Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
4.6225 reviewsLake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR
Quick Facts
360 ftPrice
$10 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open 1st Friday in M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
360 ftPrice
$10 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open 1st Friday in M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsLake 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
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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USFS
Provider(501) 868-5806lakesylvia@arkansas.com
What Campers Say
4.62
Top-Rated
Based on 25 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."
Fees & Passes at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
$10 - $15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Stay Limit: 14 days maximum stay
Cancellation: Null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Arkansas State Parks website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by users. One review noted, "Each site was pretty spacious and featured a table, fire pit, and grill top."
Sites 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 CampsitesWalk into sites before committing vehicles due to lack of turn-around for RVs.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 1st Friday in May through the 1st Monday, after the first weekend, in October.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability only.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
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.
Hiking
The 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."Fishing
Fishing in Lake Sylvia is noted for catfish. A user review mentions, "Great for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in a boat."Swimming
Swimming 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."Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available, and gravel roads nearby are suitable for off-roading.Boating
Non-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 viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible in the area, especially along the interpretive trails. No specific details about animals were provided.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive trails with educational signage provide an opportunity for learning about tree species and wildlife in the area.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are the primary water sports available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotentially 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.
Weather at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Jessieville/Winona Ranger District Office in Jessieville, AR; approximately 27 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the 18-acre Lake Sylvia, which offers opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include theft incidents and challenges for larger RVs due to tight spaces.
HostCampground hosts are available and noted as very friendly and helpful by users.
Campground Map
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
25 reviews
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 25 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 25 reviewsCommon 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 25 reviewsPro 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 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the comfortable water temperature in the lake and the pleasant camping experience. Winter reviews are unavailable.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper 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 25 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Reviews for sites with electricity, such as 1-14, were positive. Sites 6, 7, and 8 have electric hookups but no turnaround for RVs.
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
Positive feedback on wheelchair-friendly facilities and the accessible interpretive trail with Braille signage.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences regarding pets.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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