Map showing campground location near Ouachita Lake, Arkansas

Camper submitted image from Buckville - Lake Ouachita

Buckville - Lake Ouachita

This Army Corps of Engineers campground provides boat-in and drive-in access to Lake Ouachita with sites accommodating RVs up to 20 feet. The small facility features pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a designated swimming area along the shoreline. Campers must bring their own drinking water and toilet paper, as no potable water is available on-site.

Reviews highlight the fishing opportunities and mention kayaking access for exploring nearby islands. The location sits in a mountainous area with cell service available. For additional camping choices in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Royal or check out COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground nearby.

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Location

Public Campground

Buckville - Lake Ouachita is located in Arkansas

Coordinates

34.61300024 N
93.34200075 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 4/4/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/4/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 4/4/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/4/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

57 min from Hot Springs, AR
1 hr 32 min from Little Rock, AR
2 hrs 13 min from Fort Smith, AR
2 hrs 30 min from Texarkana, TX

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many mentioned this free, secluded mountain campground offers good fishing and swimming with basic amenities. Guests commonly noted the need to bring water and supplies, with occasional issues like biting flies.

Makayla C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2025

Island Camping!!!

We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

Month of VisitJune

Forest K.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2024

Nice boon-docking area

Our family has camp here the last 4 years, sometimes twice a year. We like it for the family and grandkids because of the swimming area and pit toilets, which allows us to stay for about 3-4 days at time, you need to bring your own toilet paper and water. There used to be a store a couple of miles up the road from here, but the last time we camp, it was closed due to the spouse passing away. If you like boon docking, Kayaking, and fishing in a quite area, this is the place for you. Bring your Kayak and go Island hoping!

Month of VisitSeptember

Melanie W.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2016

Free Camping

This is a nice very small campground that is free. The view is awesome. Great for free camping. The restroom is a pit toilet. The fishing is good and it's way up in the mountains. There is picnic tables, firepits, grills and a swim beach. Really good for a free campground. Take lanterns, and drinking water. It's really secluded.

(7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Buckville Recreation Area?

Buckville Recreation Area offers basic amenities for a primitive camping experience. The facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, and grills for outdoor cooking. There's a swim beach area that's popular with families and great for cooling off during warm months. The campground features pit toilets (bring your own toilet paper), but no running water is available so visitors need to bring their own drinking water. Despite being a free campground, it provides essential facilities for a comfortable outdoor stay with beautiful views of Lake Ouachita.

Is the Buckville store open year-round?

The Buckville store is no longer in operation. Previously, there was a store located a couple of miles from the campground, but it has since closed. Campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies before arriving at the recreation area. The nearest shopping facilities would require a drive away from the campground. Plan ahead by bringing all food, drinking water, and camping essentials as there are no on-site or nearby purchasing options available.

Where is Buckville Recreation Area located on Lake Ouachita?

Buckville Recreation Area is situated in a mountainous section of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. The campground occupies a scenic location with excellent water views, making it popular for fishing and water activities. It's positioned in a relatively remote area, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors should note its mountain setting when planning their trip, as this affects accessibility and travel time to the site.

Are there photos available of Buckville Recreation Area?

Yes, photos of Buckville Recreation Area are available online through various camping websites and platforms. These images typically showcase the campground's lake views, swimming area, camping sites with picnic tables, and the natural surroundings. Visual resources help potential visitors get a sense of the primitive camping experience, beach area, and mountain setting before their trip. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check official Arkansas recreation websites or camping platforms like The Dyrt.

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