Bard Springs

For many Arkansans who cherish the natural beauty of the Ouachita National Forest, Bard Springs holds a special place in their hearts. This beloved recreation area, nestled near Umpire, Arkansas, has historically been a tranquil haven for campers and day-use visitors alike. Known for its serene setting, abundant natural beauty, and the soothing sounds of Blaylock Creek, Bard Springs offered a truly immersive outdoor experience. It was a place where the thick canopy of trees provided a deep forest feel, and campsites were thoughtfully spaced to offer a sense of privacy and seclusion.

However, it is crucial for local users to understand the current situation at Bard Springs. Unfortunately, the area sustained significant damage from severe storms, believed to have occurred in the first half of 2020. These events led to widespread treefall, blocking roads, damaging structures, and altering the landscape dramatically. While the area once boasted a lush, dense canopy, much of it is now more open, offering different views of the sky. Despite these challenges, the hope among many locals remains strong that this cherished gem will eventually be cleaned up and restored to its former glory, allowing future generations to enjoy its unique charm once again.

This article aims to provide a factual overview of Bard Springs, acknowledging its past allure and current status, to help Arkansans understand what to expect and why this area is so important to the local outdoor community.

Bard Springs Recreation Area is situated deep within the scenic Ouachita National Forest, near the small community of Umpire, Arkansas. The official address is listed as Forest Service Road 38, Umpire, AR 71971, USA. For those familiar with the area, it's often described as being in the vicinity of Shady Lake, another popular recreation spot. If you are approaching from the direction of Shady Lake, there are two distinct entrances to Bard Springs.

The first entrance you would encounter leads to the day-use only area. This section, while also affected by the storms, generally sustained less damage than the camping areas. Further down the road, the second entrance provides access to what was formerly the main camping sites and shelters. Before the storm damage, the drive into the area was characterized by a dense, overarching canopy of trees, creating a truly immersive forest experience. This deep canopy was so thick that at night, it was difficult to see the stars, a testament to the area's secluded feel.

However, it is critically important to note that access to the camping portion of Bard Springs is currently severely impacted. Massive trees have fallen across the roadway, completely blocking vehicular entry to the former camping sites and shelters. This means that as of recent reports, direct vehicular access to the camping loop is not possible. Visitors wishing to explore the area must be prepared for significant obstructions and understand that many trails and paths, particularly those leading to Blaylock Creek, are also blocked by fallen trees. Given the ongoing nature of the damage and potential for further recovery efforts, it is always recommended to check with the Ouachita National Forest before attempting a visit to ascertain the most current access conditions.

Based on its previous operational status and the nature of Forest Service campgrounds, Bard Springs historically offered a range of basic services designed for a rustic but comfortable camping experience. It’s essential to reiterate that many of these services are currently unavailable or severely impacted due to storm damage.

In its "full glory" prior to the storm, Bard Springs would have provided:

• Campsites: The recreation area offered numerous camping sites that were reasonably spaced out, providing a sense of privacy. These were typically standard, non-electric sites, intended for tent camping or smaller RVs.
• Adirondack Shelters: A unique feature of Bard Springs was its Adirondack-style shelters. These rustic, open-front structures provided a sturdy roof overhead for campers, offering protection from the elements while still allowing for an open-air experience. Unfortunately, many of these shelters sustained severe damage, with roofs torn off or trees fallen directly onto them.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite would have been equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Sites would have included fire rings or grills for campfires and cooking.
• Vault Toilets: As is common in many Forest Service primitive campgrounds, basic vault toilets would have been available for campers.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water would have been provided, likely via hand pumps or communal spickets.
• Day-Use Facilities: The separate day-use area would have offered its own set of picnic tables and access to Blaylock Creek, intended for day visitors rather than overnight campers.

It is crucial to understand that due to the extensive storm damage, the availability and condition of these services are severely compromised. Access to many areas is blocked, and facilities may be destroyed or unsafe. Visitors should not expect these services to be fully operational or maintained at this time.

Before the devastating storms, Bard Springs was celebrated for several key features and highlights that drew Arkansans to its secluded embrace. While many of these are currently impacted, understanding them helps paint a picture of what locals hope will be restored.

• Secluded Forest Setting: A primary highlight was the dense, thick canopy of trees that created an immersive forest environment. This provided deep shade and a strong sense of being truly "out in the middle of the forest," a stark contrast to more open or developed campgrounds.
• Historic Structures: The area boasted historic charm, potentially featuring structures from early development eras, like some of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sites found elsewhere in the Ouachita National Forest. This historical element added a unique character to the experience.
• Blaylock Creek Access: The presence of Blaylock Creek offered opportunities for water activities, exploration, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water. Prior to the storm, trails and paths led to various points along the creek.
• Reasonably Spaced Campsites: Campers appreciated the generous spacing between sites, which ensured privacy and a quiet atmosphere, fostering a more peaceful connection with nature.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who preferred a more rustic and authentic outdoor adventure, Bard Springs was ideal. It provided basic needs while maintaining a strong sense of wilderness.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: The overall ambiance of Bard Springs was one of peace and quiet, making it a perfect spot for unwinding, reading, or simply enjoying the natural sounds.
• Dark Skies: While the former dense canopy limited stargazing directly within the main camping area, the remote location meant that truly dark skies were accessible nearby for celestial observation, and ironically, the post-storm clearing now offers an "open clearings and views of the sky" right from the camping area.

It must be emphasized that much of the "former beauty" has been demolished, and many of these features, particularly the dense canopy, intact shelters, and clear access to trails, are currently severely compromised or non-existent due to fallen trees and storm damage. The area currently presents a much more open and affected landscape.

As Bard Springs Recreation Area is a site managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Ouachita National Forest, it typically operates under a standard fee structure rather than offering conventional "promotions" in the commercial sense. Prior to the storm damage that led to its effective closure, fees would have been set for overnight camping and day-use activities.

However, like many federal recreation sites, Bard Springs would likely have honored interagency passes, such as the "America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass." Holders of these passes (including Annual, Senior, Access, Military, and 4th Grade Passes) often receive discounts on camping fees, typically 50% off the standard rate for single campsites. This would have provided a significant saving for frequent visitors to federal lands.

Given the current state of the recreation area, with significant storm damage and blocked access, it is highly probable that no fees are being collected at this time, as the area is largely unmaintained and effectively "closed" for recreational use as a developed campground. There are no special offers for public access, as access itself is hindered and the facilities are not operational.

Any future re-opening and fee structure would depend on the assessment and allocation of resources for cleanup and repair by the Forest Service. Locals interested in the future of Bard Springs should monitor official Ouachita National Forest communications for updates on any restoration efforts or potential re-opening, which would then clarify any applicable fees or pass benefits.

For the most current and accurate information regarding the status of Bard Springs Recreation Area, including its accessibility, ongoing cleanup efforts, or any potential re-opening plans, it is best to directly contact the managing authority. Since Bard Springs is located within the Ouachita National Forest, inquiries should be directed to the relevant Ranger District office.

• Address (for the recreation area itself): Forest Service Road 38, Umpire, AR 71971, USA
• Managing Office: Mena-Oden Ranger District (part of the Ouachita National Forest)
• Phone: (501) 321-5202 (This number likely connects to the Ouachita National Forest's general information line or the Mena-Oden Ranger District.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 501-321-5202 (This is the same number, often listed for direct mobile dialing.)

Given the severe storm damage and the area's current "closed" status for developed camping, it is highly advisable to call this number before attempting any visit. They can provide the most up-to-date information on road conditions, safety advisories, and any progress on repairs, helping you plan accordingly and avoid a wasted trip to an inaccessible or unsafe area.

Bard Springs, despite its current state of significant storm damage, holds a profound suitability for locals in Arkansas, particularly those with a deep appreciation for the Ouachita National Forest and a hopeful outlook for its future. Its appeal to Arkansans stems not just from its past glory but from the inherent potential it still holds as a tranquil and authentic outdoor escape once restored.

Historically, Bard Springs offered a truly rustic and unpretentious camping experience. For locals seeking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, away from the crowds and extensive amenities of more developed parks, Bard Springs provided that perfect balance of basic needs met while retaining the wildness of the forest. The generously spaced campsites fostered privacy, and the dense canopy provided a unique sense of seclusion, a feeling many Arkansans seek when heading into the woods.

The presence of Blaylock Creek and the surrounding trails offered opportunities for gentle exploration, fishing, and simply enjoying the sounds of nature. Its historic elements, though currently damaged, add a layer of cultural significance that resonates with those who appreciate the legacy of public lands development. For families, it was a place to teach children about camping, build campfires, and appreciate the simpler joys of outdoor life.

While the immediate future requires patience as the Forest Service navigates cleanup and restoration amidst various constraints (including funding and external factors like COVID-19 related restrictions), the widespread desire among locals for Bard Springs to return to its "former glory" speaks volumes about its inherent suitability. It's a place deeply ingrained in the outdoor heritage of many Arkansans, where memories have been made and where new ones are eagerly anticipated. Its natural beauty, even in its current damaged state, still possesses a raw charm for those who understand and cherish the resilience of the Ouachita National Forest. When it eventually reopens, Bard Springs will undoubtedly re-establish itself as a prime local spot for affordable, peaceful, and truly immersive forest camping.