Shady Lake Campground Reopens: Plan Your Arkansas Camping Trip

If you love camping like me, you will be happy to hear that a campground in Arkansas has reopened after major upgrades. Camping season is officially underway at Shady Lake Recreation Area, which opened April 15 with reservations now available for visitors planning a spring or summer getaway.

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A total of 28 campsites in the Mena-Oden Ranger District in Arkansas can now be reserved. Sites can be booked up to six months in advance.

Upgrades Improve Access and Experience at Arkansas Campground

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Shady Lake Recreational Area has been closed for around 4 years, but the great news is it is back and better! The upgrades and improvements were made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act.

The Loop A Reconstruction Project added nine fully accessible ADA campsites with full-service hookups. Crews also restored the historic Civilian Conservation Corps bathhouse, repaired structural damage, and added a new vault toilet for day-use guests.

A Peaceful Getaway in the Mountains in Arkansas

The campgrounds were originally built back in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The 25-acre lake offers a quiet mountain escape, and that is just what campers crave. You will also love the Shady Lake Trail, which crosses Saline Creek, passes the historic dam, and winds along the campground.

The area features 54 campsites across four loops, along with amenities like warm showers, picnic areas, a swim beach, and a scenic three-mile shoreline trail. Campsites can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long.

Plan Your Visit to Shady Lake Recreation Area

Ready to go camping? You can make your reservation at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777

Shady Lake is located about 40 miles west of Glenwood and 45 miles southeast of Mena. For more information, contact the Mena-Oden Ranger District at 479-394-2382.