Little Pines Recreation Area
4.5313 reviewsLittle Pines Recreation Area, West of Waldron, AR
Quick Facts
Price
$20 - $25/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20 - $25/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsLittle 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$45.00
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USFS
Provider(479) 637-4174
What Campers Say
4.53
Top-Rated
Based on 13 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."
Fees & Passes at Little Pines Recreation Area
$20 - $25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Stay Limit: 14-day period.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Poteau Cold Springs Ranger District website.
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.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are described by one user as 'having lots of room.' The campground has 9 sites with water and electric services.
Sites 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 CampsitesUsers 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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally. Boat ramp is open year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Dump station
Electricity hookups
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.
Hiking
The site has day hiking trails, but no further details on trail lengths or difficulty levels are provided.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
The 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.Boating
Non-motorized boating is available, with a boat ramp and docks provided. The lake is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported due to the availability of a boat ramp and dock facilities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSome 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.
Weather at Little Pines Recreation Area
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Poteau 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.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shoreline of Lake Hinkle, offering easy access to water for fishing, swimming, and boating activities.
Common complaintsLimited number of campsites (only 9), insufficient cleanliness in some areas (e.g., goose droppings), and lack of phone service were noted as complaints.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Park hosts are very friendly and helpful," one reviewer commented.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
13 reviews
Little Pines Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 13 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsSeasonal 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences were not discussed in the user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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