Richland Creek Recreation Area
Campground
4.7 (154)
Campground Rd, Witts Springs, AR 72686
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
CreekAR
Richland Creek Swimming Holes In The Ozark National Forest
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Richland Creek with corrected campground coordinates, rough-road advice, first-come camping and the distinction from Falling Water Falls and wilderness hikes.
Water type
Creek
Access
Informal
Fee
Campground $10 per site in the 2026 Forest Service schedule. A separate current day-use charge was not established in this review; check posted rules.
Best season
Check road access, weather and creek levels before every trip. Do not use high flows suitable for whitewater as a swimming recommendation
Nearby towns
Russellville, Witts Springs
Water body
Richland Creek/ Falling Water Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Russellville, Witts Springs
Recreation-area reference location
35.796970, -92.934110
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Recreation-area reference location
- The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Richland Creek: campground access and separate waterfall trips
Use Richland Creek Campground as the destination for this listing. The creek corridor is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and Rivers.gov identifies swimming and fishing among the recreation area's uses. It also describes rapids and whitewater after significant rain. A popular swimming destination is not an assurance of safe conditions.
The campground pin is not Falling Water Falls
The corrected map uses Forest Service campground coordinates on Forest Service Road 1205. The former pin represented a different stop in the wider area. Falling Water Falls, Richland Falls and Twin Falls are separate destinations: do not treat one marker, one photo or one set of directions as covering all of them.
Check road conditions before committing
The Forest Service warns of very rough roads and discourages camping trailers. Check current access notices and your vehicle's suitability before setting out. Download navigation before losing reception, carry drinking water and leave enough time to turn around if the road or weather is unsuitable.
Camping costs and claiming a site
The 2026 Forest Service schedule lists campground sites at $10, vault toilets and seasonal water. Bring a backup water supply. Recreation.gov says sites are first-come, first-served and must be claimed in person. Download its app before arrival if you plan to use an available Scan and Pay option. This review has not established a separate current day-use fee.
Do not turn a creek visit into an unplanned wilderness hike
Waterfall routes in the Richland Creek Wilderness need independent navigation and a crossing assessment. The official wilderness description says there are no developed trails. Do not rely on the former page's fixed hiking time or mileage as a maintained route guarantee. Skip crossings during high water and choose a campground-area viewing visit if you are not prepared for backcountry travel.
Getting There
Navigate to Richland Creek Campground on Forest Service Road 1205. The pin represents the campground, not Falling Water Falls. Roads can be very rough; check forest alerts and vehicle suitability before departure. Use a current map to plan any waterfall hike separately.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Forest Service cautions against taking camping trailers on the rough roads. This is not a guarantee that any other vehicle can reach the campground. Wilderness navigation and creek crossings require separate preparation.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Richland Creek Wilderness
Park
4.8 (20)
Pelsor, AR 72856
Terry Keefe Falls Trail
Hiking area
5 (19)
Witts Springs, AR 72686
Falling Water Horse Camp
Campground
4.6 (104)
1616 Upper Falling Water Rd, Pelsor, AR 72856
Public restroomPublic showerRunning waterTent sites
Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area
Scenic spot
4.9 (75)
Witts Springs, AR 72686
Buffalo Point Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (13)
Co Rd 647, Yellville, AR 72687
Restroom
US Forest Service Boston Mountain Ranger Station
Government office
4 (26)
1803 N 18th St, Ozark, AR 72949
Bull Shoals White River State Park
Visitor center
4.8 (763)
153 Dam Overlook Ln, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Richland Creek Swimming Holes In The Ozark National Forest
Where does the Richland Creek map pin lead?
It identifies Richland Creek Campground on Forest Service Road 1205, not Falling Water Falls, Twin Falls or an exact swimming entrance.
Is camping free?
The 2026 Forest Service schedule lists campground sites at $10. Confirm current charges; a separate day-use charge was not established in this review.
Can I reserve a campsite before arriving?
Recreation.gov lists first-come, first-served sites that must be claimed in person. Download the app before arrival if using an available Scan and Pay option.
Can I take a camping trailer?
The Forest Service discourages camping trailers because of very rough roads. Check current conditions and vehicle suitability rather than assuming the route is passable.
Highlights
Richland Creek campground base
Wild and scenic river corridor
First-come primitive camping
Separate planning for wilderness waterfalls
Unique Features
Recreation area beside the Richland Creek Wilderness
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid rising water and hazardous creek crossings
- Do not jump from boulders or waterfall ledges
- Carry offline navigation, drinking water and a backup plan; supervise children directly
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Richland Creek is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Creek and forest views near established approaches; wilderness falls require a separately planned route.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use designated campsites, respect wilderness rules and pack out all waste.
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Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check road access, weather and creek levels before every trip. Do not use high flows suitable for whitewater as a swimming recommendation.
Difficulty Level
Rough-road campground access; wilderness waterfall travel is a separate, more demanding outing.
Fee
Campground $10 per site in the 2026 Forest Service schedule. A separate current day-use charge was not established in this review; check posted rules.
Facilities
Do not assume water is operating when you arrive. Bring drinking water and offline navigation.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
479-964-7200
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
First-come, first-served at Richland Creek Campground; physically arrive to claim a site. No advance campsite reservations in the current Recreation.gov listing.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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