Withrow Springs State Park is a 786-acre park surrounded by endless wilderness, deep valleys, the limestone bluffs of the War Eagle Creek and the breath-taking Ozark Mountains in north-west Arkansas. The park is a tranquil relaxation spot for campers and RV holidaymakers who head to the park to enjoy hiking the dogwood trails, floating along the Withrow Spring, and wildlife watching for foxes, bobcats, groundhogs, and river otters.
Named after Richard Withrow who settled and established the region’s first grist mill, the park is not an RV park, but rather a campground with campsites for both standard tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Outdoor recreation abounds here. Spend your time hiking the three miles of scenic hiking trails, fishing for bass in the river, and strolling in search of the rare and endangered Ozark trillium orchids that grow in the park.
If you’re feeling more active, you can take advantage of the tennis and volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields, and the horseshoe pits. Or let the kids loose at the playground and swimming pool. The countryside offers some incredibly scenic drives so be sure to take the time to explore this impressive region of the Ozarks!
Withrow Springs State Park is located five miles north of Huntsville on Arkansas Highway 23. If you’ve got a big rig, you should avoid driving north on AR23 from the I-40 unless you’re experienced with mountain driving. There are lots of up and down grades as well as 20- and 25 mile-per-hour bends in the road which can be tricky to navigate.
Within the park, the interior roads are all mostly paved with a few short unpaved sections. There are various trailhead parking areas throughout the park if you’re visiting for the day. Otherwise if you’re staying overnight, you can park your big rig in the campground.
Withrow Springs State Park caters for both standard campers and RV campers up to 40 feet. There is a choice of 29 full hookup sites (with water, electricity and sewerage hookups) and 10 primitive walk-in campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit as well as access to a modern bathhouse and a dump station. There is no cell phone reception.
Facilities inside the park include a children’s playground, a gift shop, picnic area, canoe rental, and a shop selling snacks, ice and firewood. There is also a crossbow range, tennis courts, volleyball nets, fishing pond, and baseball and softball fields (you’ll need to bring your own equipment). All campers need to check in at the visitor center on arrival, or first thing the next morning if arriving after hours.
Interpretive programs are hosted every day in Withrow Springs State Park during the peak season summer months, and on demand at busier times throughout the rest of the year. Campers can look forward to taking part in special events, such as star-gazing excursions, Easter egg hunts, crossbow tournaments, and a fall concert.
Day visitors and campers alike can enjoy fishing in Withrow Springs State Park. Anglers will enjoy river angling for catfish, bream, perch, and bass in the creek or fishing for rainbow trout in the small fishing pond in the heart of the park. The pond is stocked seasonally, and used for the fishing derby held every year in June.
The pretty Withrow Spring is a great spot for spending time outdoors. Float along the river on a canoe or kayak and watch the birds and wildlife on the banks and in the trees. Canoes, kayaks and life jackets are available for rent at Withrow Springs State Park’s visitor center. The hire cost includes a put in and haul back service, but needs to be booked in advance. Alternatively, guests can spend their time at the large swimming pool that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend
There are over three miles of hiking trails to enjoy in Withrow Springs State Park. Take the easy one-mile (one way) War Eagle Trail which takes about an hour and leads along the river, past rock formations and a cave. The moderate three-quarter-mile Dogwood Nature Trail takes about one hour and leads through flowering dogwood trees that are particularly scenic in the springtime. The moderate one-and-a-quarter-mile Forest Trail takes about three to four hours of hiking time and follows an old roadway on the western edge of the park - it is great for wildlife watching!
The surrounds of Withrow Springs State Park offer some astonishing scenery to explore by car. Take a leisurely drive along State Park Highway 23 to Huntsville and east along Highway 412 for miles of endless Ozark scenery. Highway 62 at Alpena travels over pretty hilltops and valleys, while another stunning drive leads from Huntsville on Highway 23S over the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks to the town of Ozark, with epic mountain views along the way. Alternatively, head to Eureka Springs, located 20 miles north on Highway 23, to explore a Victorian town filled with quaint streets and shop fronts.
Campers and day visitors aren’t the only ones found within Withrow Springs State Park. Taking a hike along the trails, or even just relax at the campground, and you’ll see all sorts of wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, foxes, wild turkeys, groundhogs, bobcats, and river otters. The winter months are particularly good for spotting eagles for those interested in bird watching.
