Camper submitted image from Shady Lake Campground - 1

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Water

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People

Camper submitted image from Shady Lake Campground - 5

Camping

Established Camping

Shady Lake Campground

12 Reviews

About

National Forest

Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail. Individual campsite temporary closings: For your safety, the following campsites are closed while being evaluated for risk of flooding: B12, B14, B18, B20, B21, C1, C2, C3, C4, D4, D6, D8, D10

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Location

Shady Lake Campground is located in Arkansas

Directions

Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246 at Athens, AR; turn right (north) at sign, drive 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38.

Coordinates

34.37000081 N
94.02400055 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Nathaniel S.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2022

Quiet and Peaceful

I stayed in loop C and was able to score a campsite that was right next to the stream and there was 3 sites between me and the next closest person it was very ideal! Overall the campground seemed well maintained and everyone respectful of each other. The bathroom is well worn and could use some TLC.

SiteC6

Month of VisitNovember

Penny A.

Guide

Reviewed May. 20, 2022

Camper’s Ideal Home

Quaint but Large with Plenty to Do!! Swim in the Lake or hike up a stream, but found a sneaky snake and some ticks. Facilities were well maintained. Driving distance to all the other attractions was also a plus! Just Ideal!!

Kevin

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 6, 2022

One of our favorites

This place is wonderful! Camping is spread out far enough that you’re seldom bothered by others (unless someone brings a bunch of dogs and doesn’t keep them controlled). We go often for the hiking, the views, and the ability to disconnect with it all.

SiteB loop

Month of VisitOctober

(5) View All

Brian B.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2021

Great lake and Campground

We love shady lake. Is quiet, the sites are huge. The Forestry Service does need to put some work into it because it's dated

Site33

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

J.R. B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

Wonderful weekend!

This was a wonderful place for a family getaway in the mountains. It’s first come first serve but we secured a spot right up from the creek. It was so nice to listen to the running water while sleeping. Then just a short drive to Albert’s Pike and the Little Missouri Falls! Perfect!

SiteD12

Month of VisitOctober

(8) View All

Brian

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Fantastic Place

We spent 3 nights in a campground on loop C and loved it (we have 4 boys under 12). There is a picturesque babbling creek that runs by most of the campsites, and we could have spent at least a couple days just exploring up and down the creek. There’s generally enough firewood around. Some of the sites are a little close together and most just have one tent pad, so with a bigger group (ie 2-3 tents) you’ll need a double site or just get two.

Lake swimming is super simple but we enjoyed it. There’s a dock a little way out from the shore to swim to and jump off of. The bottom is covered with leaves, but hey, it’s a lake. There are decent trails right around the park for hiking, but also many other great options within an hour from the site.

We loved it, will be back.

Oh - no cell service. You can decide whether that is a good thing or not (I loved it). If you’re really desperate, you can drive 5 mins down the road and get a signal.

Samantha B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Not the worst

The camp volunteer is very nice and helpful. I always felt safe and the camp wasn’t overcrowded. The lake was gross and there were nasty Canada Geese everywhere, but overall pretty nice.

Marcus H.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2019

Solitude

The times I have been there hasn’t been very many other campers in the area. I went with my in-laws, about 20 of us all together, and we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. There’s not a ton to do there. There is a good size lake for fishing and a short trail for day hiking. Other than that, it’s just sitting around the campfire. Nothing wrong with that, I kinda prefer it that way. Just don’t expect much activity to do other than being a good ole camper. Hope this helps.

Hunter C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Perfect for Basic camping

Been camping here since I was 3 and love it every time. Campground has 4 loops. Loop A, B and D have mostly water and electricity hook up. Loop C has nothing but is my favorite because of its proximity to available camping near the creek. All campsites in the campground that were located on the creek have been removed because of the flood in Albert Pike many years ago. Each loop has a bath house with flushing toilets and showers.

Sadly the lake is not really swimming appropriate anymore because they do not clean it. Something to do with some protected species of minnow or something. But it is beautiful. Camp host is extremely friendly and always willing to help and answer questions.

Overall campground is simple and quiet but one of my favorite places to spend my time.

SiteLoop B

Month of VisitAugust

Bob J.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Quiet Forest Service campground

All sites are 1st come ,no reservations . About 16-20 sites with water and electricity. Water spigots around park for dry campers to fill their tanks. Campsites are pretty well spaced for the most part. May get busy around holidays since the Albert Pike recreation area doesn't allow camping now.No motors allowed on the lake(I think trolling motors are OK). Usually quiet during the week. Bathhouses are fairly clean except for bugs(LOL , you are in the woods). Hiking trails in the area if you are in to that. Great place for kids to explore the creek and learn to love camping.

Alana T.

Scout

Reviewed May. 2, 2018

Peaceful and quiet!

Loved my overnight stay at Shady Lake! Slept right above a babbling creek and heard peaceful water flowing all night. Campground caretaker Billy was friendly, knowledgeable and available. I'll definitely come back!

Month of VisitApril