Overview

Little Pines Recreation Area is located on the shoreline of 960-acre Lake Hinkle in the Poteau Mountain area of the Ouachita National Forest, approximately 12 miles west of Waldron, Arkansas. Built in a former pine plantation, the campground offers nine level campsites with shade, water, and electrical service.

The recreation area provides opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, and fishing. A boat ramp adjacent to the campground provides lake access, and a courtesy dock and fishing pier are available. Lake Hinkle is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Anglers should consult current Commission regulations and licensing requirements before fishing.

Visitors can also explore hiking, mountain-biking, and off-highway-vehicle trails within a few miles of the campground. A campground host may be available to assist visitors and answer questions about the area. Waldron offers groceries, restaurants, medical services, fuel, and other supplies.

Campsite Locations

All nine campsites are within surrounded by Lake Hinkle on three sides. Campsites are categorized by their position within the campground:

• Lakeside sites—5, 6, 7, 8, and 9: Located on the lake side of the campground, with no other campsites between these sites and the shoreline.

• Interior sites—1, 2, 3, and 4: Located within the interior portion of the campground, slightly farther from the shoreline.

Vegetation, terrain, and seasonal lake levels may affect water views and shoreline access. A lakeside designation does not necessarily indicate a direct water view or direct access from the campsite. All campsites have sidewalk access to the boat docks and fishing pier.

Facilities

Little Pines Campground has nine reservable single campsites along the shoreline of Lake Hinkle. All sites are back-in; no pull-through sites are available. Each campsite includes a paved parking spur, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and electrical and water connections. Flush toilets, showers, and a trailer dump station are also available.

Boating facilities include a ramp for launching and retrieving boats, a courtesy dock, and docks for registered campers to moor boats during their stay. A fish-cleaning station is located near the boat ramp. An adjacent day-use area includes a large picnic pavilion and swimming area.

Natural Features

Little Pines Campground is located along the shoreline of 960-acre Lake Hinkle in the Poteau Mountain area of the Ouachita Mountains. Developed within a former pine plantation, the campground features level campsites and a shaded forest setting. An adjacent boat ramp provides convenient access to the lake.

Recreation

Little Pines Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing along 960-acre Lake Hinkle, which is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, and fishing pier provide access to the lake, while a short hiking trail begins in the day-use area. Additional hiking, mountain-biking, and designated off-highway-vehicle trails are available within a few miles of the campground.

Visitors should consult the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for current fishing-license requirements and regulations. Trail users should check current Forest Service maps, conditions, and vehicle requirements before heading out.

Nearby Attractions

Little Pines Campground is a convenient base for exploring the Ouachita National Forest and the Waldron area.

• Scott County Museum of History: Located in downtown Waldron, the museum features exhibits highlighting Scott County’s communities, people, and cultural history.

• Ouachita National Recreation Trail: This long-distance trail crosses the Ouachita Mountains through Arkansas and Oklahoma. A segment follows the crest of Fourche Mountain and offers opportunities for hiking and backcountry exploration.

• Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail: Formerly known as the Poteau Mountain Multi-Use Trail, this 22.6-mile loop travels through varied forest and mountain terrain. The trail accommodates hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and designated off-highway-vehicle use.

• Fourche Mountain Trail: This multi-use trail provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and designated off-highway-vehicle use in the Ouachita National Forest.

Trail surfaces, difficulty, seasonal access, and permitted uses vary. Before visiting, obtain current Forest Service maps and check trail conditions, closures, and off-highway-vehicle requirements. Contact the Scott County Museum of History directly for current hours and admission information.

Important Notices

• • Reservation confirmation: Bring a printed or written copy of your reservation confirmation number. Cell service is limited, so save or print reservation details before arriving.

  • Check-in and check-out: Check-in begins at 3 p.m. on the day of arrival. Check-out is by 2 p.m. on the day of departure.

  • Operating season: The campground and day-use area are generally open from March 1 through December 1. Opening and closing dates may change because of weather, road conditions, maintenance, or other circumstances.

  • Holiday demand: Campsites fill quickly around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Advance reservations are recommended.

  • Site occupancy: The reservation holder must occupy the campsite on the first night of the reservation. Campsites must not be left unoccupied for more than 24 hours.

  • Quiet hours: Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

  • Pets: Pets must be leashed or otherwise physically restrained at all times. Pets are not permitted in designated swimming areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.

  • Camping equipment: Keep all camping equipment within the designated campsite. Tents must remain on designated tent pads.

  • Vehicles: A maximum of two vehicles is permitted at each campsite. Vehicles must remain on paved parking surfaces.

  • Camping units: No more than three camping units are permitted at a campsite. For example, one recreational vehicle and two tents would equal three camping units.

  • Wastewater: Do not discharge gray or black water onto the ground. Dispose of wastewater at the campground dump station.

  • Boat slips: Campground boat slips are available to registered campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Slips are not assigned to individual campsites.

  • Off-highway vehicles: OHV operation is prohibited within the recreation area. OHVs may be used only on roads and trails designated for that use outside the recreation area.

  • Pass discounts: A qualifying pass discount applies only to the campsite occupied by the passholder. The passholder must be present and may not apply the same discount to multiple campsites reserved for the same dates.

  • Firewood: Help prevent the spread of invasive pests by obtaining firewood near your destination. Do not transport firewood from areas subject to state or federal quarantines. Never leave fires unattended, and fully extinguish them before leaving.

  • Holiday fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands.

Available Activities

• Biking - Biking
• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Access - Water Access
• Swimming Site - Swimming Site
• Recreational Shooting - Recreational Shooting
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
• Motor Boat - Motor Boat
• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping

Directions

<p>From the Poteau Ranger Station in Waldron, Arkansas, drive west on Highway 248 for 11 miles. Stay on paved road. Turn east (left) on County Road 10 (Trampp Loop) for the entrance to the LIttle Pines Recreation Area (Second Trampp Loop Turn off. DO NOT turn on first Trampp Loop turn off which is a dirt road). Looks for signs that say Little Pines Campground.  </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 479-637-4174

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip