Tucked away in the Ozark National Forest of Arkansas, Haw Creek Falls and the nearby Haw Creek Campground provide a beautiful refuge from the hustle bustle of the everyday world.
This is a place where the sound of rushing water drowns out the noise of the world, and the towering trees provide the kind of shade that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path camping experience with a scenic waterfall to top it off, this spot should be on your list.
Haw Creek Falls
Haw Creek Falls isn’t the tallest or most dramatic waterfall in Arkansas, but, in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful. Haw Creek is a mountain stream with picturesque bluffs, rocks, and falls all surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest.
The wide, cascading falls tumble over a rock ledge, creating a curtain of water that’s perfect for photography or just sitting and watching nature do its thing.
We weren’t camping on our most recent visit here, but still lingered to enjoy this beautiful waterfall. Depending on the season, the falls can range from a gentle tinkling trickle to a powerful roaring flow.
What makes this spot even better? You don’t have to hike miles to see it! This is perfect if you, like us, are adventuring with a small child.
The falls are right by the campground. In other words, you can find a place to park, and within a few easy steps experience the beauty of Haw Creek Falls.
If you are camping it means you can wake up, step outside your tent, and enjoy a peaceful morning with the sound of the falls in the background.
This is why Haw Creek Falls is on our list of the easiest waterfall hikes in the state!
Who are the people enjoying these adventures? We are Emily and Karen, a mother and daughter duo who love to spend time finding the best hikes, restaurants, camping, places to stay, and shopping in our home state of Arkansas. Most of the time Emily’s husband, Daniel and their young daughter are with us on our road trips. Join the fun over at the Somewhere In Arkansas Instagram!
The Campground
If you’re into rustic camping, Haw Creek Falls Campground is right up your alley.
It’s a small primitive campground with just a handful of sites, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is also free.
There are no hookups, no water or electricity, just picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. It’s the kind of place where you can really unplug and truly get away from it all.
The campsites are spacious and shaded. If you’re lucky or get to the campground early enough, you might even snag one of the spots closest to the falls.
This is a great escape!
Pack Rat Falls
There is even another waterfall at the campground, Pack Rat Falls.
This is an almost hidden treasure that is just a short hike from the campground. The trail isn’t well-marked, but you will head into the woods from the back of the campground and follow another small creek upstream.
A roughly half-mile trek will bring you to Pack Rat Falls, a secluded waterfall, which spills over a rock bluff into a serene pool below.
Do be prepared to scramble over boulders and alongside the stream to get there. The hike is lovely through the dense forest and is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozarks.
Pack Rat Falls is especially stunning after a good rain when the water flow is at its best.
What to do in the Surrounding Area
If you’re up for another hike, Pam’s Grotto is a short drive away and offers another beautiful waterfall tucked into a mossy canyon.
You can also venture out to Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks for some jaw-dropping rock formations and sweeping views of the Ozarks.
For those who love a good scenic drive, the roads leading to Haw Creek Falls are stunning, especially in the fall when the leaves explode into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Bring a camera—you’ll want to capture every bit of it.
Haw Creek Falls and Campground is not a secret but it sure can feel that way. It is simple, peaceful, and beautiful.
If you’re craving an escape where nature takes center stage, this is it.
Have you stayed at the Haw Creek Falls Campground? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by!
