Hickory Creek Park
4.12255 reviews12618 Hickory Creek Road, Lowell, AR 72745, USA
Hickory Creek Park
$18.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Fees for campsites vary by season and amenities: peak season rates range from $24 to $29 for Standard Electric sites, and $75 for Group Shelter sites. Non-peak season rates range from $18 to $25 for Standard Electric sites.
About this campground
Discover your perfect outdoor escape at Hickory Creek Park, where expansive, sun-drenched campsites cascade along the pristine shores of Beaver Lake. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, this natural paradise beckons adventurers with world-class fishing, scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, crystal-clear waters perfect for boating, and abundant wildlife that call these protected lands home.
Hickory Creek Park provides options for tent and RV camping, as well as group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape transformed by human ingenuity and nature's resilience. When Beaver Lake emerged from the White River Basin in 1966, its original purpose was purely practical—flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply for growing communities. Yet nature had other plans. Over the decades, this engineered marvel has evolved into one of the Ozarks' most beloved recreational treasures, where families create memories and outdoor enthusiasts find their sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of changing seasons at Hickory Creek Park. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for swimming and water sports, while spring and fall paint the Ozarks in spectacular colors. During peak season, endless sunshine creates perfect conditions for every outdoor adventure imaginable. Winter offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, though visitors should note that off-season months may bring cooler temperatures and occasional flooding in low-lying areas.
ElevationPerched among the rolling highlands of the Ozark Mountains, Hickory Creek Park offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where cool morning mists give way to warm afternoons. While specific elevation details await discovery, visitors will feel the gentle climb into hill country, where the air grows fresher and views stretch endlessly across forested ridges.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by nature's artistry at every turn. Towering limestone bluffs rise dramatically from emerald waters, their ancient faces carved by millennia of wind and water. Hidden caves beckon explorers to discover cool, mysterious depths, while a rich tapestry of hardwood and evergreen forests creates a living cathedral overhead. The centerpiece remains Beaver Lake itself—its mirror-like surface reflecting sky and cliff, offering breathtaking vistas that change with every season and inspire photographers, painters, and dreamers alike.
Geological RegionWelcome to the geological wonderland of Northwest Arkansas's Ozark Mountains, where Hickory Creek Park claims its stunning position along Beaver Lake's sculptured shoreline. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone—massive limestone bluffs that once lay beneath ancient seas now tower above the water, riddled with caves that whisper secrets of the past. The surrounding forests, a diverse mix of stately hardwoods and graceful evergreens, have taken root in soil enriched by countless centuries of geological transformation, creating an ecosystem as complex as it is beautiful.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites are uneven or sloped, which may present accessibility challenges. For example, "Site 31 has uneven terrain even to get from the concrete pad to the picnic table."
Sites SizeLarge campsites with room for activities; some campsites are noted to accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.
Sites PrivacyVaries by site; some campsites provide excellent privacy while others are closer together. "Sites along the lake are well-positioned, making you feel you have space to yourself."
Total Campsites70 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 24 offers excellent lake views and shade, but its proximity to trees might limit awning use. Site 60 is recommended for its water access and privacy.
Best CampsitesSite 24 is frequently mentioned for its scenic lake views and space. Sites 60 and 57 near the Pines loop are also praised for their proximity to the water and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is at 4:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within any 30 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite typically allows one RV and one tent or three tents.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in loops, with some areas offering closer lake access and others shaded by pine trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts April 1st and runs through December 31st annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details about walk-up availability, but campsites can be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to midnight the day before check-in for individual campsites, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations cost $10 if modifying dates outside the original reservation.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Hickory Creek Park offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, hiking, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, swimming, and bicycling.
Hiking
Several trails snake throughout the Ozark Mountains, offering peaceful hiking opportunities. "No trails in the campground itself, but nearby options exist for avid hikers."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant. "Beaver Lake has more than 28,000 surface acres of water where anglers can catch bass, crappie, and catfish."Swimming
Swimming areas are available and generally well-received. "Loved the swimming beach," one camper noted.Biking
Biking trails are available in the surrounding area, with terrain suitable for moderate skill levels.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, and the park features a nearby boat ramp. However, reviews note long lines during peak times.Wildlife viewing
The park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing other wildlife. "We enjoyed watching the lake wildlife."Winter Activities
Limited winter activities as the Hickory Loop is closed during winter months. The Pine Loop remains open year-round.Water Sports
Visitors can engage in water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained in designated rings; restrictions may apply during burn bans.
- Quiet hours are enforced at night but exact times are unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include uneven terrain mentioned in reviews, erosion near campsites, and stray dogs. Flooding may also be an issue during heavy rains.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals in Springdale (~15 minutes), local police, and ranger services, but no explicit mentions of proximity to ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1st - October 30th annually.
Trash and recyclingThe campground has a dump station and some trash facilities, but reviews indicate limited availability. "Only two dumpsters were available—one at the dump station and one at the boat ramp."
Proximity to water featuresSteps away from Beaver Lake, offering direct access for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include dirty bathrooms, lack of water hookups, and unlevel campsites. Many reviews highlight issues with site layout and accessibility.
HostHost availability is seasonal. Reviews frequently note friendly and helpful hosts who assist with reservations and maintain clean facilities.
Campground Map
12618 Hickory Creek Road, Lowell, AR 72745, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The roads leading to Hickory Creek Park are accessible via paved roads. Seasonal conditions or flooding may affect access, but no specific challenges are noted for typical dry-weather conditions.Nearby places
Rogers, AR: 4.5 miles away (~10 minutes)
Springdale, AR: ~15 minutes
Fayetteville, AR: ~30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Several marinas around Beaver Lake offer groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and fishing equipment. Examples include nearby stores in Springdale and Rogers.
Camper Reviews
4.1
255 reviews
Hickory Creek Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Hickory Creek Park are mixed, with some praising the spacious sites and friendly staff, while others cite maintenance issues, such as unclean restrooms and uneven terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 255 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the park's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to water activities. "The sites were very clean, spacious, and well-maintained," said one reviewer.
Based on 255 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include poorly maintained bathrooms, uneven campsites, and limited trash facilities. One reviewer noted, "No trash cans anywhere in the park."
Based on 255 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own soap and cleaning supplies for bathrooms. Fill water tanks before setting up as there are limited water hookups. Avoid weekends for a quieter experience.
Based on 255 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the summer months are busy with boating and fishing activities, while winter months are quieter with limited loops open.
Based on 255 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The view of the fog rolling across the lake in the morning was beautiful!" "Bathrooms were in horrible condition," "Campground was very well-maintained."
Based on 255 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 33: "The worst one in the entire campground." Site 24: "Plenty of space with a great view of the lake." Site 36: "Asphalt area has a one-foot drop-off; my wife broke her ankle."
Based on 255 reviewsAccessibility Features
Site 31 has uneven terrain, making it difficult for those with mobility issues. "The view is great but not ideal for mobility-challenged individuals."
Based on 255 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but stray dogs have been reported. One camper said, "I did not pay to camp to deal with someone else's dog."
Based on 255 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025