4.2139 reviewsPrice
$10 - $40/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
51 campsites
Season
Loops A and D: Open ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$10 - $40/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
51 campsites
Season
Loops A and D: Open ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
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Shady Lake Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest, Athens, Arkansas, USA
Anglers, wildlife watchers, and fall foliage seekers will find a lot to like: largemouth bass below the spillway, regular deer and mink sightings, and October hardwoods turning red and gold. Loop B overlooks the lake with good privacy and a helpful host. RVs up to 32 feet fit, an
No cell service anywhere in camp, and the nearest EMS requires driving to the main road. Swimmers will likely be disappointed by lake vegetation and rotting plant matter. Arrive with all supplies; local stores close at 5 PM and go dark on Sundays. First-come, first-served only.
Reference information about Shady Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek, passes the historic Shady Lake Dam, and continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.</p><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>The campground is made up of four camping loops, with 51 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric and water services provided. Bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets. Day use hosts a swimming site, picnic pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables with BBQ grills and a 3-mile hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Shady Lake. Campsites can accommodate RV's up to 32-feet in length. Shady Lake is located approximately 40 miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas, and 45 southeast of Mena, Arkansas.</p>
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Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs in October run from the mid-50s to mid-70s, with nights dropping into the 40s. The foliage peaks then, and the lake stays calm as summer crowds thin. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures but also occasional storms that can make trails muddy. Summer reaches into the 90s, good for swimming but busy on weekends. Winter sees the least use and periodic hunting season nearby. Be aware that the main bathroom facilities close seasonally, so check ahead if you're visiting outside peak months.
Fall described as best time: peak foliage, ideal temps, calm lake and fewer crowds.
The Shady Lake campground offers four camping loops designated as A through D with a total of 51 campsites. Amenities vary greatly, ranging from primitive sites with no hookups to sites equipped with electric, water, and even sewer connections. The bathhouses provide flush toilets and hot showers, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are available in Loops A and D. Additionally, picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each campsite, and there are water spigots located on the bathhouse walls in two loops. A waste station is available for campers, but potable water is not available on-site. There is a dock and a designated swimming area near the lake, but reviews suggest varying opinions on the swimming conditions. Multiple user reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the facilities and the availability of free clean water throughout the area. One user specifically noted, 'The bathrooms were clean, plenty of toilet paper, toilets weren't dirty!' while another cited issues such as a bathroom door that wouldn't shut properly.
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Pulled from per-site mentions in 39 reviews.
Site #C22 offers full hookups and is popular for its quiet surroundings.
Loop B overlooks the lake and features good privacy and a helpful camp host.
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