Highwater Camp

**GO TO OUR WEBSITE *https://www.highwatercamp.com* FOR BOOKING AND MORE INFO**

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.

We are a small, off the beaten path, private campground and river outfitter that offers 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 open 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 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.

Check out the Fall Colors.

We have extended our camping season to November 15th.

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

We currently have only 1 PRIMITIVE Campsite available- This reservation can accommodate large or small groups. (If you have over 24 people in your group, you must email us for a reservation)

Basically you are renting access to the entire campground, however, there may still be a few other small groups with access to the beach and RV sites.

Base Price is for 6 people and 2 vehicles.

RV or Tent Camping with Electric

2 Electric sites are now available (50A/30A/110v, electric only, no waste or water hookups)

Small to Medium Trailer Campers, Adventure style Campers or Overlander vehicles are preferred. No Large RV’s are recommended.

WOKA Whitewater Park

We are just down river from the world class WOKA whitewater park. You can use HWC as your base camp or just as a takeout if you want to float from the park. A HWC River Access Pass is required for this. https://visitwoka.com/

River Access Pass (RAP)

RAPs allow private parties to park, launch and takeout at HWC 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.

5 River Access Passes are available per day (first come) ($10/vehicle) + $5/night for overnight parking

Day Use Access

Day Use for activities such as swimming, fishing, picnicking etc. is restricted to guests with a Camping Reservation and to Cohova BnB River Ranch Registered Guests. There are currently no other options for Day use at HWC.

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.

Float, Kayak or Canoe.

Float one of the areas best sections of the 145 mile long river. Trip options are full day, either 9 miles or 12 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.

We are still working out the logistics and finances of providing these services. In the meantime, there are many other fantastic river outfitters in area. We hope to provide these services to you eventually. We are working on it. Thanks for your patience as we slowly grow.

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 your 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.

Commercial Float Operators

We are also 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

The Ranch House and all infrastructure is Off Limits to all guests. Please do not disturb the tenants. Thanks

Explore this website for additional useful information including the camp rules, weather, river levels, flood warnings and important details about the camp.

Navigation Warning

If your navigation system has the 4693 road, the 4685 road or the 0592 road as part of your route, it is the wrong way!

Don’t do it. Turn Around. Stop. XXX Cancel! Recalculate. Try Again Harder. Ok, here’s what you should do instead…

We recommend using Google Maps to navigate here. If you use Apple Maps or some other mapping software, it will almost certainly take you down a steep, unmaintained road (aka the 4693 Road). Not Good. I don’t know why it does this, and I can’t get them to change it.

However, The Google map link on this site does work. Study the map and plan your route before driving here.

Still, Do not blindly trust the GPS. You may have to add an additional stop and navigate as if you are going to Carnes Ford on the 4700 road, then turn right on 599th road. If you take any other route, you are not going to be happy. We will try to improve the signs along the road as time and money allows…for now, its the wild west out here.

Pretend its 1999 and you only have a paper map. There is no cell service or Internet and Y2k is threatening to end the world… And the only way to survive is to read the map correctly. We have provided several additional maps on this site to assist you.

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.

**GO TO OUR WEBSITE *https://www.highwatercamp.com* FOR BOOKING AND MORE INFO**