Bard Springs Recreation Area

Star4.54
50 reviews
1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953
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Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mena Oden Ranger District site

Official Website
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Bard Springs Recreation Area
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day Use Area: No Charge. Historical camping fee was $8/night per user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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(479) 394-2382null
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 50 reviews

47 Google reviews

"User reviews describe Bard Springs Recreation Area as a previously beautiful and secluded location that has been significantly impacted by storm damage. The Day Use area remains open, and visitors appreciate the scenic beauty despite the destruction."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

Bard Springs Recreation Area

1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

Driving directionsTake Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246 at Athens, AR; turn right (north) on Forest Service Road 38 for 7 miles; turn right (east) on Forest Service Road 106 for 1/2 mile.
The road into the campground includes loose gravel and twisty sections, making it challenging for smaller vehicles, especially motorcycles. "The road in and out is loose gravel and is rather twisty at times."
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Best Time to Camp at Bard Springs Recreation Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transitions of the mountain wilderness, where crisp, bone-chilling winters gradually surrender to the warmth of summer. Early season visitors should prepare for very cold conditions that slowly give way to balmy days. Summer brings its own character with warm, humid afternoons perfect for cooling off in the nearby stream.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for swimming and picnics; day-use remains open year-round.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Not detailed, but mountain forest likely offers good fall colors and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

No explicit spring details; springs/streams likely scenic but trail damage may limit access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winters noted as challenging; closures and access issues reported in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Day use area open year-round. Campground temporarily closed due to storm damage.
  • Current Alerts: "Site Temporarily Closed" due to storm damage.

About Bard Springs Recreation Area

Tucked away in a secluded mountain hollow, this intimate campground offers rustic Adirondack-style shelters along the banks of a babbling mountain stream. While nature's fury has temporarily closed this hidden gem due to tornado damage, the spirit of this wilderness retreat remains unbroken, awaiting its return to welcome adventurers seeking solitude and serenity.
The campground previously supported primitive and tent camping with Adirondack-type shelters, but all camping is currently closed due to extensive storm damage.
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Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Bard Springs Recreation Area offers outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and picnicking in a remote mountain setting. However, due to storm damage, access to some trails and paths is blocked.
HikingDay hiking is available, though access to some trails is obstructed by fallen trees, as noted in user reviews.
Swimming"Awesome place to swim and picnic." There is a small scenic stream and a swimming hole. Safety measures are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Tornado damage along the road and at the Campground" (User review by Lacifer Y).
Active Alerts"Site Temporarily Closed" due to storm damage.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bard Springs Recreation Area

Reviews

4.5
50 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bard Springs Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Bard Springs Recreation Area as a previously beautiful and secluded location that has been significantly impacted by storm damage. The Day Use area remains open, and visitors appreciate the scenic beauty despite the destruction.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful old rock bathhouse," "awesome place to swim and picnic," and "great secluded area with lovely nature spots."
Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Severe storm damage, closed camping facilities, blocked trails, and inaccessible shelters. One user mentioned, "The drive into the area is completely blocked by more than one massive tree."
Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Walk over to the spring and creek," "Drive slow when you enter the park," and "A regular car won't cut it; medium SUV and up is recommended for the terrain."
Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Swimming and picnicking are popular. Winter reviews highlight the challenges of accessing the area due to closures. Spring and fall experiences are not explicitly detailed.
Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful area with historical value." - Lacifer Y. "Camping is cheap at $8/night." - Christopher Vinn. "Lovely nature spots all over." - King Nard.
Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not mentioned by number, but the Adirondack shelters were a highlight before the storm damage.
Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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