hwy 71, go east on Tower Rd. for 1.3 miles; Turn left onto Gillham Lake Rd. for 4.3 miles; Turn left onto Polk Road 474 for 1.7 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 6 PM, check out by 5 PM.

Reviews

89 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

John M

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Best trip ever. Area was very clean and beautiful. Had a very relaxing time fishing and swimming

Tim M

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

#20 is a narrow camp site for your rig. However, it has ample parking for your vehicle.

Debbie P

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful campsites. Clean bathrooms. Park noise is under control after 10 pm. Park attendants are great! Loved it.

Andrew R

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great campground

Tommy L

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We had a very enjoyable time. Park was clean. Gatekeepers’s were great. We enjoyed the whole experience. Can’t wait to do it again.

Martin J

Loop:Big Coon Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This was my first time at this campground. Several sites lacked numbers, including mine. There are several really good sites, lots of shade. Camp is on a hillside sloping down to the lake beach. The beach and lake were very nice for swimming; very clean water. Great sand, no shoes needed. The bathroom is an uphill hike from most campsites; showers lacked nozzles but were clean and hot. The whole place grounds looked like Spring cleaning was skipped; lots of leaves on the ground, etc. Overall this is a very sweet campground. Another one below the dam is called Cossotot Reefs; it is very different, on the river, and very nice as well.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 15% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 8 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Little Coon Creek Park

0.7 miles away

10 camp sites

Cossatot Reefs

1.3 miles away

30 camp sites

Camping