Shady Lake Campground

Overview

Shady Lake is closed to horses and all Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Visitors are encouraged to access the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to identify routes where OHV activities are allowed on the Forest. Shady Lake makes an excellent base camp for those who wish to participate in such activities. Guests are welcome to trailer their machines to and from the recreation area and park in proximity to Shady Lake Recreation area.  

Shady Lake is a 25-acre lake constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 along the Saline River in Polk County. The recreation area is home to four camp loops with a total of 54 campsites, site amenities ranging from basic amenities to full service campsites with sewage, water, and 20/30/50 amp electrical connections. Currently, only 17 campsites are available for reservations. All remaining campsites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Day use activities are allowed, as well.

For a small monetary payment forest guests can enter the area and encounter a mass of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, restroom amenities, warm showers, flush toilets, potable water, overlooks, picnic pavilions, and pure relaxation.

America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored at Shady Lake Recreation Area. Visit this website for more information and instructions on how to use the pass - https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

Loop A Reconstruction Project was completed in 2026. The project was funded solely through Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) monies and resulted in the construction of nine, fully accessible ADA campsites with full-service capabilities. Loop A bathhouse, an original CCC structure, was restored to remove vandalism and repair broken support beams. A brand new vault toilet was installed to support day users. As part of the improvements to the sites, new utilities were installed to provide potable drinking water and waste management. Please note, the map provided does not show an accurate road layout for Loop A. Please see photo attachment of the campground layout.

**Developed Recreation Fee Proposal** SHADY LAKE CAMPGROUND FEE INCREASE FOR SITES WITH WATER, ELECTRIC, AND SEWAGE (LOOP A & C22)

Ouachita National Forest is considering a recreation fee proposal. We are seeking input, COMMENT PERIOD ENDS JULY 20, 2026.

Current fee: $25.00 + $8 reservation fee Proposed fee: $35.00 $8 reservation fee

How to get more information or provide a comment-

Bill Jackson, Recreation Program Manager

PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR, 71913

501-321-5253 or SM.FS.ON_PA@USDA.GOV

Recreation

This developed recreation area provides a foundation for families to gather and recreate together. The site offers four camp loops for all user types, services ranging from all to no amenities. Hiking access into Caney Creek Wilderness begins in Loop C at Tall Peak Trail spurring off the Shady Lake Trail; Shady Lake Trail continues to traverse along the perimeter of the recreation area. Other features in the site include a swimming beach, lake access for non-motorized boating and fishing, picnic pavilions, accessible amenities such as warm showers and flush toilets. Shady Lake Recreation Area is a gateway to various recreational opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest. Mountainous roads venture deep into the valleys and on top of ridges. Several hiking trailheads are located in close proximity to Shady Lake. Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex is 13 mile drive from the gates of the recreation area. This area is hub for wild game hunters of all kinds for generations.

The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stems in Shady Lake and the work completed is preserved so forest guests can enjoy its glory. Several original structures are still standing and operational, places include Loop A Bathhouse and Pavilion, Shady Lake Dam, the overlook pavilion, rock bridges, rock walls, and various land features.

Although Shady Lake is not open to horses or Off Highway Vehicles, forest guests can enjoy Shady Lake Day Use amenities through walk in access. Parking is available outside the gate for parties operating OHVs.

Facilities

Shady Lake facilities are open April 15 - November 30

• CCC-built Pavilion overlooking the Shady Lake

• Loop A bathhouse/pavilion with male and female bathrooms with shower stalls

• Loop A campground: nine (9) reservation only, campsites with water/electric/sewage connections

• Loop B bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop B campground: Eleven (11) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & six (6) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

• Loop C bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop C campground: One (1) reservation only, campsite with water/electric/sewage connections & 17 first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

• Loop D bathhouse with male, female, and family bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop D campground: seven (7) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & three (3) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

Natural Features

Shady Lake Recreation Area is nestled in the Ouachita National Forest at the base of Tall Peak and Raspberry Mountains with bordering features including National Forest, Caney Creek Wilderness and private land. The campground is surrounded by mountain tops and towering pine trees providing the perfect shaded camping experience. Saline creek traverses through the campground suitable for freshwater swimming opportunities outside of drought conditions. Mountainous, dirt roads are quickly accessible outside of the recreation area, serving as a gateway into the forest. Historically, the rec area has been utilized as a base camp for wild game hunters throughout the seasons.

Nearby Attractions

Ouachita National Forest

Mena-Oden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

• Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex

• Eagle Mountain

• CCC-constructed fire towers: Bee Mountain & Tall Peak (walk-in access only)

• Caney Creek Wilderness, Caney Creek Trail & Buckeye Trail

• Sugar Gap Vista

• Talimena Scenic Drive

• East End Visitor Information Station

Caddo-Womble Ranger District, 1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957

• Albert Pike Recreation Area

• Bard Springs Recreation Area

• Little Missouri Falls

• Athens Big Fork Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, Winding Stairs Trail

Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

Arkansas State Parks

• Queen Wilhelmina State Park https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/queen-wilhelmina-state-park

• Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cossatot-river-state-park-natural-area

• Brushy Creek Recreation Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails/brushy-creek-nature-trail

US Army Corps of Engineers

• Gillham Lake

• Dierks Lake

• DeQueen Lake

• Millwood Lake

• Lake Greeson

Nearest Towns - Athens: 7 miles, Wickes: 26 miles, Glenwood: 33 miles Mena: 27 miles, Kirby: 30 miles, Dequeen: 45 miles

Charges & Cancellations

If you are not satisfied with your refund, you can request your refund to be reviewed by Facility Managers.

Refunds can be requested for the following:

• Death

• Medical Emergency

• Mechanical issues

• Extreme weather event

• campground closure

Cancellations- Cancelling a Reservation

Customers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of the reservation check-in date, both online, through the app, or through the contact center. A $10 cancellation fee may apply. For most facilities, customers may not cancel a reservation after 12:00am local time on the reservation check-in date. In these cases, the contact center will not be able to assist either, and only an on-site staff member will be able to assist. There are some exceptions to this rule where a facility will allow a same-day self-cancellation (also known as a “mid-stay change”). Check the facility's page for additional information on their specific business rules.

Late Cancellations

Depending on when a reservation is cancelled in relation to the check-in date, it may be considered a late cancellation and an additional amount may be withheld.

Individual Campsites $10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's fees if cancelled after 12:00am facility's local time the day before the reservation start date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Late cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

Modifying/Changing an Existing Reservation Prior to the Cut Off Window

If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the fees.

There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference.

No-Shows : A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).

• No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival.

• It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

• It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the fees.

There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference.

Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's fees for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fees for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

Early Departures

At staffed facilities, if a customer departs prior to their reservation's scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund depending on whether the facility is able to mark and make the site available to new visitors. Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites and so early departures may not be eligible for refunds. Please notify staff at the facility if you depart early to allow others to use the site. If customers request an early departure after the facility check-out time, the customer will not receive a refund for that night.