Arkansas / Montgomery County / Ouachita National Forest

Joplin

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens April 1, 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Joplin Campground on Lake Ouachita is perched on a slender peninsula on the south side of the lake, providing 65 campsites with attractive scenic views of the water and surrounding Ouachita Mountain terrain. Each campsite includes a concrete table, ground grill, pedestal grill, lantern post, and shaded areas. The campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers flush toilets, showers, and potable water during the operating season. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas, Lake Ouachita spans over 40,000 acres and is prized as one of the clearest lakes in the nation, making it ideal for scuba diving. The lake is renowned for world-class striper fishing, and wildlife watchers can spot everything from bobcats to rare freshwater jellyfish. Visitors enjoy water skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and scenic driving. The campground features a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and a designated swimming beach. A full-service marina with boat rentals is located nearby at Mountain Harbor. Campsites are not level and the terrain is uneven, making this location not recommended for large RVs, big trailers, or slide-outs. Caution is advised when establishing camp. Hot Springs National Park and the 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest are within easy driving distance.

Directions

From Hot Springs, take US 270 west for 23.5 miles to Mountain Harbor Road. Turn right and follow the access road three miles north to the campground.

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