FAQs
The Ouachita National Forests cover over 1.8 million acres of land across Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that our office receive daily. Any questions that are not shown below will gladly be addressed by calling any one of our National Forest offices.
Paper maps for the Ouachita National Forest can be purchased at any district office or online from the USGS store.
Digital maps can be viewed and downloaded here.
Passes can be purchased at any district office or the Supervisor's Office.
Permits (such as firewood collection permits) must be purchased at the district office of the area you wish to collect in.
Most campgrounds do not require a reservation, and sites are first-come, first-served. Campgrounds that do take reservations are:
- Cedar Lake (Oklahoma)
- Charlton
- Little Pines
Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.
Camp Clearfork is the only facility with cabins. This is a group camping facility located near Mt. Ida, AR. Reservations must be made through the district office at (870) 867-2101.
In campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas and trailheads, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Dispose of waste properly. If you tie your dog, find a shady spot and give lots of attention to minimize barking, which could disturb other forest users.
On trails, dogs must be under verbal or physical restraint at all times. Remember the Ouachita National Forest is a multi-use forest, which means you and your dog may encounter horseback riders, mountain bikers, or off-highway vehicle riders, as well as a multitude of wildlife. Always use a leash when around other forest users. Watch your pet for signs of stress and fatigue and provide plenty of water and rest.
The Arkansas Forestry Commission handles all inquiries regarding private land. Find your local office here.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding is a great way to enjoy your national forest. But to do it right and prevent natural resource damage, OHV riders need to stay on designated roads or approved trail systems like those found at Wolf Pen Gap.
It is important to remember that not all roads and trails are created equally. Some roads are for cars and trucks, but not off-highway vehicles. Some trails are for off-highway vehicles, but many are not. Know where you are going and under the use of the road or trail before you go.
Stay on designated forest roads
- Travel only on off-highway vehicle designated routes. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map for specific information.
- Legal, designated routes are shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).
- Comply with signs and barriers, and leave gates as you found them.
- Wilderness areas are off-limits to all motorized vehicles.
- There are no permits required to ride your OHV on the Ouachita National Forest.
Forest orders, issued by the USDA Forest Service, are legal directives that restrict or prohibit certain activities within National Forest System lands for specific periods. These orders are designed to protect public safety, natural resources, and facilities, and may vary in duration and scope.
Ouachita National Forest Orders can be viewed at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/alerts