Outlet Area
Open for the 2026 season. A lake drawdown began May 1, 2026, lowering the lake to elevation 374 feet by July 25, 2026, where it will remain until November 1, 2026. Designated swimming areas are closed during the drawdown. Water activities including skiing, tubing, and personal watercraft are prohibited. Boaters should use extreme caution due to shallow water and submerged hazards. Boat access is limited to a temporary ramp at Ashley Creek Park.
From Recreation.gov
USACE is planning the drawdown in a partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is expected to begin May 1, 2026, when the lake will be lowered to elevation 374. The lake is expected to reach this elevation by July 25, 2026, and will remain at this elevation until Nov. 1, 2026. The lake will gradually return to elevation 384, depending upon rainfall. During phase two of the drawdown, designated swimming areas within the parks will be closed. Boat access will be limited to a temporary ramp located at Ashley Creek Park. Water activities such as skiing, tubing and the use of personal watercraft will be prohibited. Boaters visiting the lake during this time are encouraged to use extreme caution due to shallow water and submerged hazards. For more information, contact the Nimrod-Blue Mountain Project Office at 479-272-4324.
About
Outlet Area Park is a US Army Corps of Engineers campground located just downstream of Blue Mountain Dam near Waveland, Arkansas. The park features 38 shaded campsites along the river channel where water flows from the dam into the Petit Jean River Valley. Most sites sit directly on the waterfront with electric and water hookups, while others require only a short walk to reach the water. Three multi-family sites are available for larger groups. The river channel through the park provides excellent bank fishing opportunities for crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, bream, and catfish. Recreational amenities include a fish cleaning station, playground, hot showers, and dump station. The surrounding landscape features mixed pine and hardwood forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Blue Mountain Lake sits in the shadow of Mt. Magazine, the highest mountain in Arkansas. The Ozark and Ouachita National Forests are nearby, and Mt. Magazine State Park is within a 30-minute drive. The J. Perry Mikels Blue Mountain Special Use Area on the west end of the lake features a world-class bird dog field trial area.
Directions
From Booneville, Arkansas, follow State Highway 10 east for 17 miles to Waveland. Turn right on State Highway 309 and drive for one mile. Turn right again onto Waveland Park Road and continue another mile. Turn left on Outlet Park Road near the Blue Mountain Lake Field Office. The park is located south of Blue Mountain Dam.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 72ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 72ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (479) 947-2101 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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