Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Shores Lake Recreation Area offers an 82-acre lake with a fully accessible bathroom facility with ramps for the physically challenged. The fishing piers were designed with wheelchair use in mind. Underwater structures were built to attract fish to the fishing piers. The pavilion is also fully accessible and is available by reservation. Construction of the dam at Shores Lake began in the 1930s by men in a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The dam was completed in 1958. A cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helped complete the structure. Shores Lake Loop Trail is a showcase of upland hardwoods and shortleaf pine groves. The trail treats hikers to views of waterfalls and wildlife. 18 campsites and 28 family picnicking units. Pavilion for group picnicking by reservation only. Camping trailers allowed, no hook-ups or dumpsite available. Electric sites have 110 outlet & 30-amp outlet access. A campground host is present until November. Due to remote location of campground, water and electricity may be temporarily unavailable during inclement weather or other emergency situations.
Shores Lake is available on a first come, first-served basis as parking is limited. Once on-site, follow the posted instructions. For additional information, you can download and sign into the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited cellular service: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app
Please read all instructions at the self-serve pay station to ensure you are following all proper procedures when purchasing your pass.
Your day pass is only good for the day purchased and covers the vehicle that it was purchased for and up to 10 occupants of that vehicle only.
Available parking is not guaranteed when the pass has been purchased. Please follow all signage and/or staff to designated parking areas, if applicable at the time of purchase.
We ask that all visitors who utilized Recreation.gov scan and pay to collect a day use envelope and write down their confirmation/reservation number from the app on both the envelope and hang tag, once the fee has been paid.
All visitors must display a valid day use pass from their rearview mirror or dashboard of their vehicle when in day use area. Failure to do so may result in a written warning or citation if no pass is visible and we are unable to verify your vehicle to purchased day passes.
Pass validation will be confirmed through your confirmation number and through the software's validation program.
For holders of the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, your pass is valid for day use fee at this site, but the pass must be visible within your vehicle for staff to see. The pass is only valid for the vehicle it is displayed in.
When parking in the boat launch area, please avoid parking within the truck/trailer locations that are designated for use by boaters.