How much does camping cost at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Bard Springs Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Bard Springs Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Bard Springs Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Day Use Area: Walk-in access only, gate closed.

What is the best time to visit Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Bard Springs Recreation Area is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Bard Springs Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Bard Springs Recreation Area: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bard Springs Recreation Area have?

Bard Springs Recreation Area has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Bard Springs Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Bard Springs Recreation Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bard Springs Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Bard Springs Recreation Area include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bard Springs Recreation Area

4.36

50 reviews

1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

Featured in:Primitive Camping Arkansas

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(479) 394-2382null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

Bard Springs Recreation Area

1603 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

Nearby supplies

null

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."

Weather at Bard Springs Recreation Area

Current alert: "Site Temporarily Closed" due to storm damage.

Best Time to Camp at Bard Springs Recreation Area

Summer is the time to visit, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s and cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s. The stream stays cold year-round, making summer the only comfortable season for swimming. Winters here are very cold. Humidity picks up in summer afternoons, but the shaded forest and cold water balance it out.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer best for swimming and picnics; warm days, cool nights; many summer reviews positive.

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.

About Bard Springs Recreation Area

Bard Springs Recreation Area sits in the Ouachita National Forest at 1,316 feet elevation, offering 5 small tent sites with Adirondack-style shelters. Storm damage has closed the camping area, but the Day Use section remains open for visitors who can navigate the rough access road requiring at least a medium SUV.

The campground previously supported primitive and tent camping with Adirondack-type shelters, but all camping is currently closed due to extensive storm damage.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the time to visit, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s and cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s. The stream stays cold year-round, making summer the only comfortable season for swimming. Winters here are very cold. Humidity picks up in summer afternoons, but the shaded forest and cold water balance it out.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground centers on a mountain stream where two dams create cascading waterfalls and natural swimming pools. A historic stone bathhouse anchors the site, its weathered rock construction blending with the surrounding forest. Before storm damage, the area felt secluded and forested. Sites sit close to the creek, which provides the main soundtrack and visual focus.

Geological RegionNestled deep within the majestic Ouachita National Forest, this campground occupies a privileged position in one of America's oldest mountain ranges. The remote setting places you at the heart of an ancient landscape where weathered peaks cradle pristine streams, creating an intimate natural amphitheater perfect for reconnecting with the wilderness.

Scenic Views"The camping area has one of the most open clearings and views of the sky anywhere within a few miles." (User review by Joseph B).

Lodging & AccommodationsAdirondack-type shelters are present but severely damaged, with roofs torn off and trees on some of them.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered or mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group camping details are unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityDay Use Area: Walk-in access only, gate closed.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned or verified.

Site SizeSites were described as small, with Adirondack-style shelters available before the storm damage.

PrivacySites were noted as reasonably spaced out, offering a feel of seclusion and being in the middle of the forest before the storm damage.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

The Bard Springs Recreation Area is currently limited in amenities due to storm damage. The campground is closed, and most facilities are inaccessible. However, the Day Use area remains open, accessible by walking in after parking at the gate.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Tornado damage along the road and at the Campground" (User review by Lacifer Y).

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesMena Oden Ranger District provides emergency contact information: Phone (479) 394-2382.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling details are not provided. However, given the remote nature of the site and its current closed status, such facilities are unlikely to be available.

Water FeaturesThe site is next to streams and springs which are scenic, but access may be limited due to storm damage.

Cell Coverage"No phone signal, you are in the mountains," as mentioned in user reviews. Reception is nonexistent due to the remote, mountainous terrain.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bard Springs Recreation Area

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From Booking Sources

4.4

50 reviews

Recommended

Bard Springs Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Day-use swimmers and picnickers willing to park at the gate and walk in will find the creek, cascading pools, and old bathhouse still worth the trip on a summer afternoon.

Skip if

Anyone planning to camp overnight should know the sites are closed, the Adirondack shelters are damaged and inaccessible, and there's no potable water or cell signal anywhere on the property.

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Campgrounds

Ouachita National Forest

Bard Springs Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bard Springs Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Small campground with Adirondack-type shelters in a remote mountain setting on a small scenic stream. It provides a good site for a base camp for hikers in the Caney Creek Wilderness.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 1,420 ft. The campground is comprised of two sections. The "lower" section is not suited for RVs. It has five sites with shelters. Access road to campground is not RV friendly. The campground is primitive but scenic and is near Caney Creek Wilderness.

Seasons & access

Services provided March 1 through November 30

Facilities

Bathhouse closed at time of visit.

Directions

In Athens, AR, at the intersection of State Rts. 84 and 246, take Rt. 246 west for 2.2 miles to campground sign (Shady Lake Rd.). Turn right onto Shady Lake Rd. and go 7.7 miles to campground.

National Forest: Ouachita National Forest
Ranger District: Caddo/Womble
Elevation: 1420
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay: 14