Little Pines Recreation Area

4.24

42 reviews

Little Pines Recreation Area, West of Waldron, AR

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

$20 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

817 ft

Price

$20 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Little Pines Recreation Area

$20.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $20 per night for single sites with electric only, and $25 per night for single sites with electric and sewer. Day-use fees are...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$25.00

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

(479) 637-4174

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 42 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationwater

"User reviews of Little Pines Recreation Area highlight its peaceful and well-maintained environment, friendliness of the park hosts, and suitability for fishing and relaxation. Some concerns include lack of phone service and occasional cleanliness issues in the swimming area. Most reviewers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and spacious campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Little Pines Recreation Area, West of Waldron, AR

Little Pines Recreation Area

Little Pines Recreation Area, West of Waldron, AR

Driving directionsTake Arkansas Hwy. 248 west from Waldron, AR, for 11-1/2 miles.

Paved roads provide access to the campground. Navigation is straightforward as it is located along Hwy. 248, west of Waldron.

Nearby places

Waldron, AR: 11.5 miles (approx. 20-30 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Essential supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping necessities are obtainable in Waldron, AR, approximately 11.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Little Pines Recreation Area

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons at Little Pines, where nature's moods create year-round adventures. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days averaging 51°F, perfect for cozy campfires and peaceful solitude as temperatures dip to around 34°F at night. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures soaring into the 90s°F—ideal for cooling off in Lake Hinkle's inviting waters. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering mild temperatures and minimal rainfall that create perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and simply soaking in the natural beauty without weather extremes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for swimming, boating, fishing; some users note swimming-area cleanliness issues in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quiet, scenic forest and lake likely great in fall; reviewers note peace across seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely offers excellent fishing, paddling and pleasant weather; reviews praise year-round appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 13% in AR

Winter days average ~51°F and are noted as peaceful; campground is open seasonally (some limits).

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally. Boat ramp is open year-round.

About Little Pines Recreation Area

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Hinkle, Little Pines Recreation Area beckons with its intimate collection of nine modern campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with water and electric hookups. This hidden gem in the Ouachita National Forest creates the perfect basecamp for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Wake up to gentle lake breezes and spend your days exploring pristine swimming areas, launching from convenient boat docks, casting a line from the dedicated fishing pier, or discovering scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. Despite its modest size, Little Pines delivers an outsized camping experience where modern comfort meets natural splendor.

The campground primarily caters to RV and tent campers, with 9 sites offering water and electric hookups. First-come, first-serve availability and a 14-day stay limit apply. There are also designated areas for day-use picnicking.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Little Pines, where nature's moods create year-round adventures. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days averaging 51°F, perfect for cozy campfires and peaceful solitude as temperatures dip to around 34°F at night. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures soaring into the 90s°F—ideal for cooling off in Lake Hinkle's inviting waters. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering mild temperatures and minimal rainfall that create perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and simply soaking in the natural beauty without weather extremes.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Hinkle serves as the campground's crown jewel, its shimmering waters creating an ever-changing canvas of reflections and ripples that captivate visitors throughout the day. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest embraces the campground with towering trees that provide natural shade and frame spectacular views. Morning mists rise from the lake surface while evening light filters through the forest canopy, creating magical moments for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The diverse aquatic ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, from graceful waterfowl to jumping fish, while the forested shores echo with birdsong and rustling leaves.

Geological RegionLittle Pines rests within the ancient embrace of the Ouachita National Forest, where millennia of natural forces have carved out the spectacular 1,000-acre Lake Hinkle. This remarkable aquatic jewel sits cradled by rolling forested terrain that showcases the region's distinctive topography. The interplay between water and woodland creates diverse ecosystems where aquatic habitats seamlessly blend with forest environments, offering visitors a chance to experience the full spectrum of Ouachita's natural wonders from a single campground base.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features nine campsites, well-dispersed for privacy, with shaded areas. Day-use facilities include picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a pavilion.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described by one user as 'having lots of room.' The campground has 9 sites with water and electric services.

PrivacyAccording to user reviews, campsites are well-dispersed and not crammed next to each other, offering good privacy. One user noted, "Camping spaces are well dispersed, not all crammed right next to each other, well shaded, well maintained.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend this campground for its quiet ambiance and well-shaded sites. "Camping spaces are well dispersed, not all crammed right next to each other; well shaded, well maintained," said one reviewer.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Little Pines Recreation Area offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating on Lake Hinkle. The lake is known for 'bountiful fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, bream, sunfish, and catfish.' The day-use area includes picnic tables with BBQ grills and a designated swimming site.

HikingThe site has day hiking trails, but no further details on trail lengths or difficulty levels are provided.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant at Lake Hinkle, with bass, crappie, bream, sunfish, and catfish commonly available. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages the lake, ensuring it's stocked and maintained for fishing activities. A fish cleaning station is also on-site for campers' convenience.

SwimmingThe campground features a designated swimming area. However, one user complained about the cleanliness of the water due to 'goose poop everywhere,' which deterred them from swimming. Another user described it as 'peaceful' and suitable for kids.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is available, with a boat ramp and docks provided. The lake is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome users report the presence of goose droppings, which could be a potential hygiene concern. Additionally, there is limited to no phone service in the area.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Emergency ServicesPoteau Cold Springs Ranger District Office at 1541 AR-248 Waldron, AR 72958 (Phone: (479) 637-4174). Closest emergency medical services are likely in Waldron, AR.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the shoreline of Lake Hinkle, offering easy access to water for fishing, swimming, and boating activities.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Park hosts are very friendly and helpful," one reviewer commented.

Weather at Little Pines Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2

42 reviews

Satisfactory

Little Pines Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Little Pines Recreation Area highlight its peaceful and well-maintained environment, friendliness of the park hosts, and suitability for fishing and relaxation. Some concerns include lack of phone service and occasional cleanliness issues in the swimming area. Most reviewers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and spacious campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praise the campground's cleanliness, shaded picnic areas, well-maintained facilities, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. One user described it as 'my new favorite campground,' and...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include limited phone service and the cleanliness of the swimming area, with one user noting 'goose poop everywhere.' Another reviewer mentioned the limited number of campsites as a...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend the campground for its quiet atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. It’s suggested to arrive early to secure a site due to the limited number of campsites.

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews consistently highlight the campground's quietness and peacefulness across seasons. However, users noted the lack of phone service and occasional cleanliness issues in the swimming area,...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Camping spaces are well dispersed, not all crammed right next to each other, well shaded, well maintained.' - 'The only thing that some may not like is that there is very little to no phone...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

While specific site numbers are not mentioned, users generally describe sites as spacious and well-maintained. One reviewer noted, 'Nice sites by the lake with lots of room.'

Based on 42 reviews