Overview

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. 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.

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. 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.  

Facilities

Shady Lake facilities are open April 15 - November 30

• CCC-built Pavilion overlooking the Shady Lake

• Loop A bathhouse/pavilion with male and female bathrooms with shower stalls

• Loop A campground: nine (9) reservation only, campsites with water/electric/sewage connections

• Loop B bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop B campground: Eleven (11) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & six (6) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

• Loop C bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop C campground: One (1) reservation only, campsite with water/electric/sewage connections & 17 first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

• Loop D bathhouse with male, female, and family bathrooms with private, shower stalls

• Loop D campground: seven (7) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & three (3) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites

Natural Features

Shady Lake Recreation Area is nestled in the Ouachita National Forest at the base of Tall Peak and Raspberry Mountains with bordering features including National Forest, Caney Creek Wilderness and private land. The campground is surrounded by mountain tops and towering pine trees providing the perfect shaded camping experience. Saline creek traverses through the campground suitable for freshwater swimming opportunities outside of drought conditions. Mountainous, dirt roads are quickly accessible outside of the recreation area, serving as a gateway into the forest. Historically, the rec area has been utilized as a base camp for wild game hunters throughout the seasons.

Recreation

This developed recreation area provides a foundation for families to gather and recreate together. The site offers four camp loops for all user types, services ranging from all to no amenities. Hiking access into Caney Creek Wilderness begins in Loop C at Tall Peak Trail spurring off the Shady Lake Trail; Shady Lake Trail continues to traverse along the perimeter of the recreation area. Other features in the site include a swimming beach, lake access for non-motorized boating and fishing, picnic pavilions, accessible amenities such as warm showers and flush toilets. Shady Lake Recreation Area is a gateway to various recreational opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest. Mountainous roads venture deep into the valleys and on top of ridges. Several hiking trailheads are located in close proximity to Shady Lake. Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex is 13 mile drive from the gates of the recreation area. This area is hub for wild game hunters of all kinds for generations.

The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stems in Shady Lake and the work completed is preserved so forest guests can enjoy its glory. Several original structures are still standing and operational, places include Loop A Bathhouse and Pavilion, Shady Lake Dam, the overlook pavilion, rock bridges, rock walls, and various land features.

Although Shady Lake is not open to horses or Off Highway Vehicles, forest guests can enjoy Shady Lake Day Use amenities through walk in access. Parking is available outside the gate for parties operating OHVs.

Nearby Attractions

Ouachita National Forest

Mena-Oden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

• Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex

• Eagle Mountain

• CCC-constructed fire towers: Bee Mountain & Tall Peak (walk-in access only)

• Caney Creek Wilderness, Caney Creek Trail & Buckeye Trail

• Sugar Gap Vista

• Talimena Scenic Drive

• East End Visitor Information Station

Caddo-Womble Ranger District, 1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957

• Albert Pike Recreation Area

• Bard Springs Recreation Area

• Little Missouri Falls

• Athens Big Fork Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, Winding Stairs Trail

Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

Arkansas State Parks

• Queen Wilhelmina State Park https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/queen-wilhelmina-state-park

• Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cossatot-river-state-park-natural-area

• Brushy Creek Recreation Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails/brushy-creek-nature-trail

US Army Corps of Engineers

• Gillham Lake

• Dierks Lake

• DeQueen Lake

• Millwood Lake

• Lake Greeson

Nearest Towns - Athens: 7 miles, Wickes: 26 miles, Glenwood: 33 miles Mena: 27 miles, Kirby: 30 miles, Dequeen: 45 miles

Important Notices

• Forest Order - DEVELOPED RECREATION AREAS

  Pursuant to Title 16 USC § 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b) the following acts are prohibited in the Ouachita National Forest Developed Recreation Areas listed below.

  It is prohibited to: 

  1. Be in the area (or posted part of area) in violation of posted instructions associated with scheduled fish stocking events or construction or repair work and/or seasonal closures listed on the Forest’s website. 36CFR 261.53(e) 

  2.  Camp in a single location (campsite within developed recreation area) for a period longer than fourteen (14) consecutive days.  Campsite must be vacated for at least one week after the 14-day limit is reached.  36 CFR 261.58(a) 

  3. Use of a developed campsite by more than one (1) immediate family, or by a group of more than six (6) persons. Use of a designated double campsite by more than two (2) immediate families or by a group of more than twelve (12) persons. 36 CFR 261.58(f) 

  4.  Park or leave a vehicle in violation of a posted sign.  36 CFR 261.58(g) 5.  Possess a glass container on a swimming beach or within a designated swimming area.  36 CFR 261.58(cc) 6.  Possess, park or leave more than two vehicles, except motorcycles or bicycles, per campsite unit.  36 CFR 261.58(i)  

  7.  Camp outside designated campsites.  36 CFR 261.58(e) 

  THIS ORDER APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPED RECREATION AREAS AS DEPICTED IN THE MAP ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN: 

   • Albert Pike      

  • Bard Springs

  • Shady Lake 

   Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from the above prohibitions: 

  1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 

  2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of their official duty. 

  3. Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

  These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

• Forest Order: SHADY LAKE RECREATION AREA

  PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF 16 U.S.C., SECTION 551 AND 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) AND (b), IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED ON THE AREA, ROADS AND TRAILS DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDER AS SHADY LAKE RECREATION AREA.  

  THE FOLLOWING PROHIBITED ACTS ARE SET FORTH IN 36 CFR 261. 53 and 261.58:   

  261.53 (e) Going onto or being upon the dam at Shady Lake Recreation Area  

  261.58 (k) Swimming in other than designated swim site.  

  261.58 (n) Possessing or operating a gasoline powered boat motor.  

  261.58 (p) Storing or leaving a boat or raft.                                                                                                             

  261.58 (r) Launching a boat except at a designated launching ramp.  

  -PURSUANT TO 36 CFR, SECTION 261.50 (e), THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS ORDER:  

  (1) Persons with a permit specifically authorizing otherwise prohibited act or omission.  

  (2) Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.  

• Forest Order: OCCUPANCY & USE

  Pursuant to Title 16 USC § 551 and Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on lands administered by the Ouachita National Forest.

  It is prohibited to: 

  1. Camp more than 30 consecutive days in the General Forest.  36 CFR 261.58(a) 

  • (1a) Once the 30 consecutive day limit has been reached, the camp must be removed for fourteen (14) days and cannot be reestablished less than one (1) mile from the original campsite.  36 CFR 261.58(a)

  • (1b) Camp in the General Forest for more than 90 days within a calendar year.  36 CFR 261.58(a) 

  2. Be publicly nude.  36 CFR 261.58(j) 

  3. Hunt within a one quarter of a mile radius of the Ouachita Civilian Conservation Center.  36 CFR 261.58(v) 

  4. Use hang gliders except where permitted by Special Use Authorization. 36 CFR   261.58(y) 

  5. Hitch, tether, hobble, or corral a horse or other saddle or pack animal within 100 feet of any live, running stream.  36 CFR 261.58(aa) 

  -Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from the above prohibitions: 

  1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 

  2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of their official duty. 

  3. Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

Notifications and Alerts

• Our facility will be undergoing construction that could impact the availability of some amenities and services. Please visit our agency website for additional information.

Available Activities

• Biking - Biking
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Observation Site - Observation Site
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Camping - Camping
• Birding - Birding
• Hiking - Hiking
• Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
• Paddling - Paddling
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Swimming Site - Swimming Site
• Water Activities - Water Activities
• Wilderness - Wilderness

Contact Information

Phone: 479-394-2382

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip