Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the Ouachita National Forest spans parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma, making it the oldest national forest in the southern United States. Covering nearly 1.8 million acres, this expansive forest has scenic beauty, diverse ecosystems, and a rich history.
Forthose traveling in an RV, the Ouachita National Forest provides excellent camping opportunities. A popular choice is the Charlton Recreation Area, located in the Caddo/Womble Ranger District. Here, you can enjoy Ouachita National Forest RVcamping while taking advantage of the area's recreational activities, such as picnicking, swimming, hiking, and fishing along Walnut Creek—a crystal-clear, spring-fed mountain stream. You can also rent an RV from RVShare for your trip.
Where to Camp
Camping in Ouachita National Forest
For RVers, the forest boasts several RV-friendly campgrounds. If you’re looking for a more rugged adventure, primitive camping is permitted in most areas of the forest unless otherwise marked or located within a designated wildlife food plot.
Look for dumping stations in Arkansas or Oklahoma around the forest to manage waste disposal during your trip. You can also take a look at top campgrounds in Arkansas or Oklahoma to experience camping near the Ouachita National Forest.
Oden RV Sites offers a total of 30 RV campsites that are equipped with electric, water, and sewer hookups. There are well over 29 acres for exploring with a pond for swimming and fishing opportunities. The house RV sites are close to the restrooms, showers, picnic area, and main house. There is also a church RV site section on the far end that overlooks the local Oden Baptist Church. A playground, grill area, and dump station are a few things available at this campground.
Fourche Mountain Recreation Area
Fourche Mountain Recreation Area sits near Highway 27 in the northern end of the Ouachita Mountains, offering a rustic camping experience in a secluded section of the national forest. This campground offers five primitive sites with no hookups on a first-come, first-served basis, so no reservation is required.
Treasure Isle RV Park
Treasure Isle RV Park sits on Lake Hamilton just northwest of Hot Springs off of Highway 270 and features 45 pull-through and 20 back-in, full-service sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The park is known for its Oaklawn horse racing, luxurious bathhouse, and historic downtown area. As a matter of fact, it’s also one of the top 10 campgrounds and RV parks in Arkansas. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, DirecTV, a laundry facility, bathhouses, and a swimming pool.
Highway 27 Fishing Village
Highway 27 Fishing Village is located in Ouachita National Forest and has swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities. The campground offers waterfront campsites with electric and water hookups. A convenience store, bait shop, and boat dock with gas pump are available onsite.
Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the most popular and longest trail in the forest that spans Perryville. It extends into Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 15 miles west of Little Rock; parts of the trail also venture across state lines. It's heavily trafficked, so plan on others being on the path with you.
Length: 192 miles
Intensity: Difficult to Strenuous
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail travels up, down, and along the mountain slopes, showcasing a beautiful view of mixed hardwood and pine forest. The trail is moderately trafficked, so you may encounter a few other hikers along the pathway. You'll have a bird's eye view of the lake in many of the openings along the path.
Length: 35.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fourche Mountain Trail
Fourche Mountain Trail, formerly Mill Creek Equestrian Trail, provides breathtaking views of Blue Knob, the Fourche Mountains, and beautiful streams. The elevation gain reaches 1,971 feet, making the hike slightly strenuous. Along the trail, you may see various wildlife critters.
Length: 10.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Hunt's Loop Trail
The Hunt's Loop Trail sits near the town of Jessieville and is moderately trafficked, allowing some seclusion during your hike. The trail takes you up a mountain to a gorgeous vista overlooking beautiful woodlands along the ridge. Then, you travel down the narrow valley of the Middle Fork of the Saline River.
Length: 4.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Eagle Rock Loop Trail
Eagle Rock Loop Trail features rugged hill climbs through mixed hardwoods and pine forests over nine mountains, making it the longest loop trail in Arkansas. Some paths go along the crystal clear streams with nine crossings. The loop consists of three hiking trails and five trailheads, giving multiple hiking opportunities. It's geared toward athletic individuals who are looking to build up their stamina.
Length: 26.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Viles Branch Equestrian Trail
The Viles Branch Equestrian Trail takes you along unique geological formations, lakes, and streams, with part of the route traveling beside forest roads 38 and 106. The trail should take about two days to hike through. However, it only takes 10 hours on horseback. One of the trail highlights is the Little Missouri River's scenic view through the Winding Stairs area.
Length: 25.9 Miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Things to Do
Activities in Ouachita National Forest
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Ouachita National Forest.
Rockhounding enthusiasts can explore the Crystal Vista Trail in the Caddo/Womble Ranger District. This trail leads to a 4-acre former commercial crystal mine on Gardner Mountain, where quartz crystals can be easily collected directly from the ground. The scenic location and unique finds make it a must-visit spot for gem and mineral lovers.
The Ouachita National Forest offers excellent opportunities for outdoor learning through its interpretive areas. Explore Serendipity, Danville Mountain Trail, Kerr Arboretum Trails, or the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area to gain insight into the region's natural and cultural history. These areas feature educational displays, unique ecosystems, and opportunities to learn about the forest’s rich biodiversity.
Horseback riders can enjoy over ten trails and areas designed for equestrian use. The Bear Creek Trail & Horse Camp offers a diverse riding experience, taking visitors through forested creeks, scenic vistas, and striking rock formations. Another popular destination is the Winding Stair Equestrian Trails, beginning at the Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp. These trails feature a network of loops with varying lengths, allowing riders to customize their journey based on experience and preference. Trails traverse mountains, creeks, and diverse forest landscapes, making them an equestrian's dream.
Fishing is a beloved activity in the Ouachita National Forest, with opportunities spanning lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Anglers can enjoy spots like the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Lake Hinkle (400 acres), various watershed district flood control lakes, and Forest Service recreation lakes and ponds (totaling about 700 acres). Additionally, there are small wildlife ponds and reservoirs at the Red Slough Waterfowl Area in southwestern Oklahoma.
Water Activities
The 40,100-acre Lake Ouachita State Park is in the Ouachita National Forest, making it ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating opportunities.
Identifying Flora and Fauna
The Ouachita Mountains are known for their east-west ridges. However, the north-facing slopes are much cooler and retain moisture, providing the perfect habitat for hardwoods to thrive. In contrast, the pines thrive on the south-facing slopes that are mostly hot and dry. Little sunlight reaches the forest floor, creating a ground cover of primarily leaves with very little growth of the legumes, forbs, and grass.
How to Get There
How to get to Ouachita National Forest
Address: 100 Reserve Street, Hot Springs, AR 71902
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
The Ouachita National Forest is easily accessible by car, with major highways like Interstate 40, Highway 270, and Highway 71 connecting the area. The drive offers scenic views, especially along routes like the Talimena National Scenic Byway and Scenic 7 Byway. While the roads through the forest are winding and picturesque, be prepared for narrow and potentially challenging terrain, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. Once you arrive, it’s best to park your RV at the campsite and explore the area on foot or by bike.
By Air
The nearest airports to the Ouachita National Forest include:
Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas – Approximately 70 miles from the forest.
Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) in Fort Smith, Arkansas – About 90 miles away.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas – Roughly 180 miles from the forest, offering connections for international travelers.
Seasonal Restrictions
The Ouachita National Forest is accessible year-round, but weather conditions can occasionally impact road and trail accessibility. Wet, icy, or snowy weather can make driving hazardous, especially on winding roads. It’s always a good idea to check the latest conditions and any closures on the official forest website before your trip. Additionally, follow seasonal safety guidelines for activities like hiking, camping, and fishing to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Fees in the Ouachita National Forest
While access is generally free, some areas require fees for activities like day use, overnight camping, and boat launches. Developed campgrounds, such as those in the Caddo/Womble Ranger District, charge nightly fees depending on amenities. Primitive camping is usually free unless marked otherwise. For specific fees and updates, check the official forest website or contact the local ranger district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Ouachita National Forest
What is the best time to visit Ouachita National Forest?
The best time to visit the Ouachita National Forest is during the fall months. The summer crowds will be gone, but the weather is still mild enough for visitors to hike and enjoy the forest.
Does Ouachita National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Ouachita National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest and does not cost. Campers need to leave the area better than they found it and pack out all trash at the end of their trip.
Is there a fee to get into Ouachita National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Ouachita National Forest. There may be fees for certain recreational activities like camping in developed campgrounds or for using certain day-use areas.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Ouachita National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Ouachita National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 30 days in one spot. After 30 days, campers must move at least 5 road miles before setting up camp again. They cannot return to the same campsite within one calendar year.
What type of wildlife lives in Ouachita National Forest?
Wildlife in Ouachita National Forest includes fox, coyotes, roadrunners, deer, turkeys, and squirrels. There is a variety of other small animals, raptors, birds, reptiles, and other creatures who make the forest their home as well.
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