Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

4.59

74 reviews

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Hot Springs National Park#3 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arkansas

Quick Facts

360 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open 1st Friday in M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Arkansas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

360 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open 1st Friday in M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Arkansas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per day for single sites without hookups; $15 per day for sites with electric hookups.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$15.00

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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USFS

Provider

(501) 868-5806lakesylvia@arkansas.com

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 74 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshowersrestrooms

"User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing cleanliness, peacefulness, and the beauty of the campground. Complaints are minimal but include concerns about theft and limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Driving directionsTake Arkansas Hwy. 9 south from Perryville, AR for 8.5 miles; turn right (southwest) at sign on Arkansas Hwy. 324 for 4 miles.

Roads are generally accessible year-round but there is no turn-around for RVs. Visitors are strongly advised to walk into sites before committing a vehicle.

Nearby places

Little Rock, AR (38 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Each season paints Lake Sylvia in different hues of beauty. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating perfect hiking conditions. Summer transforms the area into a swimmer's paradise, with warm sunshine filtering through the canopy and temperatures ideal for lakeside relaxation. Autumn wraps the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, while winter brings a quiet tranquility, with crisp air and frost-kissed mornings that reward early risers with ethereal forest scenes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AR

Summer reviews highlight comfortable water temps and excellent swimming/boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October; likely pleasant with foliage and trails but fewer review details.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens first Friday in May; spring wildflowers and good hiking conditions reported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed after early October; winter reviews unavailable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open 1st Friday in May through the 1st Monday, after the first weekend, in October.
Current Alerts: Lake and swim area have been drained for updates, but expected to be amazing once completed.

About Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, Lake Sylvia Recreation Area beckons with its pristine 18-acre lake, where crystal-clear waters invite swimmers to cool off on summer afternoons and anglers to cast their lines in peaceful solitude. This hidden gem sits adjacent to thriving turkey habitats, where early morning gobbles echo through the forest. Winding trails lead adventurers through the surrounding woodlands, including a thoughtfully designed interpretive trail featuring Braille signage that ensures everyone can discover the wonders of this natural sanctuary.

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area offers accommodations for both RV and tent camping, as well as group camping options with limited information on capacities.

Historical SignificanceStep into history at nearby Camp Ouachita, where the legacy of the Ouachita National Forest comes alive. This historic site serves as a gateway to understanding the region's rich natural heritage. Interpretive trails wind through the landscape, revealing stories of the indigenous flora and fauna that have thrived here for centuries. Each marker along the path unveils another chapter in the forest's narrative, from ancient ecosystems to conservation efforts that preserve this treasure for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Lake Sylvia in different hues of beauty. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating perfect hiking conditions. Summer transforms the area into a swimmer's paradise, with warm sunshine filtering through the canopy and temperatures ideal for lakeside relaxation. Autumn wraps the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, while winter brings a quiet tranquility, with crisp air and frost-kissed mornings that reward early risers with ethereal forest scenes.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 360 feet above sea level, Lake Sylvia offers an accessible mountain experience where gentle terrain meets forest splendor, creating an ideal basecamp for explorers of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of towering pines and stately hardwoods creates a living cathedral around Lake Sylvia's mirror-like waters. This 18-acre aquatic jewel reflects the surrounding forest canopy, where oak and pine branches intertwine to shelter diverse wildlife. Wild turkeys strut through the underbrush, while songbirds fill the air with their melodies. The interplay of water and woodland creates countless scenic vistas, from misty morning lake views to dappled sunlight filtering through the forest afternoon.

Geological RegionTucked into the northeast corner of the magnificent Ouachita National Forest, Lake Sylvia rests in a natural bowl created by pine and oak-clad mountains. These ancient peaks, worn smooth by millennia, cradle the campground in a protective embrace. The unique geology of the Ouachita range, with its east-west running ridges, creates a distinctive landscape found nowhere else in North America, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the continent's most intriguing mountain formations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutLoop A is suitable for paved parking aprons; Loop B has gravel aprons and is tent camping only.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability only.

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe facility includes wheelchair-friendly flush toilets and an accessible interpretive trail (Trees of the Forest Trail) with Braille signage for visitors with visual impairments.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious by users. One review noted, "Each site was pretty spacious and featured a table, fire pit, and grill top.

PrivacySites are not too close together, providing some level of privacy per user reviews: "The campground was great, good spaces, not too close together.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk into sites before committing vehicles due to lack of turn-around for RVs.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, hiking on both interpretive and more challenging trails, mountain biking, and picnicking. Catfish fishing and swimming are particularly popular activities.

HikingThe hiking experience includes the accessible Trees of the Forest Trail (0.4 miles, paved, with Braille signs), the Lake Sylvia Spur connecting to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, and other interpretive trails and loops. User reviews frequently praise the trails: "Beautiful park with cool trails, a neat cave, and a big dam."

FishingFishing in Lake Sylvia is noted for catfish. A user review mentions, "Great for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in a boat."

SwimmingSwimming is available in the small 18-acre lake, which has a grassy beach. One user mentioned, "The lake is small, and the water temperature stays really nice in the summer."

BikingMountain biking opportunities are available, and gravel roads nearby are suitable for off-roading.

BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are allowed and popular. One user stated, "Great for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in a boat."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible in the area, especially along the interpretive trails. No specific details about animals were provided.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotentially challenging terrain for vehicles; theft incidents have been reported at the campground.

Active AlertsLake and swim area have been drained for updates, but expected to be amazing once completed.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesJessieville/Winona Ranger District Office in Jessieville, AR; approximately 27 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to the 18-acre Lake Sylvia, which offers opportunities for swimming and fishing.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available and noted as very friendly and helpful by users.

Weather at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6

74 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing cleanliness, peacefulness, and the beauty of the campground. Complaints are minimal but include concerns about theft and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 74 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and friendly park rangers. Swimming, fishing, and accessible trails are highly praised.

Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported theft: "Last time I was there thieves broke a lock on a trailer and stole the whole thing." Another mentioned the tight space for larger RVs.

Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water as it is unavailable on-site. Check site accessibility for larger RVs before committing. Visit the dam and trails for scenic views.

Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the comfortable water temperature in the lake and the pleasant camping experience. Winter reviews are unavailable.

Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved this place. So wish I'd have known about it sooner." "The campground was great, good spaces, not too close together, and beautiful air-conditioned bathrooms."

Based on 74 reviews