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Cove Lake Recreation Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — PARIS · Arkansas · Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Ozark-St. Francis National Forests |
| Location | PARIS · Arkansas · Ozark-St. Francis National Forests · 35.22444, -93.62250 · Map |
| Sites | 37 public sites counted from the federal listing — 36 standard nonelectric; 1 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 37 sites Water hookups at 0 of 37 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 37 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 37 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 68 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 36 sites · 30 ft: 36 sites · 35 ft: 34 sites · 40 ft: 29 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | January 01, 2019 - December 31, 2019 (Peak Season) Picnic Pavilion $35 Day |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Beach accessDrinking waterLake access |
| Phone | 479-963-6421 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Cove Lake Recreation Area is a perfect summer getaway and an ideal place to camp, picnic or recreate. It envelops the shores of a 160-acre mountain lake near the 2,700-foot-tall Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state of Arkansas. Recreation Popular activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, water skiing and scenic drives. A boat ramp is available and an on-site concessionaire provides boat rentals and other equipment available for purchase.
The lake is home to catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and perch. It is stocked every other year, although a small amount of catfish are stocked annually and just prior to a yearly kids' fishing derby hosted at the lake. Facilities The recreation area provides picnic areas, campsites and a group shelter, as well as multiple activities, including miniature golf, canoe and paddleboat rentals. The campground offers multiple single-family sites for tent or RV camping.
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are also provided. Multiple picnic areas are available on the lake shore, including a picnic shelter that has electricity. Natural Features The recreation area is situated in a mixed forest of mature trees and is located in the Arkansas River Valley in the Ozark National Forest. Nearby Attractions The recreation area is about 15 miles south of the town of Paris, in Logan County, Arkansas. A scenic route to the top of Mount Magazine is a beautiful 10 mile drive north from Havana, Arkansas.
Directions, from the listing
From Paris, take Highway 109 south, then turn southeast on Highway 309 for 9 miles.
Nearest federal campgrounds
8 mi straight-line · HAVANA ArkansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersOutlet Area
9 mi straight-line · HAVANA ArkansasFSU.S. Forest ServiceSorghum Hollow
9 mi straight-line · ArkansasFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpring Lake Recreation Area
12 mi straight-line · ArkansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersShoal Bay
12 mi straight-line · NEW BLAINE Arkansas
Trip Card — Cove Lake Recreation Area
PARIS · Arkansas · Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | PARIS · Arkansas · Ozark-St. Francis National Forests |
| Fees | January 01, 2019 - December 31, 2019 (Peak Season) Picnic Pavilion $35 Day |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 68 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 37 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233834 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.