Ouachita National Forest
Overview
The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest and largest national forest in the South, covering 1.8 million acres across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The forest is currently open and operating normally with excellent year-round recreation opportunities including 700 miles of trails, camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and OHV activities. Current alerts include: Peeler Gap Shooting Range closed through end of 2025 for roof repairs; Tompkins Bend Trailhead (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail) temporarily closed for USACE construction; Cedar Lake bathhouses closed for plumbing repairs (use Shady Lane/Sandy Beach facilities); Wildcat Trail southern loop closed due to tornado damage (northern loop open); FSR 776A (Yell County) partially closed near bridge; FSR T27B (Oklahoma) closed for culvert repair; FSR 19 (Scott County) closed since 2022 for landslide. The forest conducts regular prescribed burns to maintain ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. Bear awareness is emphasized. Fire restrictions vary by county—check Arkansas and Oklahoma county burn ban maps before visiting.
Campgrounds
- Avery
- BARD SPRINGS
- Bear Creek Equestrian Camp
- Billy Creek Campground
- Brady Mountain
- Brady Mountain Day-use
- CHARLTON
- Cedar Lake
- Charlton Recreation Area
- Crystal Campground
- Crystal Springs
- Crystal Springs Day-use
- Denby Point
- Hickory Nut Mountain Picnic Area
- Highway 27 Campground
- Jack Creek Campground
- Joplin
- Lake Sylvia
- Lake Sylvia State Park Campground
- Little Fir
- Little Pines Campground
- Shady Lake Campground
- Spillway
- Stephens Park Day-use
- Tompkins Bend
- Tompkins Bend Day-use
- Winding Stair Campground
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