CHARLTON

About

Charlton Recreation Area is a historic campground constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, nestled along Walnut Creek in the Ouachita National Forest approximately 20 miles west of Hot Springs. The campground offers 47 campsites spread across three distinct loops, each with varying levels of amenities to suit different camping styles. A-Loop provides a more primitive experience with fire rings, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and community water spigots but no electrical hookups. B-Loop caters to RVs and tents with 30-50 amp electrical service and water connections at each site. C-Loop sites 1-10 offer 30-amp electric, water, and some sewer connections, while sites 11-19 have community water spigots only but access to warm water showers and flush toilets. The day use area features a spring-fed swimming site fed by some of the coldest water in the region, along with picnicking, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities along Walnut Creek. The campground has paved roadways, gravel tent pads, a pavilion, and an amphitheater. Cell phone reception is limited.

Directions

Twenty miles west of Hot Springs on U.S. Highway 270.