Spillway (Lake Ouachita)

Star0
4 reviews
1424 Blakely Dam Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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
Spillway (Lake Ouachita)
$30.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30 for group tent-only areas (non-electric) to $50 for group shelters with electricity. Seasonal variations apply, with peak season...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
501-767-2101lakeouachita@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwaterlake

"The Spillway Recreation Area has received mixed reviews from visitors. Positive sentiments include the area's natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Some negative remarks highlight maintenance issues on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), such as fallen logs."

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Campground Map

1424 Blakely Dam Road

Spillway (Lake Ouachita)

1424 Blakely Dam Road

Driving directionsFrom Hot Springs, AR: Take US 270 west to AR-227 N/Mountain Pine Rd for 6 miles. Continue straight on Blakely Dam road through Mountain Pine and past Blakely Mountain Dam. Spillway Recreation Area is at the end of Blakely Dam Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located at the end of Blakely Dam Road. There is no mention of seasonal closures or other road challenges.
Nearby places
Hot Springs, AR (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Provisions are likely available in Hot Springs, AR, which is about 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Spillway (Lake Ouachita)

From the first whispers of spring in March through the golden days of September, Spillway Recreation Area basks in ideal outdoor conditions. These peak months bring moderate temperatures that create perfect harmony between warm sunshine and cool lake breezes, making every activity—from morning swims to evening fishing—a pleasure. The favorable weather during this extended season ensures visitors can fully embrace the water-based adventures and trail explorations that make this destination special.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in AR

Peak season Mar–Sep; swim beach and boating make summer especially appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 30; pleasant early-fall conditions but limited autumn window.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in AR

Spring (from March) described as ideal outdoor conditions; prime season begins Mar 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for reservations outside Mar 1–Sep 30, so winter use is not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is from March 1 to September 30. Closed for reservations outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts are mentioned.

About Spillway (Lake Ouachita)

Hidden within a peaceful cove along the shimmering waters of Lake Ouachita, Spillway Recreation Area offers an intimate escape into Arkansas's aquatic playground. This waterfront haven invites visitors to cast their lines from the scenic shoreline, take refreshing dips at the sandy swim beach, or launch their boats into the expansive lake waters. Adventure seekers will discover direct access to the renowned Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), while families can gather at the reservable pavilion for memorable lakeside celebrations. With convenient amenities including modern restrooms and a well-maintained boat ramp, Spillway seamlessly blends natural beauty with recreational comfort.
The Spillway Recreation Area offers group shelters with electric hookups and group tent-only areas without electric hookups. The site caters to both day-use and overnight stays.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
The campground enforces a maximum stay limit, but the exact number of nights is not provided.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Spillway Recreation Area provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and water access. The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is a key highlight, offering 40 miles of hiking along the lake's southern shore. The lake supports water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing, attracting visitors with its clear waters.
HikingThe Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is a 40-mile trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. User reviews suggest that the trail has sections with fallen logs and narrow paths, but it offers a lovely hike overall with scenic views over the reservoir. One review noted, 'The trail is a bit unkept with fallen logs blocking some of the path and is relatively narrow.'
FishingShoreline fishing access is provided at the day-use area. Lake Ouachita is known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for anglers.
SwimmingA designated swim beach is available within the day-use area. Details about safety measures and additional swimming facilities are not provided.
BoatingThe area provides a boat ramp for easy water access. Boating activities such as water skiing and jet skiing are popular on Lake Ouachita.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are supported by the swim beach in the day-use area. Specific details about beach quality are not provided.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers are advised to avoid moving firewood to protect against tree-killing pests.
Active AlertsNo current alerts are mentioned.

Weather at Spillway (Lake Ouachita)

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Spillway (Lake Ouachita) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Spillway Recreation Area has received mixed reviews from visitors. Positive sentiments include the area's natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Some negative remarks highlight maintenance issues on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), such as fallen logs.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground's scenic views, diverse activities, and the clear waters of Lake Ouachita. One reviewer noted, 'Everything about Lake Ouachita is beautiful. Something for everyone...
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Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned maintenance issues on the LOViT trail, describing it as 'a bit unkept with fallen logs blocking some of the path and relatively narrow.'
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations were provided by users.
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews did not provide clear trends by season, but the campground is popular during its peak operational season (March 1 - September 30).
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Everything about Lake Ouachita is beautiful. Something for everyone from swimming, camping, fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing & taking in the beautiful sunrises & breathtaking sunsets.' -...
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Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews were not provided.
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no user reviews specifically addressing pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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