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Shady Lake Campground

Mena, Arkansas · USDA Forest Service

RVTentShowersLake/water
Shady Lake Campground — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

APRIL 15, 2027 : ALL CAMPSITES IN SHADY LAKE CAMPGROUND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESERVATIONS ONLY. THERE WILL NO LONGER BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED OPTIONS. For full information regarding Rules and Reservation Policies, visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Shady Lake is closed to horses and all Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Visitors are encouraged to access the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to identify routes where OHV activities are allowed on the Forest. Visitors are welcomed to trailer OHVV's to and from the campground. Shady Lake makes an excellent base camp for those who wish to participate in such activities. Guests are welcome to trailer their machines to and from the recreation area and park in proximity to Shady Lake Recreation area. Shady Lake is a 25-acre lake constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 along the Saline River in Polk County. The recreation area is home to four camp loops with a total of 54 campsites, site amenities ranging from basic amenities to full service campsites with sewage, water, and 20/30/50 amp electrical connections. Currently, only 17 campsites are available for reservations. All remaining campsites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Day use activities are allowed, as well. For a small monetary payment forest guests can enter the area and encounter a mass of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, restroom amenities, warm showers, flush toilets, potable water, overlooks, picnic pavilions, and pure relaxation. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored at Shady Lake Recreation Area. Visit this website for more information and instructions on how to use the pass - https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes Loop A Reconstruction Project was completed in 2026. The project was funded solely through Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) monies and resulted in the construction of nine, fully accessible ADA campsites with full-service capabilities. Loop A bathhouse, an original CCC structure, was restored to remove vandalism and repair broken support beams. A brand new vault toilet was installed to support day users. As part of the improvements to the sites, new utilities were installed to provide potable drinking water and waste management. Please note, the map provided does not show an accurate road layout for Loop A. Please see photo attachment of the campground

Directions

HIGHWAY ACCESS: From Hot springs take Highway 70 west 32 miles to Glenwood. Continue on 70 through Glenwood 4 miles to Salem. Take Highway 84 (West) out of Salem though Lodi and Langley, to Athens. In Athens, take highway 246 to Forest Service Road 38, turn right (North) and travel 3 miles to the entrance of Shady Lake Recreation Area. From Texarkana, or Mena, take Highway 71 to Vandervoort, then take Highway 246 EAST to Forest Service Road 38, turn left and travel 3 miles North to the Entrance to Shady Lake Recreation Area.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Arkansas
City / area
Mena
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Ouachita National Forest
Campsites
54
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$15–$40 / night
Rating
4.49 / 5 (39 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up, Hammock

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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