Jack Creek Recreation Area
Jack Creek Recreation Area is located in a picturesque setting alongside towering rock bluffs and flowing waters. The area was constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and displays several unique, historic facilities. There is a short trail that climbs a couple of hundred feet to a recently restored rock overlook vista that offers a panoramic view of whispering pine trees and colorful fall vegetation. Jack Creek offers day use and a primitive campground at no cost. Also from Jack Creek Recreation Area is a trailhead for the Hole-In-The-Ground Mountain Hiking Trail and Sugar Creek Hiking Trail.
More like this: first-come in Arkansas · free in Arkansas · tent only in Arkansas
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | No fees |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Forest | Ouachita National Forest |
| Booking | No reservations available. |
| Fees | No fees |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 35.0336° N, 93.8463° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireEast Bailey Road
44 mi from the campground · 104 acres · 40% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 30.1 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Gellco Outdoors ↗ | 36.5 mi |
| RV sales & service | Victory Lane Motors ↗ | 48.8 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR, AR from Fred S.
Trails nearby
- under 0.1 miJack Creek Overlook0.4 mi trail
- under 0.1 miHole in the Ground Mtn. Trail3.7 mi trail
- 0.1 miJack Creek Spur0.2 mi trail
- 0.1 miSugar Creek Hiking Trail3.3 mi trail
- 1.1 miSugar Creek M.u.t. - 97A2.8 mi trail
- 1.1 miSugar Creek Multi-Use Trail ↗25.3 mi trail
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Ouachita National Forest.
- inOuachita National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,724,422 acres
- 4.1 miDry Creek Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 6,301 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Jack Creek BathhouseBuilding · Sugar Grove · 0.1 mi
- Logan County Courthouse, Southern Judicial DistrictBuilding · Booneville · 4.9 mi
- Petit Jean River BridgeStructure · Sugar Grove · 5.1 mi
Guidebooks for Arkansas
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Jack Creek Recreation Area?
No. Jack Creek Recreation Area is first-come, first-served. No reservations available. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Jack Creek Recreation Area?
Nothing. Jack Creek Recreation Area is listed as free. No fees
Source: Forest Service
Is Jack Creek Recreation Area open right now?
Open as of Oct 26, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
Can I bring an RV to Jack Creek Recreation Area?
Jack Creek Recreation Area is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if Jack Creek Recreation Area is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Waveland Park (11.8 mi), Outlet Area (11.9 mi), and Cove Lake Recreation Area (18.3 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby