How much does camping cost at Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Cove Lake Recreation Area are $15 - $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Cove Lake Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cove Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Cove Lake Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

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

Cove Lake Recreation Area is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, Cove Lake Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cove Lake Recreation Area have?

Cove Lake Recreation Area has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cove Lake Recreation Area?

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

Cove Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cove Lake Recreation Area?

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

Cove Lake Recreation Area

4.50

160 reviews

19 COVE LAKE LOOP, PARIS, AR 72855, USA

Top 20% in ARSummer

B+Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Arkansas Mountain Camping Arkansas Winter Camping Arkansas +8 more

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Cove Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pavilion: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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Provider

479-963-6421

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Campground Map

19 COVE LAKE LOOP, PARIS, AR 72855, USA

Cove Lake Recreation Area

19 COVE LAKE LOOP, PARIS, AR 72855, USA

Nearby places

Paris, AR - 15 miles

Havana, AR - 10 miles

Weather at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer brings reliably warm water and long daylight—perfect for swimming, boating, and family fishing on the 160-acre lake (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F at 2,700 ft, with nights in the 50s–60s). Aquatic activities and full campground services are at their peak, though expect higher weekend crowds and afternoon thunderstorms; early mornings and weekdays are best for quiet fishing and paddling. If you want lake recreation and full amenity access, summer is the clearest bet. Peak months: June, July, September, October

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in AR

Summer is best for swimming, boating and long daylight; however swim areas can be crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Cove Lake Recreation Area

Cove Lake Recreation Area sits on a 160-acre lake in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests near Paris, Arkansas. The Forest Service runs this foothills campground with tent sites, RV spots, primitive options, and rental cabins. Visitors fish, swim, boat, and hike during the seasonal operating window, with showers and a camp store on-site.

Cove Lake Recreation Area accommodates tent and RV camping, cabins, and group camping. While hookups are not available, sites offer basic amenities like campfire rings, picnic tables, and grills.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings reliably warm water and long daylight—perfect for swimming, boating, and family fishing on the 160-acre lake (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F at 2,700 ft, with nights in the 50s–60s). Aquatic activities and full campground services are at their peak, though expect higher weekend crowds and afternoon thunderstorms; early mornings and weekdays are best for quiet fishing and paddling. If you want lake recreation and full amenity access, summer is the clearest bet. Peak months: June, July, September, October

Elevation2700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within mature mixed forest where hardwoods and evergreens provide heavy shade. The 160-acre lake dominates the landscape, with several sites offering direct water views. Bass, catfish, and panfish populate the lake. The surrounding Ozark ridges and valleys create the classic Arkansas River Valley terrain. Dramatic rock formations and steep terrain characteristic of ancient mountain geology. Wildlife sightings are common in the dense forest canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins are available at the campground, as stated in reviews like, "We loved the cabin we stayed in - cabin 1, November and December for hunting over the weekends."

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is given about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityMultiple accessibility options are available, including accessible flush toilets, vault toilets, parking, picnic shelters, and grills.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate variability in campsite sizes. Some sites are described as spacious, with one user noting, "Nice big campsites with lake views," while others are smaller, fitting only one large tent.

PrivacyCampground sites are reported as well-spaced, offering privacy. "Spots are spaced out nicely so there's no cramping issues," one user review stated.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect lakeside sites for better views and privacy, and avoid sites prone to ant infestations as per reviews.

Best CampsitesSites #007, #008, and #012 get consistent mentions for direct lake access and spacious layouts. Several reviewers note that lakeside sites offer the best views, though site sizes vary. Some fit only one large tent while others are described as notably roomy.

Need help booking Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Hookups are not available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Cove Lake Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, scenic drives, and miniature golf. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, and the area hosts a kids' fishing derby annually.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp plus canoe/paddleboat rentals and water-skiing reported; active boating access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoe/kayak/paddleboat rentals and calm lake make it well-suited for paddling.

Hiking3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, forested shorelines, ridges and dark skies create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection services are available, as noted in authoritative sources, but recycling details are absent.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate that cell phone reception is unreliable in the campground. "No cell service for ATT but on T-Mobile/sprint I got one bar randomly," mentioned one reviewer. Another user stated, "You will likely have zero cell service so keep this in mind."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Cove Lake Recreation Area

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From Booking Sources

4.5

160 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight a mixture of positive and negative experiences. Common themes include scenic lake views, spacious campsites, and clean facilities. However, complaints range from excessive ant infestations to inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours. Some users praise the campground staff for being helpful and attentive during emergencies.

Review Summaries

Based on 160 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 160 reviews.

Loop ALoved
Site-specific reviews for Loop A indicate high satisfaction with lake views and cleanliness.
Campsite 006Loved
Campsite 006 was particularly praised: "Beautiful area, rest rooms clean, as well as the campground." Campsite 010 offered scenic serenity but had noisy…

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the campground's beautiful setting by the lake, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. "A family-friendly atmosphere with clean areas and facilities," stated one...

Based on 160 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include ant infestation, noise during quiet hours, and maintenance issues like poor trail upkeep and lack of toilet paper in vault toilets. "Sites are overrun with ants. Fire ants...

Based on 160 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and noise-canceling earplugs for a more comfortable stay. Prepare for limited cell service and bring all necessary provisions due to the campground's remote location.

Based on 160 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews highlight overcrowding at swimming areas and ant infestations. Off-season reviews emphasize the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, but note the lack of available water and...

Based on 160 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to tent camp," "Beautiful campground with fantastic camping spaces," "Quiet and peaceful with breathtaking views," "Sites are spaced out nicely so there's no cramping issues," "Friendly...

Based on 160 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like flush toilets, vault toilets, and picnic shelters received praise in reviews: "Accessible occupant facilities and grills," stated one reviewer, "Vault toilets in the camp...

Based on 160 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies received mixed feedback. While dogs are allowed and leashed, they are prohibited from swimming areas. "Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed on a leash nearby," shared one...

Based on 160 reviews

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Cove Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pavilion: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

479-963-6421

Go if

You want a family lake vacation with full facilities and multiple lodging options in the Ozark foothills.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet hours or prefer off-season camping outside the peak operating window.

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Cove Lake Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Cove Lake Recreation Area

Campground Map

Weather at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Cove Lake Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Cove Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns