Tompkins Bend
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically reopens March 1 and operates through October 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during the operating season.
Extreme Cold Warning issued January 22 at 11:40AM CST until January 26 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills of 5 below to colder than 15 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, north central, southeast, southwest, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...From midnight Friday Night to noon CST Monday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 5 to colder than 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 22 at 10:11AM CST until January 25 at 6:00PM CST by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and some sleet accumulations between 4 and 10 inches across northern sections...sleet and some snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches over central sections...and sleet and ice accumulations around one to three quarters of an inch across far southern and southeast sections. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, north central, southeast, southwest, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...From noon Friday to 6 PM CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel could be impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.
About
Tompkins Bend campground sits on the southwest shore of Lake Ouachita, Arkansas's largest lake, spanning over 40,000 acres of crystal-clear water. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this Class A campground offers 77 sites in a lush mountain setting surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Most sites are large enough to accommodate two camping units and feature concrete tables, ground and pedestal grills, and lantern posts under shade trees. The campground provides modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station. With 63 electric hookup sites and 69 water hookup sites available, it caters well to RV campers while also welcoming tent campers. A playground keeps children entertained, and a boat ramp provides easy lake access for water sports and fishing. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the campground's location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, a scenic hiking trail that meanders along the south shore of the lake. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains provide habitat for wildlife including deer, black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles, particularly visible in winter months. The lake's clear waters attract water skiers, jet skiers, anglers, and even scuba divers.
Directions
From Hot Springs, take US 270 west approximately 24.5 miles to Tompkins Bend Road. Turn right and follow the access road 2.4 miles north to the campground. From Mount Ida, take US 270 east about 10.7 miles to Tompkins Bend Road. Turn left and follow the access road 2.4 miles north to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 - $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 70ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| lakeouachita@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (870) 867-4476 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!