Are reservations required for access to HWC?

Yes. Please do not show up here without a reservation. We are a private campground and want to have respect for the privacy of our guests. Every service we offer requires a reservation, including camping, launching or taking out watercraft and parking. If you have not paid online and have proof of your reservation when you arrive, then you do not have a reservation and should not be on the property.

Does HWC accept cash on site?

No. Currently, HWC does not accept cash. All reservations must be pre-paid online before arrival. Ensure you take a picture/screenshot or print off your receipt for proof of your reservation to present if requested. Thanks.

Will other people be using the property while we are camping?

Yes. We can only offer a “Mostly Private” Camping/River experience. HWC is private property, however, we do allow Commercial Float Operators and a very limited number of others guests to park at HWC to drop off and pick up for river trips and access the gravel bar to do so. The river is also a navigable waterway and boaters may stop along the shore occasionally. Additionally, HWC has a private home on the property with permanent residence who have full access to the entire property anytime. A handful of family and/or friends as well as the owners may be around the property any time. However, as far as other camping guests, currently we are extremely limiting any overlapping of camp bookings if not completely eliminating overlapping all together. Compared to all of the other campgrounds and public access areas on the Illinois River, HWC will likely feel very secluded and we hope to keep it that way.

Are Fires Allowed?

Yes, HWC is now selling wood for $5 a bundle. You may also bring your own firewood. As long as there are no fire restrictions, you may have campfires in the designated fire rings that already exist. Do not make new fire rings or light fires in any other locations. Do not cut any standing trees or live tree branches/vegetation.  Driftwood as well as down and dead trees and branches are okay to burn. Extremely large fires are not allowed, especially inside the tree line canopy. Ensure all campfires are completely out, wet and cold to touch before departing your camp. Do not leave campfires unattended.

We want to go swimming for the day at HWC, is that allowed?

Swimming and beach access is limited to groups who have a camping reservation at HWC.

How deep is the river?

It depends on the river level and location. Average depth is around 2-3 feet deep at moderate flows. When the river is very clear and there has been no recent rainfall, there are many shallow areas where wading is only ankle-knee deep. There are also some very deep sections, especially as the river narrows near some of the cliff areas and the outsides of river bends.

Why does GRDA regulate the river?

Oklahoma has designated the Illinois River a Wild and Scenic resource and has determined that it requires protection to maintain its pristine nature. Without regulations and enforcement, people often destroy the thing they came here to enjoy.

Does HWC sell ice, snacks or supplies?

No, currently HWC does not have a store or restaurant available. We hope to provide additional services in the future. Please bring everything you need for your stay with you when you arrive. Siloam Springs has most of the stores you would need for food and camping supplies. For boating specific supplies, such as kayaks, life jackets and other equipment, we recommend OMTC.

https://ozarkmtc.com/

Is there cell service available?

Limited. It depends on your provider. Phone service is spotty and hit or miss. Some places on the property work better than others. I have Verizon and have ok phone service and minimal internet available. Cell service is not guaranteed.

Is there wifi or internet available?

No, there is no public internet available yet. Your cell service may provide you limited access to the internet but is not guaranteed. We will announce it on the website once we have Wi-Fi available for the public.

Are there showers at HWC?

No, we hope to provide indoor showers and a restroom facility at some point. For now, a single outdoor, non-heated, non-private, “garden hose shower” to rinse off after a day on the river may be setup in the near future. It will be obvious and well labeled once it is setup. Swimsuits required.

Is there electricity available for charging devices etc.?

No, if you would like to have power you will need to provide your own.

Are there flushable toilets available at HWC?

No, we have porta johns set up for our guests. We hope to provide flushable toilets for the public at some point. These porta johns are only for HWC guests, not the floating public at large.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A DOG PARK AND WE DO NOT DOG SIT. We do not want “Packs of dogs” running around. 2 dogs per group is all that is allowed. Please be responsible. We love our animals and we assume you do also. There are so few places where people can still travel to and be free with their pets. Don’t turn this into one of the places where pets aren’t allowed. If you know your pet is mean, or has attacked other animals or people, do not bring it here. Any dogs that continue to bark all night long and are a nuisance to others will be asked to leave with their owners.

Are RV’s or trailer campers allowed?

With restrictions, Yes. There are no hookups for RV’s. One RV per reservation. NO RV’s are allowed to cross the culvert or drive onto the gravel bar. RV’s must park on the “High Ground”. No dumping any waste, including gray water. Natural Falls State Park has an RV hookup for a small fee. Read our Services Page/Camping for more info.

Can I launch my own boat from HWC or takeout at HWC?

Yes, but you must either book a campsite with HWC or you must book one of the very River Access Passes. We do not offer public drop off/pickup without a reservation.

Does HWC rent kayaks, canoes, or life jackets?

Not yet, HWC is a first year (2024) authorized Commercial Float Operator on the Illinois River. We only have 17 permits. That is a small number. We intend to rent our kayaks and provide a shuttle service as soon as we can.

Does HWC provide shuttle service?

Not yet, we are planning to provide a shuttle service in the near future. We will let you know when that service becomes available. We are a small and slow growing LLC. Hang in there and we will get this placed launched for you all to enjoy the river more soon.

Can I just show up and pay for my campsite then?

No, all booking is done online and you must pre-pay before arrival. WE WILL TURN YOU AWAY IF YOU SHOW UP UNANNOUNCED WITHOUT A PREPAID BOOKING. This is to avoid booking conflicts with other groups. We do not have room to allow all of the public access all of the time. It messes with the vibe. Also, the internet might not even work well enough for you to try to book when you get here.

Are you sure Reservations are required for access to HWC?

100% Yes.

What’s up with the Ranch House at HWC?

The house is currently occupied by tenants. HWC is private property and the house and all outbuildings and infrastructure is off limits to guests unless otherwise specified. Please respect the tenants who live at the ranch house. All questions regarding camping or your stay should be directed through the email on this site.

If I park my vehicle at HWC, can I guarantee my stuff is secure?

No, park at your own risk. We do not guarantee that your stuff is secure. We will do our best to ensure any suspicious activity is reported, however, there are too many moving parts and possibilities for HWC to provide complete security. We recommend that you do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. HWC is not responsible for your personal belongings or damage to any vehicles while on the property. Any loss or damages should be filed through your insurance and/or reported to law enforcement.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

If you have cell service, call 911. If not, depending on the problem you may either attempt self rescue, consider an attempted rescue of another person/people and/or administer first aid within your comfort level, skill level and training if you have the means to do so. Look for others nearby that may be able to get help or directly help if they know what to do. Determine if separating from the group is necessary to get help. If you know your location, note it in order to direct authorities to the location. This is a very broad topic in which cannot be thoroughly addressed here. The intent is to encourage you to have a plan and consider your options for the “What If” scenario before undertaking a river trip.

Is wearing a life jacket required on the river?

State Law requires children 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on the water. It is recommended that adults also wear a life jacket. If you cannot swim, it would seem common sense to wear one. There must be at least (1) proper fitting life jacket accessible within arms reach of each boater on each watercraft if it is not worn.

Is Hunting and/or are Firearms Allowed at HWC?

There is no hunting or discharging of any firearms allowed at anytime on HWC property without written authorization from the owners of the property. Any possession of firearms must follow state and federal laws. Any illegal activity will be reported to law enforcement.

Is Fishing Allowed at HWC?

Absolutely! The river is an excellent place to fish. Of course, you need to have the proper licenses and follow all state and federal regulations.

How much experience is needed to float the river?

It depends on many factors including river levels, changes in the river bed due to rain and high water, natural and manmade features and which section of the river you are floating. We do not recommend complete beginners to attempt kayaking the 8+ mile sections to or from HWC on their first river trip unless they are floating tandem with an experienced boater or are being guided and closely assisted by an experienced boater. It is up to you to assess your own fitness and experience level as well as research the river and the hazards that exists. We cannot guarantee your safety. While the Illinois River is considered a relatively “easy” float compared to the ACA difficulty ratings (especially compared to whitewater), a moderate level of river competency and experience is still necessary. At higher flows, even more river safety and boatmanship skills are required. There are many hazards that exist on the river. Understanding river currents and hazards is very important. The river changes year to year, week to week, day to day and sometimes minute by minute. There are easier sections of the river to float than the trips offered at HWC. If you are not certain of your ability level, it is recommended that you book a trip with another river outfitter either up river or downriver along the Hwy 10 corridor. They offer several shorter trips with fewer obstacles and closer access to the river from the road if an emergency occurs. There are no easy places to access the river from main roadways on our float trips. HWC considers our trips to be wilderness experiences, therefore wilderness proficiency is necessary for each individual committing to taking a trip down the river.

Do I need to be physically fit to kayak 8-12 miles

It is not necessary to be a super athlete in order to float the river these distances, however it can be physically demanding. If you are not certain that you have the physical capability or stamina to complete the trip, it is recommended that you consult with your physician. Typically, boater skills are more important than physical fitness. Understanding how to read the river and avoid obstacles is paramount. Summer months can be very hot and humid which can add to fatigue and stress.

What are the most dangerous hazards of floating the Illinois River in your opinion?

Drowning is an obvious concern anytime water is used for recreation. Beyond the obvious however, two additional hazards that could lead to drowning stand out to me. One is being on or near the river at high river levels and the other is strainers. High river levels seem obvious for most river users. The higher levels increase the depth of the river and the speed of the water. High water levels can often push boaters or swimmers into log jams and other areas that are not usually a problem at lower flows. Additionally, strainers become a major hazard, especially at flood stage. However strainers can be just as dangerous even at low river levels. Most people consider a barbed wire fence a major hazard if an area becomes flooded. Water can pass through but may entangle a person. This is one example of a manmade strainer, however a more natural form of strainers are trees. Rain, elevated river levels and natural erosion can cause trees to become positioned in or across the river creating non-passable areas. When a tree in the river allows water to pass through its branches but a boat or person will not safely pass, a very dangerous situation called a strainer is created. Even a small current pushing against a person or boat can cause entrapment of a person regardless if the person is wearing a life jacket. The river current is constant, steady and relentless. Strainers should be completely avoided by swimmers and boaters. Strainers can exist on all sections of the river and may appear with little notice especially with limited view downriver such as immediately after a bend in the river. Some strainers may be river wide and no alternate route around them exists requiring rapid decision making and advanced maneuvering skills to avoid or portage around them.