Shady Lake Recreation Area

For Arkansans yearning for a true escape into the heart of nature, Shady Lake Recreation Area offers a captivating blend of serene beauty, historical significance, and diverse outdoor activities. Tucked away within the majestic Ouachita National Forest, this picturesque destination centers around a tranquil 25-acre lake, providing a peaceful backdrop for camping, fishing, hiking, and simply unwinding. Unlike some of the more bustling recreational spots, Shady Lake maintains a charmingly remote feel, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural splendor that defines the Arkansas landscape.

Developed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Shady Lake Recreation Area carries a rich history evident in its rustic log structures and meticulously crafted dam. This historical legacy adds a unique layer to the outdoor experience, offering a glimpse into the past while enjoying modern-day recreational opportunities. From its clear waters perfect for swimming and non-motorized boating to its winding trails that invite exploration, Shady Lake Recreation Area is a beloved spot for locals seeking a genuine Arkansas outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple looking for a quiet retreat, or a family eager to create new memories, Shady Lake provides a welcoming environment for all.

Shady Lake Recreation Area is located in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest, with its official address listed simply as Arkansas 71971, USA. For more precise navigation, it's situated roughly 40 miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas, and about 45 miles southeast of Mena, Arkansas. The closest town, Athens, Arkansas, is also a useful landmark. To reach the recreation area, take Arkansas Highway 84 west from Glenwood, then turn northwest onto Arkansas Highway 246 at Athens. From there, turn right (north) at the sign for Shady Lake and drive approximately 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38. Alternatively, from Athens, head west on AR Hwy 246 for about 2.2 miles, then turn right onto Shady Lake Road and follow it for 3.5 miles until you reach the recreation area on your left.

While the setting is wonderfully secluded, the access roads are generally well-maintained, allowing for relatively easy travel for most vehicles, including RVs up to 32 feet in length. It's important to note that cell service can be spotty in this remote mountain setting, so downloading maps or printing directions beforehand is highly recommended. The journey to Shady Lake is part of the experience, winding through the verdant landscape of the Ouachita Mountains, building anticipation for the peaceful retreat that awaits. Despite its remote feel, its accessibility from various towns makes it a popular choice for Arkansans seeking a convenient yet profound connection with nature.

Shady Lake Recreation Area provides a range of services designed to enhance your camping experience, balancing rustic charm with essential comforts. The campground is structured across four loops, offering a variety of site types to suit different preferences, from primitive tent camping to sites with electric and water hookups.

• Campsites: There are 51 campsites available across four loops (A, B, C, D). These include:
  • Non-Service Sites: Ideal for tent campers, offering a more primitive experience.
  • Electric and Water Sites: 19 sites provide both electric and water hookups, suitable for RVs up to 32 feet.
  • Full Hookup Site: One unique site (#C22) offers water, electric, and sewer hookups.
  • Double Sites with Electric: One specific site (#D14) is a double site with electric hookups, perfect for larger groups.
• Bathhouses: Well-maintained bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets are available, providing a significant comfort amenity for campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available at various points within the campground.
• Dump Station: A dump station is provided for RV campers, making it convenient to empty waste tanks.
• Picnic Tables and BBQ Grills: Most campsites and day-use areas are equipped with picnic tables and BBQ grills, perfect for outdoor cooking and dining.
• Picnic Pavilions: Group picnic shelters are available for larger gatherings or day-use groups.
• Day Use Area: A designated day-use area includes a swimming site, additional restrooms, and picnic facilities.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is present for various recreational activities or gatherings.
• Caretaker's House: A caretaker's house is on-site, contributing to the overall safety and management of the area.

Shady Lake Recreation Area boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas:

• Scenic 25-Acre Lake: The centerpiece of the recreation area, Shady Lake, is a beautiful, clear body of water perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards). Its remote mountain setting enhances the serene experience.
• Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Development: The area was developed by the CCC in 1937, and several structures, including the Shady Lake Dam, a historic bathhouse, picnic shelters, a diving platform, and two stone bridges, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These structures offer a unique historical and architectural appeal.
• Extensive Hiking Trails:
  • Shady Lake Trail: This 3.2-mile (one-way) trail traverses Saline Creek, passes the historic Shady Lake Dam, and continues along the eastern edge of the campground. It's an easy, unsurfaced trail ideal for day hiking and can also be used by mountain bikers.
  • Tall Peak Trail: Beginning near the campground, this trail heads north through the Caney Creek Wilderness, eventually climbing to the top of Tall Peak, where a restored lookout tower offers panoramic views.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Shady Lake is known for its good fishing, with species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
• Swimming Beach: A dedicated swimming site with a CCC-built bathhouse provides a safe and enjoyable area for cooling off in the lake.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Ouachita National Forest offers abundant opportunities for wildlife observation, including various bird species and other forest animals.
• Playground: A playground is available, making it a family-friendly destination for those with children.
• Forest Setting: The campground is beautifully situated among tall pines and bare rock outcroppings, providing ample shade and a true forest immersion experience.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.

While Shady Lake Recreation Area, being a US Forest Service-operated site, doesn't typically run the same type of "promotions" as private campgrounds, it does offer a significant benefit for certain pass holders, making it highly affordable for many locals and visitors alike.

The fee structure is as follows:

• Single Campsites: $15 per night.
• Single Campsites with Electric: $20 per night.
• Single Campsites with Electric and Sewer (Site #C22): $25 per night.
• Double Sites with Electric (Site #D14): $40 per night.
• Day Use/Swim Area: $5 per vehicle, or $2 per person for those arriving by bus, walking, or biking.
• Group Picnic Shelter: $5 per vehicle.

The most significant "special offer" comes in the form of federal recreation passes. While specific discounts for the "America the Beautiful Pass" are not explicitly stated for Shady Lake, many federal campgrounds offer reduced rates (often 50% off camping fees) for holders of this pass, including Senior and Access Passes. It's always advisable to inquire upon arrival or contact the Mena-Oden Ranger District to confirm current pass policies and discounts, as these can provide substantial savings for frequent visitors to federal recreation areas.

Additionally, during the off-season, particularly from November through mid-March when the campground facilities might be closed (though trails remain open year-round), primitive camping in undeveloped areas of the Ouachita National Forest may be permitted without fees, subject to forest regulations. This offers a unique opportunity for experienced campers seeking a more rugged, free experience.

For inquiries regarding Shady Lake Recreation Area, or to get the most up-to-date information on conditions, availability, and specific policies, the best point of contact is the managing office for the Ouachita National Forest in that district.

• Address: Arkansas 71971, USA (for the recreation area itself)
• Closest Town for Reference: Athens, AR 71971
• Operating Office: Mena-Oden Ranger District
• Phone: (479) 394-2382

It's important to note that since all campsites are first-come, first-served, reservations are not taken. Therefore, contacting the Ranger District is primarily for general information, current conditions (like water availability or fire bans), or confirming fees and pass acceptance. While cell service may be limited at the campground itself, you can typically reach the Ranger District office during business hours for assistance.

Shady Lake Recreation Area is an ideal destination for Arkansans for numerous compelling reasons, making it a cherished local resource. Its location within the vast and stunning Ouachita National Forest means that a truly wild and restorative natural experience is just a drive away, offering a convenient escape from urban life without requiring extensive travel outside the state. For those living in Arkansas, Shady Lake represents a readily accessible haven for peace and outdoor adventure.

The campground's blend of primitive sites and those with electric and water hookups caters to a wide spectrum of campers, from seasoned tent enthusiasts to families with RVs. This versatility ensures that virtually any local seeking an outdoor getaway can find a suitable spot. The presence of well-maintained bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets, a feature not always found in such serene settings, significantly enhances comfort, making it more appealing for families or those new to camping.

Furthermore, the diverse activities available at Shady Lake—including excellent fishing, refreshing swims in the clear lake, and an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails—ensure that there's something to engage every member of the family or group. The historic CCC-built structures add a unique cultural dimension, inviting visitors to appreciate the area's heritage while enjoying its natural beauty. The "first-come, first-served" policy, while requiring some flexibility, also means spontaneous trips are always a possibility, allowing Arkansans to seize opportunities for impromptu adventures.

Ultimately, Shady Lake Recreation Area offers a genuine taste of Arkansas's wild heart. It’s a place where generations of locals have made memories, enjoyed the simple pleasures of the outdoors, and found solace in nature's embrace. Its affordability, coupled with its natural splendor and varied recreational offerings, firmly establishes Shady Lake as a perfectly suitable and highly recommended outdoor retreat for residents across the state.