How much does camping cost at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area range from $10-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lake Sylvia Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served availability only.

What is the best time to visit Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Lake Sylvia 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 Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area: Campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Sylvia Recreation Area have?

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Sylvia 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 Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

4.49

74 reviews

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Top 15% in ARSummer

Summer 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

Electric

Check Availability 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

Electric

Check Availability 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

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USFS

Provider

(501) 868-5806lakesylvia@arkansas.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville, AR

Nearby places

Little Rock, AR (38 miles)

Weather at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Current alert: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area and Camp Ouachita are now managed by the Arkansas State Parks.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Summer brings the best conditions for lake use, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and water temperatures in the 70s-80s°F. The campground operates at full capacity during these months. Weekends draw more families and anglers, but weekdays stay active without heavy crowds. Spring and fall offer cooler hiking weather, while winter brings quiet mornings with occasional frost.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AR

Best season for lake use; reviewers praise water temps in 70s–80s and full summer operation.

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.

About Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area sits in the northeast corner of the Ouachita National Forest, where 27 campsites surround an 18-acre lake. Sites run $10-15 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground offers both RV sites with electric hookups and tent-only areas, though larger rigs may struggle with tighter spaces in some loops.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for lake use, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and water temperatures in the 70s-80s°F. The campground operates at full capacity during these months. Weekends draw more families and anglers, but weekdays stay active without heavy crowds. Spring and fall offer cooler hiking weather, while winter brings quiet mornings with occasional frost.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a natural bowl formed by pine and oak-covered mountains at 360 feet elevation. The Ouachita range's unusual east-west ridges create terrain found nowhere else in North America. The 18-acre lake reflects the surrounding forest canopy and supports populations of bass and bream. Wild turkeys move through the woods, and songbirds are active throughout the day. The mix of pine and hardwood provides varied shade across the sites.

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the lake, pine, and oak-clad mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo official or user-provided information mentions hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive trails with educational signage provide an opportunity for learning about tree species and wildlife in the area.

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 features paved parking aprons and accommodates RVs. Loop B has gravel aprons and is restricted to tent camping. Sites aren't too close together according to regular visitors, offering reasonable privacy.

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.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 7, and 8 have electric hookups. Reviews mention spacious sites throughout the campground, though some spots are tight for larger RVs. Check site dimensions before booking if you're bringing a big rig.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

74 reviews

Recommended

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Site-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 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

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback on wheelchair-friendly facilities and the accessible interpretive trail with Braille signage.

Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences regarding pets.

Based on 74 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers and kayakers who arrive mid-week will find Loop B's gravel sites with solid spacing and direct lake access. The grassy swim beach and catfish fishing are the draws, and the friendly hosts keep the place clean and well-run.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling your own supply, and theft has hit the campground before, including one trailer stolen outright. Larger RVs should avoid sites 6-8, which have electric hookups but no room to turn around.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.3

(37)

South Fourche Recreation Area

8607 N Hwy 7 Jessieville, AR 71949

South Fourche Recreation Area sits along Scenic Highway 7 in Ouachita National Forest, offering one primitive campsite directly on the South Fourche River. The site costs $5 per night and functions primarily as a convenient stopover for travelers on the byway. It's roadside with minimal privacy, but the river access and clean facilities make it a practical quick-camp option.

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Campground Map

Weather at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews