Charlton Recreation Area

Star4.23
268 reviews
Charlton Campground, 11500 Albert Pike Road, Royal, AR, 71968

Quick Facts

745 ft

Price

$15 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Charlton Recreation Area
$15.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 for tent-only non-electric sites to $40 for group standard area electric and non-electric sites. Additional costs may include...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Office: (870) 867-2101 Cell: (501) 693-8923.
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 268 reviews

197 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewatersites

"Overall, the campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, clean swimming area, and helpful staff. However, bathroom cleanliness and cell phone service are noted as common issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Charlton Campground, 11500 Albert Pike Road, Royal, AR, 71968

Charlton Recreation Area

Charlton Campground, 11500 Albert Pike Road, Royal, AR, 71968

Driving directionsFrom Hot Springs, drive 17 miles west on Albert Pike Road (Hwy 270 West). Charlton Recreation Area is located along Hwy 270.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. There is no mention of seasonal closures or particularly challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Hot Springs (17 miles, approximately 20-25 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
.

Best Time to Camp at Charlton Recreation Area

Summer transforms Charlton into a natural oasis, where the spring-fed waters of Walnut Creek maintain their refreshing coolness even as temperatures climb, creating the perfect refuge from the heat. The temperate climate makes spring and fall ideal for hiking and exploring, with comfortable days and crisp nights perfect for campfire gatherings. As winter approaches, the campground enters its quiet season, closing its gates to allow nature to rest and renew for the adventures ahead.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; spring-fed waters stay cold making it a popular summer refuge.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter stays but reviewers note reduced maintenance in that season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting in May; pleasant spring conditions but the site is most noted for summer swimming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr; winter camping and activities unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 14 to October 31, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from the first of May to the first of November every year.
  • Current Alerts: .

About Charlton Recreation Area

Step back in time at Charlton Recreation Area, where the legacy of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in every stone pathway and timber structure. This cherished camping destination seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts, inviting you to pitch your tent beneath a canopy of ancient trees while the melodic babble of a spring-fed creek provides nature's soundtrack. Whether you're seeking adventure on winding hiking trails, cooling off in crystal-clear swimming areas, or gathering for evening programs at the rustic amphitheater, Charlton offers an authentic outdoor experience that connects you to both nature and America's conservation heritage.
Charlton Recreation Area caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Charlton Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and more. Walnut Creek and the spring-fed swimming area are major highlights.
HikingThe campground has two trail systems: a 1-mile interpretative trail and a longer connector trail to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT). These trails cater to casual walkers and serious hikers alike.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Walnut Creek. User reviews did not provide detailed information about fish types or quality of the fishing experience.
SwimmingSwimming is a key attraction, with a spring-fed creek offering cold water during the summer. Many reviews praise the swimming area as clean and refreshing.
BikingBiking trails are accessible and extend to nearby areas, making it a suitable activity for all skill levels.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by forested mountains, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Fireflies are a highlight in the evenings.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn amphitheater is available for educational and cultural programs, although no specific programs were detailed.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters and the cold temperatures of the spring-fed creek. Cell phone access is limited.
Active Alerts.

Weather at Charlton Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2
268 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Charlton Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, clean swimming area, and helpful staff. However, bathroom cleanliness and cell phone service are noted as common issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 268 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the shaded campsites, cold swimming water, and clean facilities in some loops. Many also appreciated the campground host's helpfulness and the variety of activities available.
Based on 268 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dirty and unmaintained bathrooms, issues with cell phone service, and occasional rude behavior from camp hosts.
Based on 268 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend staying in Loop C for privacy, bringing your own trash bags due to locked bins, and preparing for limited cell phone service. Some suggest visiting during summer to enjoy the cool...
Show more
Based on 268 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer due to its cool swimming area. Fall reviews mention quieter stays but less maintenance. Winter camping is unavailable.
Based on 268 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest bathrooms I have ever been in on a campground!" "C17 - plenty of shade and the most private site." "Beautiful, relaxing, with extremely cold water."
Based on 268 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C17 is noted for its privacy. Loop B sites are ideal for RVs, while Loop A is more basic and lacks utilities. Site-specific issues include uninstalled fire rings at Charlton 9 and complaints...
Show more
Based on 268 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities include paved pathways, parking, and accessible restrooms. No reviews from users with disabilities were noted.
Based on 268 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews conflict on pet policies, with one user reporting a bad experience involving unclear rules and another complimenting the pet-friendly atmosphere.
Based on 268 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Charlton Recreation Area? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arkansas

Campgrounds
Ouachita National Forest
Charlton Recreation Area