Shady Lake Campground

Overview APRIL 15, 2027 : ALL CAMPSITES IN SHADY LAKE CAMPGROUND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESERVATIONS ONLY. THERE WILL NO LONGER BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED OPTIONS.

For full information regarding Rules and Reservation Policies, visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Shady Lake is closed to horses and all Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Visitors are encouraged to access the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to identify routes where OHV activities are allowed on the Forest. Visitors are welcomed to trailer OHVV's to and from the campground. Shady Lake makes an excellent base camp for those who wish to participate in such activities. Guests are welcome to trailer their machines to and from the recreation area and park in proximity to Shady Lake Recreation area.  

Shady Lake is a 25-acre lake constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 along the Saline River in Polk County. The recreation area is home to four camp loops with a total of 54 campsites, site amenities ranging from basic amenities to full service campsites with sewage, water, and 20/30/50 amp electrical connections. Currently, only 17 campsites are available for reservations. All remaining campsites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Day use activities are allowed, as well.

For a small monetary payment forest guests can enter the area and encounter a mass of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, restroom amenities, warm showers, flush toilets, potable water, overlooks, picnic pavilions, and pure relaxation.

America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored at Shady Lake Recreation Area. Visit this website for more information and instructions on how to use the pass - https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

Loop A Reconstruction Project was completed in 2026. The project was funded solely through Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) monies and resulted in the construction of nine, fully accessible ADA campsites with full-service capabilities. Loop A bathhouse, an original CCC structure, was restored to remove vandalism and repair broken support beams. A brand new vault toilet was installed to support day users. As part of the improvements to the sites, new utilities were installed to provide potable drinking water and waste management. Please note, the map provided does not show an accurate road layout for Loop A. Please see photo attachment of the campground layout.

**Developed Recreation Fee Proposal** SHADY LAKE CAMPGROUND FEE INCREASE FOR SITES WITH WATER, ELECTRIC, AND SEWAGE (LOOP A & C22)

Ouachita National Forest is considering a recreation fee proposal. We are seeking input, COMMENT PERIOD ENDS JULY 20, 2026.

Current fee: $25.00 + $8 reservation fee Proposed fee: $35.00 $8 reservation fee

How to get more information or provide a comment-

Bill Jackson, Recreation Program Manager

PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR, 71913

501-321-5253 or SM.FS.ON_PA@USDA.GOV

Recreation This developed recreation area provides a foundation for families to gather and recreate together. The site offers four camp loops for all user types, services ranging from all to no amenities. Hiking access into Caney Creek Wilderness begins in Loop C at Tall Peak Trail spurring off the Shady Lake Trail; Shady Lake Trail continues to traverse along the perimeter of the recreation area. Other features in the site include a swimming beach, lake access for non-motorized boating and fishing, picnic pavilions, accessible amenities such as warm showers and flush toilets. Shady Lake Recreation Area is a gateway to various recreational opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest. Mountainous roads venture deep into the valleys and on top of ridges. Several hiking trailheads are located in close proximity to Shady Lake. Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex is 13 mile drive from the gates of the recreation area. This area is hub for wild game hunters of all kinds for generations.

The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stems in Shady Lake and the work completed is preserved so forest guests can enjoy its glory. Several original structures are still standing and operational, places include Loop A Bathhouse and Pavilion, Shady Lake Dam, the overlook pavilion, rock bridges, rock walls, and various land features.

Although Shady Lake is not open to horses or Off Highway Vehicles, forest guests can enjoy Shady Lake Day Use amenities through walk in access. Parking is available outside the gate for parties operating OHVs.

Facilities Shady Lake facilities are open April 15 - November 30

CCC-built Pavilion overlooking the Shady Lake

Loop A bathhouse/pavilion with male and female bathrooms with shower stalls

Loop A campground: nine (9) reservation only, campsites with water/electric/sewage connections

Loop B bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

Loop B campground: Eleven (11) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & six (6) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

Loop C bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

Loop C campground: One (1) reservation only, campsite with water/electric/sewage connections & 17 first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

Loop D bathhouse with male, female, and family bathrooms with private, shower stalls

Loop D campground: seven (7) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & three (3) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

Natural Features Shady Lake Recreation Area is nestled in the Ouachita National Forest at the base of Tall Peak and Raspberry Mountains with bordering features including National Forest, Caney Creek Wilderness and private land. The campground is surrounded by mountain tops and towering pine trees providing the perfect shaded camping experience. Saline creek traverses through the campground suitable for freshwater swimming opportunities outside of drought conditions. Mountainous, dirt roads are quickly accessible outside of the recreation area, serving as a gateway into the forest. Historically, the rec area has been utilized as a base camp for wild game hunters throughout the seasons.

Nearby Attractions Ouachita National Forest

Mena-Oden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex

Eagle Mountain

CCC-constructed fire towers: Bee Mountain & Tall Peak (walk-in access only)

Caney Creek Wilderness, Caney Creek Trail & Buckeye Trail

Sugar Gap Vista

Talimena Scenic Drive

East End Visitor Information Station

Caddo-Womble Ranger District, 1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957

Albert Pike Recreation Area

Bard Springs Recreation Area

Little Missouri Falls

Athens Big Fork Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, Winding Stairs Trail

Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

Arkansas State Parks

Queen Wilhelmina State Park https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/queen-wilhelmina-state-park

Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cossatot-river-state-park-natural-area

Brushy Creek Recreation Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails/brushy-creek-nature-trail

US Army Corps of Engineers

Gillham Lake

Dierks Lake

DeQueen Lake

Millwood Lake

Lake Greeson

Nearest Towns - Athens: 7 miles, Wickes: 26 miles, Glenwood: 33 miles Mena: 27 miles, Kirby: 30 miles, Dequeen: 45 miles

Charges & Cancellations If you are not satisfied with your refund, you can request your refund to be reviewed by Facility Managers.

Refunds can be requested for the following:

Death

Medical Emergency

Mechanical issues within the campground, i.e. water, sewage, electrical issues

Extreme weather event, i.e. tornado NOTE: Rainy weather does not qualify

campground closure

Cancellations- Cancelling a Reservation […]

HIGHWAY ACCESS:

From Hot springs take Highway 70 west 32 miles to Glenwood. Continue on 70 through Glenwood 4 miles to Salem. Take Highway 84 (West) out of Salem though Lodi and Langley, to Athens. In Athens, take highway 246 to Forest Service Road 38, turn right (North) and travel 3 miles to the entrance of Shady Lake Recreation Area.

From Texarkana, or Mena, take Highway 71 to Vandervoort, then take Highway 246 EAST to Forest Service Road 38, turn left and travel 3 miles North to the Entrance to Shady Lake Recreation Area.