Cove Lake Recreation Area

Star4.57
160 reviews
19 COVE LAKE LOOP, PARIS, AR 72855, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

January 1 to Decembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Ozark-St. Francis National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cove Lake Recreation Area
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric campsites are available for $15 per night, and group shelters with electricity cost $35 per night. Fees do not include...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
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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Provider
479-963-6421
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 160 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Paris, take Highway 109 south, then turn southeast on Highway 309 for 9 miles.
Access roads are paved and well-maintained, though the campground gates are locked after 10 PM, which can pose challenges during emergencies, as noted in user reviews.
Nearby places
Paris, AR - 15 miles
Havana, AR - 10 miles
Nearby supplies
A small store is reportedly located about a mile away, as per user reviews mentioning proximity to Mount Magazine.

Best Time to Camp at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Summer transforms Cove Lake into a vibrant aquatic playground, though Arkansas humidity wraps the landscape in a warm, tropical embrace that can feel intense during peak afternoon hours. Savvy campers often discover that winter unveils the area's hidden charm—crisp mountain air replaces summer's sultry breath, pesky insects retreat, and hiking trails become inviting pathways through a peaceful, dormant forest. Clear skies dominate most seasons, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor activities year-round.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Vibrant aquatic playground with swimming/boating but can be crowded and humid in peak summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-season reviews praise peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty—fall foliage likely enhances views.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring supports fishing, hiking and blossoming scenery; generally positive seasonal experiences reported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but limited winter activities, occasional winter notes and off-season service limitations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: January 1 to December 31 annually.

About Cove Lake Recreation Area

Nestled alongside a pristine 160-acre mountain lake, Cove Lake Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover one of Arkansas's most cherished summer retreats. This scenic campground seamlessly blends modern camping amenities with natural splendor, where families gather to cast fishing lines at dawn, splash in crystal-clear waters under the afternoon sun, and explore winding forest trails. Whether you're setting up a tent beneath towering trees or parking your RV with panoramic lake views, Cove Lake offers an authentic Arkansas outdoor experience where memories are made around campfires and adventures begin with each sunrise.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe recreation area includes hiking trails around the lake. User reviews note varied experiences: "Nice hike around the lake that actually goes through the campsite," mentioned one reviewer. However, another user described the trail as poorly maintained: "Their hiking trail next to the lake was grown up and lacking proper maintenance."
FishingFishing opportunities at Cove Lake are robust, with species including catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch. "Huge crappie in lake," noted one review, while another praised the lake's annual stocking program.
SwimmingSwimming is available in a designated area of Cove Lake. However, dogs are not permitted in the swimming beach area, as noted by reviewers: "Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed on a leash on the nearby grassy area."
BoatingA boat ramp is available, and canoe and paddleboat rentals are provided by an on-site concessionaire. "We pulled our inflatable boat right up to the edge of the site," noted one reviewer.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching and observing wildlife like elk are notable activities at Cove Lake. "Lots of birds and great sunsets," shared one reviewer.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention ticks, fire ants, broken glass, and nails on sites as potential hazards.

Weather at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6
160 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 160 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews for Loop A indicate high satisfaction with lake views and cleanliness. Campsite 006 was particularly praised: "Beautiful area, rest rooms clean, as well as the campground."...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 160 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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