Shady Lake Campground

My friend and I visited in October and there was barely anyone else there so it was very peaceful and quite and shocked us with it’s beauty as we didn’t think it would be as pretty as it was but we were wrong

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.

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!!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites.