The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest and largest National Forest in the South. Comprising 1.76 million acres in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita National Forest contains 4,000 miles of streams and 1,600 acres of lakes and ponds. This does not include Lake Ouachita or Broken Bow Reservoir, both Army Corps of Engineer lakes.
Ouachita National Forest Camping and recreation areas regular open dates are from April through September.
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Ouachita National Forest |
Hiking -Biking Trails
The Ouachita National Forest's fisheries program is one of State and Federal
coordination, fisheries protection and fish habitat improvement.
The lake acreages include, the 400 acres of the
Arkansas Game and Fish
Commission's Lake Hinkle, Watershed District flood control lakes on the
Forest (approximately 11) and FS recreation/fishing lakes and ponds totaling approximately 700 acres. The remaining acreage is in one acre or
smaller wildlife ponds and the ponds and reservoirs on the Red Slough
waterfowl area in SW Oklahoma.
Selected campgrounds remain open year-round.
Specific information for each site can be found by
visiting the
Recreation
Area Schedule or by contacting the appropriate ranger district office
(listed at the end of this page).
A fee is charged to use many Federal
recreation areas, including some on the national forests.
Ouachita National Forrest campsites with electric and water hookups.
Cedar Lake
Charlton
Lake Sylvia
Little Pines
Lake
Ouachita Camp Site List
You can reserve group camping or picnicking areas for a $5.00
nonrefundable registration fee payable to the local district ranger's
office. Other areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The
Cedar Lake Recreation Area picnic shelters and group camping areas can be
reserved for $20 per day by calling the Choctaw Ranger District, (918)
653-2991.
For advanced reservations at Camp Clearfork Recreation Area,
contact the Womble Ranger District, (501) 867-2101.
Camping and recreation areas in Arkansas.
CADDO RANGER DISTRICT
912 Smokey Bear Lane
Glenwood, AR 71943
(870) 356-4186
Camping , swimming, flush toilets, drinking water, warm showers,
fishing, hiking, 6-mile hiking trail upstream to Little Missouri Falls.
U.S. fee area.
Total Campsites 54 units
8 with water/electrictiy
Most will accommodate small RV's and short trailers.
8 sites will accommodate full size RVs.
Max Length of Stay is 14 Days
Max Group Size is 6 Persons Per Site
Water is Well Water
Restrooms have flush toilets and warm showers
Fee is $10.00/$16.00 with utilities.
No Reservations Required or taken
Year-Round Use
Managed by U.S. Forest Service
Located by a natural pool of the Little Missouri River, a popular stream
for fishing, floating, and water play.
Segments of the Little Missouri River are designated both wild and
scenic.
Little Missouri River has good fishing for small mouth
bass and early-spring released trout.
Excellent hiking, mountain bike, and equestrian opportunities on Little
Missouri, Athens-Big Fork, and Viles Branch trails. A special challenge
for backpackers and long-distance hikers is provided by the Eagle Rock
Loop.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn north on Arkansas Hwy. 369
at
Langley, AR for 6 miles.
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Opening Date |
Closing Date |
Fees |
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A & B Campgrounds |
3/15 |
10/31 |
10.00 |
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C Campground |
Open All Year |
10.00 |
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Swim Area |
May 3 |
Sept. 3 |
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BARD SPRINGS:
Small scenic stream.
Camping (17 units), picnic shelter, swimming, flush toilet, drinking water,
hiking trail. U.S. fee area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246
at Athens, AR; turn right (north) on Forest Service Road 38 for 7 miles; turn
right (east) on Forest Service Road 106 for 1/2 mile.Opening Date
Closing Date
Fees
A & B Campgrounds
May
Sept
5.00
Picnic
Open All Year
Swim Area
Open All Year
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CRYSTAL:
Attractive wooded site on stream; flowing spring.
Camping (9 units), picnic shelter, accessible vault toilet, swimming, hiking trail.
U.S. fee area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 27 north from Norman, AR for 1 mile; turn right (east) on
Forest Service Road 177 for 3 miles.
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COLLIER SPRINGS:
Natural setting at clear-flowing spring.
Picnicking (1 unit), vault toilet, picnic shelter.
From Arkansas Hwy. 27 north from Norman, AR for 1 mile; turn right (east) on
Forest Service Road 177 for 3 miles.
From U.S. 270 about six miles east of Mt. Ida and 30 miles west of Hot Springs, turn south onto Logan Gap Road.
Follow Logan Gap to its intersection with Road 177, turn right onto 177, then follow the brown Forest Service signs to Collier Springs.
If You Go: Remember the rule of thumb for keeping natural places intact for visitors who will follow: Leave only footprints, take only photographs
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LITTLE MISSOURI FALLS:
Forested picnic area, with trail leading to waterfall
overlook.
Picnicking (5 units), hiking, accessible vault toilet, drinking water, fishing, 6 mile
hiking trail downstream to Albert Pike Recreation Area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn north on Arkansas Hwy. 369 at
Langley, AR for 6 miles; continue north 3 miles on Forest Service Road 73 to
Forest Service Road 43; turn left (northwest) 4 miles to Forest Service Road
25; turn left (west) for 1/2 mile to Forest Service Road 539.
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SHADY LAKE:
Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.
Camping (96 units), group facilities, picnic shelter, flush toilets,
accessible vault toilet, drinking water, showers, swimming, fishing,
hiking, interpretive trail, amphitheater, playground. No motors allowed on
lake. U.S. fee area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246
at Athens, AR; turn right (north) at sign, drive 5 miles on Forest Service Road
38.
MENA RANGER DISTRICT
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GAP CREEK:
Convenient roadside area on mountain stream.
Picnicking (5 units), vault toilet.
Twenty-four miles west of Hot Springs, AR on U.S. 270.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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HICKORY NUT MOUNTAIN:
Beautiful view of Lake Ouachita and surrounding area
from the top of Hickory Nut Mountain.
Camping (8 units), picnicking, vault toilet.
Take U.S. 270 west from Hot Springs, AR for 22 miles; turn right (north) at
sign on Forest Service Road 50 for 3 miles.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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![[Picture]: The swimming docks at Charlton](images/charlton-recreation-area.jpg)
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Wooded setting located on the banks of Walnut Creek just 20 miles west of Hot Springs.
Charlton Recreation Area includes Camping plus group facilities with electric, water, and sewer hookups, hot showers and flush toilets, swimming, hiking, drinking water, fishing, amphitheater, interpretive trail, playground, and 4-mile hiking trail.
Directions 20 miles west of Hot Springs on Highway 270.
Road Access Highway 270
Total Campsites 57, 10 accessible campsites
Hookups 9 with electric, water, and sewer
Large RV's and trailers
Max Length of Stay 14 Days
Max Group Size 6 Persons Per Site
Water Rural water system
Restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers
Fee $10.00 no hookups;
$17.00 electric, water, and sewer hookups;
$23.00 Double site with electric, water, and sewer;
Day Use $3.00
Reservations Day use pavilion reserveable from Womble Ranger district Office for $25
Year-Round Use
Managed by U.S. Forest Service. Womble Ranger District
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LAKE OUACHITA VISTA:
Scenic view of Lake Ouachita.
Take U.S. 270 west from Hot Springs, AR for 22 miles; turn right (north) at
sign on Forest Service Road 50 for 3-1/2 miles.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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CAMP CLEARFORK:
Rustic descendent of the Civilian Conservation Corps days.
Small scenic lake. Residential group-use camp available for general public
use, family reunions, civic and church groups, scouts, universities, and other
large meetings.
Facilities: Accessible dining hall, staff cabins for 5 to 6 people (3
units, 1 accessible), recreation building, accessible flush toilet and showers. Dorm
cabins for 10 people (6 units), softball field, swimming, and canoeing.
U.S. fee area: 30-day minimum advance reservations; reservation fee
(nonrefundable); daily fee for - dining hall, dorm cabins, staff cabins.
Call or write Womble Ranger District listed on back page for reservations
and fee rates.
Twenty miles west of Hot Springs, AR on U.S. 270.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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IRON SPRINGS:
Wooded roadside setting on stream near historic springs.
Camping (7 units), accessible vault toilet, picnic sites, drinking water
pump, three picnic shelters, and accessible walkway to springs, wading area.
On Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, 4-1/2 miles north of Jessieville, AR.
JESSIEVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
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SOUTH FOURCHE:
This campground is currently being reconstructed.
Upon completion, it will have 7 accessible camping units, an accessible picnic shelter and an accessible vault toilet.
One mile south of Hollis, AR on Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway.
JESSIEVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
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JACK CREEK:
Natural pool in Sugar Creek, scenic overlooks, rugged rock bluffs.
Camping (5 units), picnicking, swimming, accessible vault toilet, drinking
water, picnic shelter, fishing, 1/2-mile scenic loop trail, 4-mile trail
connects to Dry Creek Wilderness, 3-1/2 mile trail connects to Knoppers
Ford.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 23 south from Booneville, AR for 2 miles; turn left (east)
on Arkansas Hwy. 116 for 1 mile; then south at sign on paved county road for 4
miles; then 1 mile south on Forest Service Road 19; turn left (east) on Forest
Service Road 141 for 1 mile.
COLD SPRINGS RANGER DISTRICT
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KNOPPERS FORD:
Natural pools in Sugar Creek.
Camping (6 units), picnicking, swimming, accessible vault toilet, fishing, 3-1/2 mile
trail connects to Jack Creek. Equestrian use from October 1-May 1.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 23 south from Booneville, AR for 2 miles; turn left (east)
on Arkansas Hwy. 116 for 1 mile; then south at sign on paved county road for 4
miles; then 3 miles south on Forest Service Road 19 (gravel).
COLD SPRINGS RANGER DISTRICT
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FOURCHE MOUNTAIN:
Scenic view from mountain-top.
Camping (5 units), picnicking, vault toilet.
On Arkansas Hwy. 27, 5 miles south of Rover, AR.
FOURCHE RANGER DISTRICT
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LAKE SYLVIA:
Beautiful 16-acre lake nestled in the mountains.
Camping (28 units- 19 w/ electric and water- plus group facilities), swimming, picnicking, accessible
flush toilet, drinking water, showers, fishing, hiking, amphitheater, 2
interpretive trails (1 accessible). No motors allowed on lake. U.S. fee
area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 9 south from Perryville, AR for 9 miles; turn right
(southwest) at sign on Arkansas Hwy. 324 for 4 miles.
WINONA RANGER DISTRICT
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CADDO RANGER DISTRICT
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DUTCH CREEK:
Site of Historic Dutch Creek Civilian Conservation Corps Camp.
Picnicking, accessible vault toilet, picnic shelter.
On Arkansas Hwy. 80, 13 miles east of Waldron, AR.
COLD SPRINGS RANGER DISTRICT
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LITTLE PINES:
The day use and swimming area is located on beautiful 1,000-acre
Lake Hinkle, managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The campground is located on a hill away from the lake.
Camping (21 units), some electric hookups, flush toilet, drinking water,
swimming, showers, picnic shelter, hiking, boat launching, accessible
fishing pier and accessible vault toilet. No skiing allowed on the lake. U.S. fee
area.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 248 west from Waldron, AR, 11-1/2 miles.
POTEAU RANGER DISTRICT
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MILL CREEK:
Natural pool on scenic portion of Mill Creek.
Camping (27 units), picnicking, flush toilet, drinking water, swimming,
fishing, hiking trail, interpretive trail, hitching posts, horseback
riding, ATV and mountain-bike riding. U.S. fee area.
Take U.S. 270 east of "Y" City, AR , 4-1/2 miles.
POTEAU RANGER DISTRICT
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BIG BRUSHY:
Attractive wooded setting on stream bank.
Camping (9 units, 6 accessible), accessible picnic shelter, playground,
accessible vault toilet, fishing, loop trail, and access to Ouachita National
Recreation Trail.
Six miles northwest of Pencil Bluff, AR on U.S. 270.
ODEN RANGER DISTRICT
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OUACHITA RIVER FLOAT TRIP:
(SHIRLEY CREEK, ROCKY SHOALS, FULTON BRANCH, DRAGOVER, RIVER BLUFF)
The beautiful Ouachita River carries floaters
easterly for a total of 45 miles. Tumbling through narrows and rapids at the
float trip's beginning (near Pine Ridge, AR), it gradually slows to meander
past massive rock bluffs at the lower end at Lake Ouachita. Seven landings are
usable, five of which are float camps. Average floating speed is 1 mile per
hour, varying with depth and season. Good bass, bream, catfish, and walleye
fishing.
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SHIRLEY CREEK:
Float camp on Ouachita River.
Camping (6 units), picnicking, vault toilet, drinking water, fishing, canoe
access.
Exit U.S. 270 at Pencil Bluff to State Hwy. 88, west 1 mile past the Oden
Ranger Station, turn left on county road 7991 for 1/2 mile.
ODEN RANGER DISTRICT
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ROCKY SHOALS:
Float camp on Ouachita River.
Camping (7 units), picnicking, accessible vault toilet, float fishing, canoeing,
hiking.
Take U.S. 270 northwest from Mt. Ida, AR for 6 miles; turn right (north) just
before crossing the Ouachita River Bridge (east side of river).
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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FULTON BRANCH:
Float Camp on Ouachita River.
Camping (7 units), picnicking, vault toilet, float fishing, canoeing,
hiking.
Take U.S. 270 northwest from Mt. Ida, AR for 4-1/2 miles to Arkansas Hwy. 298;
turn right (north) for 1/2 mile to Forest Service Road 568; turn right (east)
for 1-1/2 miles to Forest Service Road 1437.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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DRAGOVER:
Float camp on Ouachita River.
Camping (7 units), picnicking, accessible vault toilet, float fishing,
canoeing and drinking water.
From Pencil Bluff, AR take Arkansas Hwy. 88 east for 7 miles; turn south on
county road 97 for 1 mile.
ODEN RANGER DISTRICT
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RIVER BLUFF:
Float camp on Ouachita River.
Camping (7 units), picnicking vault toilet, float fishing, canoeing,
hiking.
From Mount Ida, AR; turn right (north) on Arkansas Hwy. 27 for 1/2 mile; turn
left (northwest) on county road 59 for 3-1/2 miles to Forest Service Road 138;
turn left (north) for 2-1/2 miles.
WOMBLE RANGER DISTRICT
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RICH MOUNTAIN:
Breathtaking view from the highest point (2,681 feet) on the
Ouachita National Forest. The lookout tower is open to the public, weather
permitting, weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.
Picnicking (5 units), lookout tower site.
Take Arkansas Hwy. 88 - 10 miles west of Mena, AR on Talimena Scenic Byway.
MENA RANGER DISTRICT
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Camping and recreation areas in Oklahoma
ROBERT S. KERR MEMORIAL ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER AND BOTANICAL AREA:
The interpretive complex serves as an outdoor laboratory designed to educate and
inform visitors of their environment. The Nature Center, adjacent to the
Talimena Byway, features an exhibit pavilion, and self-guided trails that
interpret the natural world of the forest. The botanical area consists of
8,026 acres, managed to protect and encourage rare and endangered diverse plant
and animal species.
Exhibits, flush toilet, drinking water, three interpretive trails.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 1 from junction with U.S. 259, 2 miles (east) on the
Talimena Scenic Byway.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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Historic old road and picnic area on Talimena Scenic Byway.
Accessible picnicking (two units), accessible picnic shelter, accessible vault toilet,
interpretive trail, national historic site.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 1 from junction with U.S. 271, 1 mile (east) on the Talimena
Scenic Byway.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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Historic spring and picnic area on Talimena Scenic Byway.
Picnicking (6 units, 2 accessible), accessible vault toilet, interpretive
trail.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 1 from junction with U.S. 259, 6 miles (west) on the
Talimena Scenic Byway.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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WINDING STAIR MOUNTAIN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA:
The 26,445-acre National
Recreation Area encompasses Talimena Scenic Byway in Oklahoma, Talimena Byway
Visitor Information Station, Old Military Road, Horsethief Springs, Winding
Stair Campground, Cedar Lake Campground and Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, and
Pipe Spring.
Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting.
Located along Oklahoma Hwy. 1 (Talimena Scenic Byway) and portion of U.S Hwy.
259 from Page, OK to Big Cedar, OK.
CHOCTAW AND KIAMICHI RANGER DISTRICTS
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INDIAN NATIONS NATIONAL SCENIC AND WILDLIFE AREA:
41,051 acres rich in diverse
animal species, includes the Homer L. Johnson Wildlife Management Area and a
15-acre fishing lake on top of Post Mountain.
Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, primitive camping.
Take U.S. Hwy. 270/59 south of Heavener, OK 11 miles, then right (west) on
Holson Valley Road.
CHOCTAW AND KIAMICHI RANGER DISTRICTS
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BEECH CREEK NATIONAL SCENIC AREA AND BOTANICAL AREA:
The 7,500-acre scenic
area is known for its beautiful old beech trees, other middle-aged to mature
trees and vegetation. Enjoy 32 miles of interconnecting hiking trails through
different ecosystems along the headwaters of Beech Creek. Within this scenic
area is a special zone, the 400-acre Beech Creek Botanical Area. An old forest
road winds through the Scenic Area, providing hiking opportunities to view the
scenic beauty. The gravel access road to this area is narrow; visitors should
drive with caution.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 63 east from Big Cedar, OK for 6 miles, turn right (south)
on Forest Service Road 6026 for 5 miles.
KIAMICHI RANGER DISTRICT
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On the shore of 90-acre Cedar
Lake.
Camping (87 units, 25 units with electric and water, 7 with sewer hookups,
4 accessible, plus group facilities), accessible flush toilet, bathhouse,
and drinking water hydrants, picnic shelter, swimming, hiking, boat ramp,
interpretive trail, fishing, playground equipment, fishing pier, sand
volleyball court, and trailer dump station. Motors larger than 7-1/2
horsepower are not allowed on lake. U.S. fee area.
Take U.S. 270-59 south from Heavener, OK for 10 miles; turn right (west) on
Holson Valley Road for 3 miles; then right (north) on Forest Service Road
7269
for 1 mile.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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CEDAR LAKE EQUESTRIAN CAMP:
Over 80 miles of loop trails begin at the
campground and traverse through the Ouachita Mountains.
Facilities include 44 units with water/electric hookups (5 accessible), 27
sites with central water, 100 primitive campsites including overflow and a
trailer dump station, trailer/tent camping, hitching posts, accessible
mounting stand, accessible flush toilet and hot showers.
See directions to Cedar Lake; follow signs to Cedar Lake Recreation Area.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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Mountain-top camping area adjacent to Talimena Scenic Byway, a
2.2 hiking loop from camp and access to Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Camping (26 units), picnicking, flush toilet, drinking water.
Take U.S. 259 north from Big Cedar, OK for 5 miles; turn left (west) on
Oklahoma Hwy. 1 for 3 miles on the Talimena Scenic Byway.
CHOCTAW RANGER DISTRICT
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Natural pool in attractive stream. Hiking trail begins at
campground and climbs to top of mountain and loops back, for a total of 7-1/2
miles.
Camping (11 units), picnicking, accessible vault toilet, drinking water,
fishing.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 63 west from Big Cedar, OK for 6 miles; turn right (north)
at sign on Forest Service Road 6022 for 2 miles.
KIAMICHI RANGER DISTRICT
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Old spring.
Picnicking (5 units), accessible vault toilet.
Take U.S. 259 from junction with Oklahoma Hwy. 1, 1-1/2 miles (south).
KIAMICHI RANGER DISTRICT
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Seven-acre lake.
Picnicking (9 units, 1 accessible), swimming, fishing, 1 mile hiking trail,
drinking water, accessible flush toilet.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 3 east from Idabel, OK past Haworth, OK for 1/2 mile; turn
right (west) on county road for 5 miles; turn left (south) on county road for 1
mile.
TIAK RANGER DISTRICT
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Piney woods picnic area.
Picnicking (7 units), small pond, fishing, vault toilet, drinking water.
Take Oklahoma Hwy. 3 east from Idabel, OK for 17 miles; turn south on Forest
Service Road 7006.
TIAK RANGER DISTRICT
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VISITOR CENTERS
Information on the forest may be obtained at any ranger district office and
at three visitor information centers. These centers are located at the west
end of the Talimena Scenic Byway at the intersection with Highway 271 in
Oklahoma; the east end of the Talimena Scenic Byway just outside of Mena,
Arkansas; and the Hot Springs Visitor Center in downtown Hot Springs,
Arkansas. The visitor centers as well as some of the ranger district offices
are open during normal business hours as well as some weekends on at least a
seasonal basis. Call (501) 321-5202 for specific information on operation
hours.
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