Skip to main content

Recreation

The Ouachita National Forest is located primarily in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  Outstanding mountain views coupled with picturesque streams, rivers, and lakes provide a unique and highly valued setting for outdoor recreation.  The forest offers high quality nature related-sightseeing, scenic driving, hunting, fishing, and dispersed camping.  Learn about the areas rich history at wayside exhibits along a scenic drive or experience unique botanical, mineral, and prehistoric resources featured in information and educational programs.  An extensive trail system provides for all types of uses including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicles (OHV) riding.  A variety of services can be found at developed campgrounds ranging from rustic tent pads to full-service RV hookups.  Enjoy exceptional water-based recreation opportunities including fishing, non-motorized boating, and passive enjoyment of streams, rivers and lakes.

Current Fees and Schedules

portal entrance sign for Charlton Campground

Find information on recreation area fees, yearly schedule, and reservation information.

Recreation

Showing: 31 - 40 of 107 results

Crystal Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Water Activities
Small primitive campground in an attractive wooded site next to a small stream. No water or electric available. 

Crystal Vista Trail

Hiking
Crystal Vista is nestled among the trees high atop Gardner Mountain. Quartz crystals can be easily collected from the ground surface of this 4-acre former commercial crystal mine.

Danville Mountain Trail

Hiking Biking Outdoor Science and Learning
This interpretive trail has the first half mile surfaced and is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and other similar types of equipment. Along the trail, you will enjoy interpretive signs focused…

Deckard Mountain Walk-In Turkey Hunting Area

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Deckard Mountain Walk-In Turkey Hunting Area provides 7,400 acres of quality hunting in Garland and Perry counties. It is located six miles north of Jessieville, Arkansas, or 12 miles south of…

Dragover Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
River access and canoe launching for the Ouachita River.

Dry Creek Wilderness

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
6,310 acres featuring secluded forest, scenic overlooks, seasonal flowing stream, and sandstone bluffs.

Eagle Rock Loop

Site Open
Hiking
This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas and was developed along a 100-year-old postal route and old wagon roads.A combination of the Little Missouri, the Athens-Big Fork and part of the…

Earthquake Ridge Trail

Hiking Biking
This trail parallels the Talimena Scenic Byway on the north and south sides of Rich Mountain. The day hiker will view several interesting rock formations as well as a variety of plant and animal…

Flatside Wilderness

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
9,507 acres featuring small creeks, panoramic views, rugged terrain, and a section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.