Big Coon Creek

Gillham Lake

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.

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.

Need to Know

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.

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. Fly fishing is also a popular pastime.

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 and Regulations.

Contact Information

Default

493 POLK 246 GILLHAM AR 71841

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 870-385-7126

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery