Shady Lake

4.52

139 reviews

Shady Lake Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest, Athens, Arkansas, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Arkansas Mountain Camping Arkansas Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arkansas +3 more

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Loops A and D: Open ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Ouachita National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Loops A and D: Open ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Ouachita National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Shady Lake

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping fees range from $10 to $40. Single sites (no hookups): $10/day, Single sites with electric and water: $15/day, Double sites with...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$15.00

Premium Site Fee$17.00

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) 394-2382

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 139 reviews

120 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleanhiking

"User reviews for Shady Lake highlight its beautiful scenery, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Common praise includes the clean bathrooms, abundant wildlife, and helpful camp hosts. However, some reviews point out issues like poor trail maintenance, lack of cell phone service, and the swimming area's condition."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Shady Lake Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest, Athens, Arkansas, USA

Shady Lake

Shady Lake Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest, Athens, Arkansas, USA

Driving directionsIn Athens, AR, at the intersection of State Rts. 84 and 246, take Rt. 246 west for 5 miles to campground sign (Shady Lake Rd.). Turn right onto Shady Lake Rd. and go 3 miles to campground.

Accessible via paved roads (Route 246) and unpaved roads (Route 375). User review notes: 'Use the 246 road much easier to get to, paved the whole way.' Another user review warns: 'Do not take 375 road. Pavement ends, and the road is awful.'

Nearby places

40 miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas (~1-hour drive), 45 miles southeast of Mena, Arkansas (~1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

User review mentions 'mom and pop stores' nearby but notes they close at 5 PM and on Sundays, recommending visitors come well-prepared.

Best Time to Camp at Shady Lake

Experience the full tapestry of seasons in this mountain retreat, where temperatures dance between a crisp 50°F and a warm 90°F throughout the year. The climate paints each season with its own palette—spring wildflowers, summer's golden sunshine, autumn's fiery foliage, and winter's peaceful quietude. While the region typically enjoys dry conditions perfect for outdoor adventures, nature occasionally orchestrates dramatic storm performances that transform the trails and add an element of raw beauty to the landscape. Each season brings its own rewards, making this a year-round destination for those who appreciate nature's ever-changing moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (busy) with open facilities and warm temps; mixed swim reports in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter shoulder season with great scenery and strong wildlife/viewing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers abundant wildlife sightings and quieter visits than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Major loops closed in winter; limited visitor activity and facilities then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March to November for most loops.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Loops A and D: Open 1st weekend in March through last weekend in November. Loop A's bathhouse: Open last weekend in March through 1st weekend in November. Loop B: Open March through November.

About Shady Lake

Nestled in the heart of a remote mountain wilderness, this enchanting 25-acre lake offers an escape to nature's tranquility. Born from the skilled hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers in 1937, this historic campground seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern conveniences. Four distinct camping loops (A through D) wind through the landscape, offering everything from back-to-basics primitive sites to comfortable spots with electric and water hookups. Modern bathhouses provide all the essentials—warm showers, flush toilets, and fully accessible facilities—ensuring comfort doesn't end where adventure begins. When the sun climbs high, cool off at pristine swimming areas, gather under shaded picnic pavilions, or fire up the BBQ grills for an unforgettable outdoor feast. For those seeking to stretch their legs, a scenic 3-mile trail hugs the shoreline of Shady Lake, revealing hidden coves and breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Shady Lake offers a range of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, and combined sites. There are no group sites or cabin accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the 1930s, when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed this wilderness into a recreational haven during America's Great Depression. Their legacy lives on in the enduring structures that dot the landscape—weathered fire towers that once stood sentinel against forest blazes, and sturdy dams that helped create the serene waters visitors enjoy today. These historic monuments serve as powerful reminders of American ingenuity and determination, adding layers of meaning to every hiking trail and lakeside view. Walking these grounds is like turning the pages of a living history book, where each stone and timber tells a story of conservation, craftsmanship, and community.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of seasons in this mountain retreat, where temperatures dance between a crisp 50°F and a warm 90°F throughout the year. The climate paints each season with its own palette—spring wildflowers, summer's golden sunshine, autumn's fiery foliage, and winter's peaceful quietude. While the region typically enjoys dry conditions perfect for outdoor adventures, nature occasionally orchestrates dramatic storm performances that transform the trails and add an element of raw beauty to the landscape. Each season brings its own rewards, making this a year-round destination for those who appreciate nature's ever-changing moods.

ElevationPerched at 1,280 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer's heat. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain breezes whisper through the trees even on the warmest days, and morning mists dance across the lake's surface before dissolving in the sunrise. This elevated position means temperatures can dip refreshingly lower than the valleys below, so pack that extra layer—you'll be grateful for it when evening falls and the mountain air turns crisp.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to mirror-like reflections on the lake's surface, where mountain peaks paint themselves in liquid silver each dawn. This pristine wilderness serves as a living gallery of nature's finest work, from the rugged mountain terrain that frames every view to the gentle lapping of water against the shore. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a thriving ecosystem where white-tailed deer emerge at twilight to drink from hidden springs, and playful mink dart along the water's edge—as one enchanted visitor noted, 'Wildlife here is abundant; I have seen mink scampering about.' Every sunrise brings new discoveries, whether it's the haunting call of a barred owl or the splash of a bass breaking the surface of the lake.

Geological RegionHidden within the vast embrace of the Ouachita National Forest, this mountain gem sits at the doorstep of the untamed Caney Creek Wilderness. The landscape tells an ancient geological story written in stone and water—the Saline River carves its timeless path through the valleys, while the challenging Tall Peak Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. Historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures stand as testaments to human harmony with this rugged terrain, their weathered stones and timbers now part of the natural tapestry. This is where the raw beauty of the Ouachita Mountains reveals itself in full glory, offering adventurers a chance to explore one of America's oldest mountain ranges.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days per stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour loops (A-D). Loop B: Lake views and shady sites. Loop C: Quiet and secluded. Loop D: Newer shower facilities.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations. Sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityYes, walk-up availability is the only option as reservations are not allowed.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available in Loops A and D. Parking aprons are paved and gravel, making accessibility viable for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. Parking aprons are paved and gravel.

PrivacySites provide excellent privacy between campers, as noted by several user reviews. One remarked, 'Privacy between campsites is excellent,' while another noted spacious and flat sites.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend Loop B for lake proximity and quiet environment. Full hookups are available at site #C22.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Shady Lake Recreational Area offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating (non-motorized and electric motors only), and wildlife viewing. Several trails are available for both mountain bikers and hikers, ranging from interpretive trails to the more challenging Tall Peak Trail. Fishing is popular in the lake and below the dam, where largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish are abundant. The swimming area has mixed reviews due to issues with vegetation and rotting plant matter in the lake. Wildlife is abundant, with reports of deer, mink, and various critters. User reviews highlight the serenity and peacefulness of the area.

HikingThree primary trails are available: the Interpretive Trail (0.5 miles), Shady Lake Trail (3.1 miles), and Tall Peak Trail (3.2 miles). The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes historical landmarks like the Shady Lake Dam. Several user reviews noted that trails could benefit from better maintenance, with one stating, 'The trails are very neglected and hard to follow without fresh blazing on the trees.'

FishingFishing is allowed in the lake and below the dam. Common catches include largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. One user praised the fishing experience, saying, 'A particularly wonderful place to fish is just below the spillway or the dam.'

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in a designated area near the dock. However, reviews are mixed, with one user describing the lake as 'disgusting' due to rotting plant matter, while another said, 'Not a good place to swim in my opinion but others do.'

BikingMountain biking is allowed on the Shady Lake Trail, which spans 3.1 miles. No additional details about biking terrain or difficulty are provided.

BoatingBoating is limited to non-motorized and electric motors only. Reviews confirm the presence of a dock and boat ramp.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. Users have reported sightings of deer, mink, coyotes, and owls. One user commented, 'Wildlife here is abundant, and I have even been privileged enough to see a few mink scampering about.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unpredictable river levels after rain, wildlife like mink, and spider presence at campsites. User reviews caution no cellphone service.

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.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided at every campsite. No other specific fire policies mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNo emergency services directly mentioned. User review advises no cellphone service in the campground. Emergencies require traveling to the main road to meet EMS.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.

Water FeaturesLakefront and riverfront access. Nearby creeks and waterfalls such as Little Missouri Falls and Tall Peak Trail.

Camp HostCampground hosts are praised for their helpfulness. Example: 'The B loop camp supervisor was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable.'

Weather at Shady Lake

Reviews

4.5

139 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews for Shady Lake highlight its beautiful scenery, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Common praise includes the clean bathrooms, abundant wildlife, and helpful camp hosts. However, some reviews point out issues like poor trail maintenance, lack of cell phone service, and the swimming area's condition.

Review Summaries

Based on 139 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-stocked facilities, serene and peaceful environment, good privacy between campsites, abundant wildlife sightings, helpful camp hosts, and ample fishing and hiking opportunities.

Based on 139 reviews

Common Concerns

Swimming conditions are poor due to vegetation and rotting plant matter in the lake, issues with trail maintenance, lack of cell phone service, and occasional closures of bathroom facilities.

Based on 139 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient supplies as local stores close early and are closed on Sundays. Use Route 246 for easier access. Opt for Loop D showers, which are newer. Best fishing spots are below the dam.

Based on 139 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during summer but quieter in shoulder seasons like spring or fall. Wildlife sightings are common in spring, while summer reviews often highlight poor...

Based on 139 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were clean, plenty of toilet paper, toilets weren't dirty!' - Jeannie Shook 2. 'If you're looking for a place to be off-grid for a few days or even a week. Heck, even a month if...

Based on 139 reviews