Withrow Springs State Park

Introduction of Withrow Springs State Park

Withrow Springs State Park is a 786-acre park in northwest Arkansas surrounded by endless wilderness, deep valleys, the limestone bluffs of War Eagle Creek, and the breathtaking Ozark Mountains. The park is a peaceful retreat for campers and RV vacationers who come to hike the dogwood trails, float down the Withrow Spring, and watch for foxes, bobcats, groundhogs, and river otters.

The park, named after Richard Withrow, who settled and established the region’s first grist mill, is a campground with campsites for both standard tents and RVs up to 40 feet long. Outdoor recreation abounds in this area. Spend your time hiking the three miles of scenic hiking trails, fishing for bass in the river, and strolling through the park in search of the rare and endangered Ozark trillium orchids.

If you want to get more active, there are tennis and volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields, and horseshoe pits. Alternatively, let the kids run wild at the playground and swimming pool. The countryside provides some incredibly scenic drives, so make time to explore this impressive Ozarks region!

Withrow Springs State Park Camping

Withrow Springs State Park can accommodate both standard campers and RVs up to 40 feet long. There are 29 full hookup sites (with water, electricity, and sewerage hookups) and 10 primitive walk-in campsites to choose from. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, as well as access to a modern bathhouse and a dump station. Cell phone reception is non-existent.

A children’s playground, a gift shop, a picnic area, canoe rentals, and a shop selling snacks, ice, and firewood are all available within the park. A crossbow range, tennis courts, volleyball nets, a fishing pond, and baseball and softball fields (you must bring your own equipment) are also available.

Withrow Springs State Park Activities

Fishing

Withrow Springs State Park offers fishing to both day visitors and campers. Anglers will enjoy river angling for catfish, bream, perch, and bass in the creek or rainbow trout fishing in the park’s small fishing pond. The pond is stocked seasonally and is used for the annual fishing derby in June.

Hiking

Withrow Springs State Park has over three miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Take the one-mile (one-way) War Eagle Trail, which leads along the river, past rock formations, and into a cave. The easy three-quarter-mile Dogwood Nature Trail takes about an hour to complete and winds through flowering dogwood trees, which are especially beautiful in the spring. The one-and-a-quarter-mile Forest Trail takes about three to four hours to hike and follows an old roadway on the park’s western edge – it’s great for wildlife watching!

Wildlife watching

Withrow Springs State Park is home to more than just campers and day visitors. You can see a variety of wildlife while hiking the trails or simply relaxing at the campground. Deer, foxes, wild turkeys, groundhogs, bobcats, and river otters should all be on the lookout. For those interested in bird watching, the winter months are ideal for spotting eagles.

Watersports 

Withrow Spring is a lovely place to spend time outdoors. Canoe or kayak down the river, watching the birds and wildlife on the banks and in the trees. The visitor center at Withrow Springs State Park rents canoes, kayaks, and life jackets. The hire price includes a put-in and haul-out service, but it must be reserved in advance. Alternatively, from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, guests can spend their time at the large swimming pool.

Withrow Springs State Park Location

Withrow Springs State Park is located on Arkansas Highway 23 five miles north of Huntsville. Unless you’re an experienced mountain driver, you should avoid driving north on AR23 from the I-40 if you have a big rig. There are numerous up and down grades, as well as 20- and 25-mile-per-hour bends that can be difficult to navigate.

The interior roads of the park are mostly paved, with a few short unpaved sections. If you’re only visiting for the day, there are several trailhead parking areas located throughout the park. If you’re just passing through, you can park your big rig at the campground.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public transport is not available