Cove Lake Campground

For Arkansans dreaming of a quintessential outdoor escape, Cove Lake Campground offers a truly picturesque and activity-rich destination. Nestled within the expansive Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, this 160-acre mountain lake provides a serene setting near Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas. It’s a perfect summer getaway, but its year-round operation means there’s always an opportunity to experience its beauty.

Cove Lake Campground is designed to be a comprehensive recreation area, offering more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, anglers can find their quiet spot, and adventurers can explore the surrounding natural wonders. With its inviting waters for swimming, excellent fishing opportunities, and a variety of land-based activities, Cove Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of outdoor recreation in the Natural State. It's an ideal choice for locals seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, all within the stunning landscapes of the Arkansas wilderness.

Cove Lake Campground is situated in a beautiful, forested area within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, with its address often listed as Arkansas 72855, and more specifically, 19 Cove Lake Loop, Paris, AR 72855, USA. This location places it near the base of Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas, offering a unique mountain lake experience.

The campground is approximately 8 miles south of Paris, Arkansas, and can be accessed via AR Highway 309. The journey to Cove Lake is part of the experience, winding through the scenic landscapes of the Ozark National Forest. Despite its tranquil, natural setting, the campground is remarkably accessible for both RVs and trailers. The sites are generally spacious, and the main roads leading to the park are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival for visitors.

For Arkansans, the relatively short drive from nearby towns like Paris, Booneville, Danville, Fort Smith, Dardanelle, and Russellville makes Cove Lake a convenient destination for a weekend trip or a longer vacation. This accessibility allows locals to easily escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in nature. While cell service might not be available in the immediate area, contributing to the "get away from it all" feeling, essential services and supplies can be found in the nearby communities. The location near Mount Magazine also provides the opportunity to combine a lake-side camping trip with explorations of Arkansas's highest peak and its associated state park. This blend of remote natural beauty and manageable accessibility makes Cove Lake Campground an excellent choice for a genuine Arkansas outdoor adventure.

Cove Lake Campground, managed by the Mount Magazine Ranger District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping and recreation experience.

• Campsites (36 Family Units): The campground features 36 individual family campsite units. These sites are spacious and set in a forested area, providing a natural setting. They can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site typically includes a paved parking spur (ranging from 30 to 70 feet), a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill.
• Water and Electricity: While some sources indicate "no special facilities" or "primitive" sites, updated information specifies that many campsites, particularly the 18 reservable ones, are equipped with water and electric hookups. This caters to a wide range of camping preferences.
• Bathhouses with Hot Showers and Flush Toilets: The campground provides well-maintained bathhouses with hot-water showers and flush toilets, a significant comfort for campers. There are also vault toilets available in some areas.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is available on-site for trailer and RV wastewater disposal.
• Boat Launch Ramp: A boat launching ramp provides direct access to Cove Lake for motorized and non-motorized boats. A "No Wake" restriction is enforced on the lake during holidays and weekends to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Concession Services (Seasonal): From Memorial Day to Labor Day, concession services are typically available, offering boat rentals (including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats), cabins, miniature golf course, and food service.
• Picnic Areas and Pavilion: There are 24 family picnic units available, ideal for day-use. A pavilion with electricity is also available and can be reserved for groups.
• Trash Collection: Regular trash collection is provided to maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Firewood: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings (unless burn bans are in effect). While not explicitly stated if firewood is sold on-site, it's a common amenity at national forest campgrounds, or available in nearby towns.
• Accessibility: The park strives to offer accessibility, including barrier-free bathhouses.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, with standard regulations regarding leashing and waste disposal.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground, boat ramp, and cabins are open year-round, while the swim beach and concession services are seasonal.

These services collectively ensure a well-equipped and comfortable camping experience at Cove Lake Campground.

Cove Lake Campground, nestled in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, boasts numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas.

• 160-Acre Mountain Lake: The centerpiece of the recreation area is Cove Lake itself. This 160-acre mountain lake provides a beautiful focal point for the campground and offers a variety of water-based activities.
• Proximity to Mount Magazine: Located near the 2,753-foot-tall Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point, the campground offers the unique advantage of being close to cooler mountain temperatures and provides a gateway to exploring the diverse ecosystems and panoramic views of the state park. The 9.7-mile Mount Magazine-Cove Lake Trail connects the two areas, offering a challenging hike.
• Excellent Water Recreation: Cove Lake is a prime spot for various water activities. It's a "favorite area for water sports" including swimming (with a dedicated swim beach open seasonally), fishing (stocked with catfish, bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and perch), and boating (motorized and non-motorized, with boat rentals available). The "No Wake" restriction on weekends and holidays ensures a peaceful experience on the water.
• Shaded, Forested Campsites: The 36 family campsite units are "set in a forested area" with "spacious campsites," providing ample shade from mature trees and a natural, secluded feel. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, enhancing the outdoor living experience.
• Clean and Modern Facilities: Campers benefit from well-maintained "bathhouse with hot showers and drinking water" (though note some sources indicate vault toilets in primitive areas). The overall cleanliness of the park is often praised.
• Variety of Land Activities: Beyond water sports, the recreation area offers a range of land-based activities. These include hiking (with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs), biking, miniature golf (seasonal concession), and picnicking at dedicated units or the reservable pavilion.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested environment and lake attract various wildlife, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Year-Round Appeal: While particularly popular in summer due to the lake, the campground, boat ramp, and cabins are open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the Ozarks in all seasons.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With swimming, fishing, miniature golf, and plenty of space, Cove Lake Campground is well-suited for families seeking an engaging outdoor adventure.

These highlights combine to make Cove Lake Campground a highly appealing and versatile destination for a memorable outdoor experience in Arkansas.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service (under the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests), Cove Lake Campground typically operates with standard federal recreation area fees and discount policies, rather than frequent commercial promotions.

Here’s what Arkansans can generally expect regarding rates and potential offers:

• Standard Campsite Rates:
  • The general fee for a campsite is approximately $15 per site per day. While some sources previously mentioned no hookups for camp trailers, current information indicates that 18 of the sites are reservable and come with water and electric hookups, suggesting slightly varied pricing depending on amenities.
• America the Beautiful Pass Discounts: Holders of qualifying America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes (such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass) are typically eligible for a 50% discount on the nightly rate for their campsite. This is a significant benefit for frequent visitors to federal recreation sites.
• Day-Use Fees: A day-use fee of $5 per day applies if you are only using the picnic facilities, swim beach, or boat ramp without camping overnight. The boat ramp also has a separate $5 fee for launching.
• Cabin Rentals: Small cabins are available for rent at approximately $35 per night, providing an alternative lodging option.
• Pavilion Rental: The pavilion with electricity can be reserved for groups at a rate of $35 for a full day or $17.50 for a half day.
• Seasonal Concession Services: While not a discount, the presence of concession services (boat rentals, miniature golf, food service) from Memorial Day to Labor Day enhances the value of a visit during these months.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific discounts that may apply to federal pass holders, prospective campers are highly encouraged to contact the Mount Magazine Ranger District directly or visit the official Recreation.gov website to check Cove Lake Campground's listing.

For reservations, inquiries about campsite availability, or to learn more about the amenities and activities at Cove Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 19 Cove Lake Loop, Paris, AR 72855, USA (This is the most specific address found for the recreation area).
• Phone (Mount Magazine Ranger District, which operates Cove Lake): (479) 963-3076
• Reservations (typically via Recreation.gov): While a direct phone number for the campground is not always available, reservations for federal campgrounds like Cove Lake are generally made through the national recreation booking system, Recreation.gov.

Calling the Mount Magazine Ranger District office is the best way to get direct information from the managing authority regarding the campground's current conditions, specific site details, and any operational updates. For booking a site, using Recreation.gov is the standard and most efficient method.

Cove Lake Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Arkansas, offering a diverse array of outdoor experiences within the beautiful Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. For Arkansans, its convenient location near Paris and the accessibility via well-maintained highways mean a refreshing natural escape is never too far, making it ideal for both quick getaways and longer, immersive vacations.

The core appeal for locals lies in Cove Lake itself – a 160-acre mountain lake that serves as a hub for activity. Whether you're looking to cool off with a swim at the beach, cast a line for bass or catfish, or enjoy a peaceful paddle in a rented canoe, the lake offers endless opportunities for water-based fun. The "No Wake" restriction on weekends and holidays ensures a serene environment, perfect for enjoying the calm waters.

Beyond the lake, the campground's features, such as its shaded, spacious sites and clean bathhouses with hot showers, provide essential comforts that enhance the outdoor experience. Its proximity to Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point, offers locals the added bonus of exploring extensive hiking trails with breathtaking views, a unique feature not found at every campground. The availability of amenities like miniature golf and a reservable pavilion further positions Cove Lake as a fantastic family-friendly destination where memories are made.

In essence, Cove Lake Campground provides Arkansans with a comprehensive, well-maintained, and naturally beautiful setting for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. It’s a place where families can reconnect, adventurers can explore, and anyone can find peace amidst the stunning landscapes of their home state, making it a highly recommended and recurring choice for local recreation.