Shady Lake Recreation Area
Arkansas Camping Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Athens, Arkansas GPS: 34.362836, -94.027769 Elevation: 1128′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) Website This is a PAY campground. $10.00 for Camping; $15.00 site A-7 with electric and water hookups; $17.00 site C-22 with electric, water, and sewer; $16.00 Double site, no utilities; Day Use $3.00 |
BASIC DETAILS:
The road in is Gravel and 3 miles from a paved road. Shady Lake Recreation Area is open March – November. The trail is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 40′. You may stay 14 Nights at Shady Lake Recreation Area. Loop A and the Day Use Area are closed until further notice. Loops B, C, and D are open. Campsites are strictly first-come, first-served.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Dump Station Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms Showers |
Boating Fishing Hiking Swimming |
About This Location
Loop A and the Day Use Area are closed until further notice. Loops B, C, and D are open. Campsites are strictly first-come, first-served.
Directions: Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246 at Athens, AR; then turn right (north) at the sign and go 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246 at Athens, AR; then turn right (north) at the sign and proceed 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38.
Beautiful 25-acre lake in an isolated alpine location. The Civilian Conservation Corps established the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail crosses Saline Creek, passes the historic Shady Lake Dam, and then continues along the campground’s eastern boundary. The track is good for day hikes. Mountain bikers can also use the trail.
Fees for day use/swim area are $5/vehicle or $2/person for bus, walking, or biking. Group picnic shelter is also $5/vehicle.
Campground: Single sites are $15/night, whereas single sites with electricity are $20/night.
Overview: The campground has 51 campsites spread throughout four loops, with facilities ranging from no services to electricity and water. Bathhouses with heated showers and flush toilets. Day use amenities include a swimming area, picnic pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables with BBQ grills, and a 3-mile hiking trail that follows Shady Lake’s shoreline. Campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. Shady Lake is located about 40 miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas and 45 miles southeast of Mena, Arkansas.
Individual campsite temporary closures: For your safety, the following campsites are closed while they are assessed for flood risk:B12, B14, B18, B20, B21, C1, C2, C3, C4, D4, D6, D8, and D10.
Note: Only electric motors are permitted on the lake.
Have you been to this location?Please help us and future travelers by putting in your personal review of this camping site. |