Shady Lake Campground

About

Shady Lake Campground occupies a scenic valley in the Ouachita National Forest of western Arkansas, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. The 25-acre lake and surrounding facilities retain much of their original rustic character while providing modern conveniences for campers. Four distinct camping loops offer 54 sites total, with options ranging from nonelectric tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 20/30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. The campground features bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets in all loops, potable water throughout, and a dump station. Each site includes a picnic table and grill or fire ring. Loop A contains 9 fully ADA-accessible sites with full hookups. Saline Creek flows through the campground, and the lake provides a designated swimming beach, fishing dock, and picnic pavilions. Hikers can access the 3-mile Shady Lake Trail circling the shoreline, which connects to Tall Peak Trail leading into the Caney Creek Wilderness. The area is roughly 40 miles west of Glenwood and 45 miles southeast of Mena. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov for 17 sites; the remainder operate first-come, first-served.

Directions

From Glenwood, AR: Take Highway 84 west to Athens, turn northwest on Highway 246, then turn north at the Shady Lake sign and drive 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38.