Recreation


Hiker and mountain bikers on a scenic mountain trail overlooking a lake

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So Much To Do & See

Current recreation fees and schedule


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.

Dispersed Camping in the Forest:

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Be sure to read the guidelines before heading out.

Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided. For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, contact your local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

Outdoor Safety & Ethics

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Albert Pike Day Use Open Open Day use/swimming only. Pavillion remains open. 
Bard Springs Recreation Area Temporarily Closed Temporarily Closed Campground closed due to storm damage. Day-use area open, including restroom. Walk-in only.
Bear Creek Trail & Horse Camp Open Open Campground is open. Restrooms are also open.
Bear Mountain Shooting Range Open Open Closed on Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 am for grounds maintenance. No restrooms.
Big Brushy Creek Day Use Open Open Day Use Only. Restroom open.
Billy Creek Recreation Area Open Open No drinking water available. No trash services- pack it in, pack it out.
Camp Clearfork Open Open Residential group-use camp available for general public use, family reunions, civic and church groups, scouts, universities, and other large meetings. Open May to November seasonally.
Cedar Lake Recreation Area Open Open Open year round, except North Shores day use and picnic shelters which are open seasonally April- November.
Charlton Recreation Area Open Open New swim deck construction completed, and swim area is open! Loop A bathhouse is closed due to storm damage, but camping is still available in Loop A. Loops B and C open for use.
Collier Springs Day Use Open Open Open all year - Picnic/Day Use Only
Crystal Campground Open Open No water or electric available. Restroom is open.
Dragover Day Use Open Open Day use only. River access. Restroom closed.
Dutch Creek CCC Day Use Open Open CCC Camp. Day-use only.
Fourche Mountain Recreation Area Open Open Open all year. Restroom closed.
Fulton Branch Day Use Open Open Open all year. Day-use only. No charge. 
Horsethief Springs Day Use Open Open Open
Iron Springs Day Use Open Open Open all year. Day-use only. Restroom open.
Jack Creek Recreation Area Open Open Open
Kerr Memorial Arboretum Open Open The trails and parking area are open - however, the restrooms are closed and no water available. The closest restroom is at the Winding Stair Campground.
Knoppers Ford Day Use Open Open Day-use only.  
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area None None Lake Sylvia and Camp Ouachita are managed by Arkansas State Parks.
Little Missouri Falls Trailhead Open Open Open all year. Day-use only. Restrooms open.
Little Pines Recreation Area Open Open Open. No reservations. Boat ramp open all year.  
Old Military Road Day Use Open Open Open - restrooms closed
Peeler Gap Shooting Range Open Open No restroom available
Pigeon Roost Shooting Range Open Open No restrooms. open sunup to sundown. For more information contact the Caddo-Womble Ranger District at 870 867-2101.
Pipe Springs Day Use Open Open Restrooms closed
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area Open Open
Reed Mountain Shooting Range Open Open No restrooms
River Bluff Day Use Open Open Open all year. Day-use only. 
Rocky Shoals Day Use Open Open River access. Day-use only. Restroom open.
Shady Lake Open Open Open. Campsites first-come/first-served only. 
Shirley Creek Day Use Open Open River access. Day Use only. 
South Fourche Recreation Area Open Open Open all year. No water/electric available. Restrooms are open.
Talimena National Scenic Byway Open Open The scenic byway is open year-round. The East End Visitor Information Center is closed. Restrooms are open.  For information, contact the Mena office at 479-394-2382
Winding Stair Campground Open Open Open.
Wolf Pen Gap Open Open **The trail system will close during periods of heavy rain.** 

Spotlights

Charlton Recreation Area

Charlton Recreation Area is located 20 miles west of Hot Springs along Highway 270.

Picnic, swim, hike, and fish along picturesque Walnut Creek, a cold, spring-fed mountain stream in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. This historic recreation area features a captivating native stone dam that forms the swimming area and rustic bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps federal work program in 1935.

Overview:

The campground is made up of three loops with 46 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric, water and sewer provided. Bathhouse with warm showers and flush toilets are provided. Day use hosts spring fed swimming site with some of the area's coldest water found in the area, even during the hottest of summer temperatures. A 1-mile nature trail can be found near the campground and connections to the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail lead from the campground as well. Charlton Campground is located 20 miles west of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

Information about Charlton Recreation Area.

Information about Charlton Recreation Area - Spanish

Other recreation sites within the Caddo/Womble Ranger District

Shady Lake

Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek, passes the historic Shady Lake Dam, and continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

Overview:

The campground is made up of four camping loops, with 66 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric and water services provided. Bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets. Day use hosts a swimming site, picnic pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables with BBQ grills and a 3-mile hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Shady Lake. Campsites can accommodate RV's up to 32-feet in length. Shady Lake is located approximately 40-miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas.