RIVERS/CREEKS/LAKES = JOHNSON COUNTY

From the creek to the river to the lake. The northern part of Johnson County is located in the rugged Ozark National Forest. What begins high in the hills as gentle flowing creeks becomes rugged popular whitewater excitment. Most of these creeks and rivers wind their way to the Arkansas River, 6th longest river in the United States. A few of the creeks and rivers end up forming the beautiful lakes found in Johnson County. And it is here in Johnson County you will find campgrounds scattered thoughout from primitive to full hookups.

The Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River that flows through southern Johnson County. At it's origin in the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado, it is just a little creek. By the time this little creek arrives on it's way through Johnson County in Arkansas it is a part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which forms Lake Dardanelle. The lake, which is extremely popular with anglers, boasts populations of big catfish. White bass are native to the river, with adults traveling in schools and feeding near the surface. Brim fishing is excellent in the lake, which has also been stocked with crappie and largemouth bass. With no closed season and mild winters, fishing is good year round. With just over 34,000 acres of boating and fishing waters, 315 miles of shoreline, and rimmed by choice picnic and camping areas, it offers many recreational opportunities.


Spadra Recreation Area, located on the Arkansas River, can be reached 2 miles south of Clarksville on State 103 to Jamestown, then 1 mile on access road. Facilities include 35 RV/Tent with electricity, flush toilets, water, showers, boat dock and ramp, pavilion, trailer dump station, marina and restaurant. Open year-round. User's fee charged. Boat launch fee charged year-round.


Spadra Waterfront Marina & RV Park

The Marina is safely located right inside the mouth of Spadra Creek which feeds into Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. There are 7 RV sites with water, sewer & electric. Laundry Facilities on Site. Check out the fishing. Access to the docks for fishing!


Mulberry River - It wouldn't be completely accurate to describe the Mulberry River as 50 miles of whitewater, but it would not be far from the truth for several months of the year. According to one publication, the stream is definitely the state's wildest river during spring. From its beginnings deep in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These "wild" characteristics are what give the stream its class II/III rating, and high marks from the floating public.

In drier times, the river takes on a completely different personality. It's a good place to swim, wade, skip rocks, and stalk the wary smallmouth. The best floating during the summer months is on an air mattress at one of the local swimming holes.

In short, the Mulberry River is a seasonal stream, but the good news is that it offers a season for just about anybody. The General Assembly recognized this fact in 1985 when it officially declared the Mulberry to be "a scenic river of the State of Arkansas." Map of the Mulberry River



OZARK NATIONAL FOREST CAMPSITES

Haw Creek Falls, 14 miles north from Hagarville or 12 miles west from Pelsor on State 123. Small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, bluffs. Negotiable by camping trailer rigs. Canoeing on Big Piney Creek nearby and access to Ozark Highlands Trail. Facilities: Chemical toilets, water. (open year-round) User's fee charged. (Bayou Ranger District, Hector, AR 72843, (479-284-3150)


Horsehead Lake, a 98 acre mountain lake with 10 family camping units. Centrally located flush restrooms, drinking water, camping trailers are allowed, but no special facilities are available. There are 12 family picnicking units (one for handicapped) handicapped toilet, bathhouse with showers, and a beach. There is a children's playground and also boating and a launch ramp with wake limit on the lake. No skiing allowed and 10 hp motor limit.

Horsehead Hiking Trail is good for short-term day hikes, rather than long distance backpacking. It provides a variety of experiences, with a distance of 3.0 miles in length. The trail is constructed in a loop to return the hiker to the point of beginning. Location: 8 miles northwest of Clarksville on State 103, then west on State 164, 4 miles, then right on gravel Forest Road 1408, 3 miles. (Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, AR 72830,(479-754-2864)


Cabin Creek located on the Arkansas River is a major unit of the Arkansas River Navigation Project. The lake stretches 50 miles up the Arkansas River Valley from Dardanelle Lock and Dam to Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam. About 315 miles of shoreline give the visitor ample fishing and camping opportunities. 9 RV/Tent with no hookups, vault toilets, water, boat ramp, and pavilion. Open year-round. Located 1.5 miles west of Knoxville on paved access road. (Resident Engineer, P.O. Box 1087, Russellville, AR 72811, (479-968-5008)


Big Piney Creek - Considered by some to be the classic Ozark stream, it tumbles in a twisting course from its rugged headwaters region toward the Arkansas River. Rapids, bluffs, overhanging hardwoods - the Big Piney has it all. Map of Big Piney Creek



Piney Bay has 90 RV/Tent sites with electricity, boat ramps, water, rest rooms, swim beach, dump station, 8 picnic sites, amphitheater, and pavilion. Located 3 miles west of London on U.S. 64, then 3.5 miles north on State 359.


Wolfpen Recreation Area is adjacent to the Mulberry River. It has canoe ramp access to the river and is very popular with canoeists. There are 6 primitive camping units, available space for small camping trailers. 5 family picnic units, chemical toilets, drinking water, good fishing and hunting in season. Take Arkansas 23 North from Ozark for 18 miles. Turn west on Forest Developed Road 1003 (gravel) Wolf Pen is 13 miles east of Hwy 23. This route has a scenic view of the Mulberry river and rock bluffs. Or take Arkansas 103 North from Clarksville for 22 miles, crossing over Yarbrough Mt. with a great view of the Arkansas River Valley. Turn west on Arkansas 215 for 2 miles, then south on Forest Developed Road 1003I.


Lake Ludwig is 10 miles south of Ozone or 8 miles north of Clarksville. Covered picnic pavilion, wheel chair accessible. Swimming, boating, picnicking, fishing and water skiing, but no camping facilities are available. (Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, Ar 72830 (479-754-2864)
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