Lake Wedington

Summary

Lake Wedington is a recreation area located just 13 miles west of Fayetteville and 13 miles east of Siloam Springs, offering access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and hiking. The area is known for its historic cabins from the 1930s and its National Register of Historic Places listing, and boasts a variety of native wildlife, trees, and wildflowers. Nearby there are several attractions to explore, such as museums, group activities, shops, and theaters.

Overview

Lake Wedington beckons visitors of many types, those who come to relax and fish all day, those who come to speed along on bike paths or cruise on a boat, and those who want to stay in a cabin as a lakeside home-away-from-home. The recreation area also offers convenient access, as it is located just 13 miles west of Fayetteville, and 13 miles east of Siloam Springs.

The facility offers several rental cabins, campsites and picnic sites alongside its the lake. Each offers access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The area can be accessed by vehicle and a parking space should be available. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Lake Wedington. Those who enjoy water activities can go boating (with a motor that is 10hp or less), kayaking and canoeing, as well as fishing on the lake. Anglers can seek out Bluegill, Largemouth and Spotted Bass, Bream, and Channel Catfish, and several other species. Anglers who like a challenge can attempt to fish for one of the few large Grass Carp that occupy the lake. A former world-record Grass Carp was caught out of Lake Wedington, weighing a total of 80 pounds. 

Lake Wedington also has a dedicated area for those who want to go swimming, picnic, play a round of Volleyball or Horseshoes, and a variety of playground equipment. Surrounding the park, you’ll find trails that accommodate hikers and mountain bikers. The Lakeshore Hiking Trail circles a large portion of the lake. The North Twin hiking and mountain biking trial extends for sixteen miles from the facility.

Hunting is not permitted within the recreation grounds of Lake Wedington, but there are sites surrounding the recreation area that are open to seasonal hunting. Please contact staff or Arkansas Game and Fish for further information on hunting regulations within this unit. 

Facilities

In the 1930s, the lake and recreation area were built under the guidance of the Soil Conservation Service. The Forest Service acquired the land in 1954, and with the help of volunteer groups, restored the buildings. The location is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests who rent one of the six cabins will get the opportunity to stay in a historic structure from the 1930s, while still enjoying the luxuries of a cozy bed and a coffee maker. 

Main Area

In the main recreation area of Lake Wedington, visitors will find the historical cabins, bathhouse, lodge, and boathouse. The main area also contains additional bathrooms, drinking fountains, group pavilion, picnic ground, the gatehouse, a group campsite, and the main park office. The lodge, cabins, group pavilion, and group campsite must be reserved, please contact park staff for further details on reservations. 

The picnic pavilion and lodge are available for day-use only. The picnic pavilion can accommodate up to 75 guests and the lodge can hold up to 200 people. 

The six historic cabins are equipped with electricity, including heating and air conditioning. A kitchen area in each of the buildings is equipped with a stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, cooking pots and pans and basic tableware. Linens, towels and bedding are not provided. Guests should pack food, towels, blankets and/or sleeping bags, pillows, and other basic overnight supplies.

Campgrounds

In the campgrounds area of Lake Wedington, visitors will find the boat launch ramp and just beyond that, 18 standard campsites (no hookups available), a dump station, and two smaller bathhouses to accommodate the campers in the campgrounds. Each campsite offers a parking space, tent pad, picnic table, designated fire pit, and a charcoal grill. 

Some campsites can accommodate camping trailers and smaller RVs, but no hookups are available (each site will list what it can accommodate on the reservation page). If the site isn’t reserved already, they are open to first-come, first-serve, but we do encourage reserving them in advance. Please contact staff or call the recreation.gov help line for reservation assistance, if needed. 

Natural Features

Visitors will find a variety of wildlife, trees, ferns, and wildflowers surrounding the 102-acre Lake. Wildlife in the area includes rabbits, deer, songbirds, and wild turkeys as well as an array of migratory waterfowl. In winter, eagles may be sighted flying around the park. 

Fall leaves put on quite a show, often attracting photographers. Sloping hills in the area offer great vantage points to take photos of the lake, especially from the Gazebo located just off of Lakeshore Trail. When the lake is high, hikers are presented with a cascading waterfall that can also be found when walking along the Lakeshore Trail. There are many natural features that can be spotted throughout the area to those who keep a keen eye out for them.  

Nearby Attractions

With Fayetteville approximately 15 miles East, Siloam Springs 14 miles West, and Lincoln/Prairie Grove within 15 miles South of Lake Wedington, there are many attractions to choose from. A variety of restaurants and food venues can be found in and around all cities and towns. 

In Fayetteville you will find a large variety of event venues, museums, shops, golf clubs, and theaters. 

In Siloam Springs you can find a variety of shops, group activity venues, and the Kayak Park. 

Around Lincoln you will find a few shops, restaurants, and event/activity venues. 

In Prairie Grove you will also find a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks. 

There are many attractions available at, and surrounding, Lake Wedington. So, guests will find a variety of options available for them to choose from in addition to enjoying the Lake Wedington Recreation Area.