Outdoor enthusiasts heading to some of the region’s favorite getaways this summer may encounter unexpected closures and reduced amenities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock District announced this week that it will temporarily scale back certain services at Table Rock Lake in Missouri – a reservoir popular with Arkansas weekenders – due to resource challenges. At the same time, the U.S. Forest Service is limiting access at several recreation sites in Arkansas’s national forests, citing ongoing repairs and maintenance needs. Both agencies emphasize that these measures are temporary and aimed at ensuring visitor safety during the busy summer season.
Temporary Cuts at Table Rock Lake
Beginning June 13, the Army Corps will adjust operations at Table Rock Lake, which is managed by its Little Rock District. The Dewey Short Visitor Center, a prominent lakeside attraction near Branson, will have reduced hours. It will now open only Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., remaining closed on the typically busier weekend days. Corps officials stated that this schedule change is a response to staffing shortages and safety concerns, allowing the limited staff to focus on essential duties during peak visitation times. Summer school groups and other special tour requests at the visitor center can still be arranged by email or phone, but walk-in availability will be limited under the new hours.
Lake officials also warn that Shoreline Use Permit processing will slow down for the time being. Applications for docks, shoreline vegetation management, and other lakeshore permits may face delays until normal staffing levels resume. Visitors and property owners around Table Rock Lake should plan for longer wait times for permit approvals this summer. The Corps has not given a firm end date for these service reductions, noting that they will remain in effect “until staffing levels improve and conditions allow for safe, sustainable operations.” In the interim, the lake’s campgrounds, marinas, and boat ramps remain open as usual, and rangers will continue regular patrols. Table Rock Lake – though located in southern Missouri – draws many visitors from Arkansas, so the Corps’ changes could affect a number of Arkansans planning weekend lake trips. Officials recommend checking the Little Rock District’s website and social media for the latest updates on visitor services before making the drive.
Recreation Sites Closed in Arkansas Forests
The Corps’ cutbacks at Table Rock come on the heels of a similar announcement from the U.S. Forest Service regarding Arkansas’s two national forests. Visitors to the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests will find that several popular recreation areas are closed or operating with reduced amenities during the 2025 summer season. Forest Service officials explained that a combination of natural disaster damage and planned improvement projects has made certain sites temporarily off-limits as crews work to repair infrastructure and upgrade facilities.
In the Ouachita National Forest of western Arkansas, two beloved spots are affected. Bard Springs Campground and Swim Site is fully closed to the public this season. At Shady Lake Recreation Area, one of the campground loops (Loop A) and the swim beach are closed as well. According to the Forest Service, the Shady Lake partial closure will allow a major renovation project to move forward – including upgrades to campsites and facilities such as replacing the fishing pier, improving accessibility, and updating utilities in that loop of the campground.
Farther north in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, a number of sites are shut down for repairs or construction. This includes two trail access points – the Allison Trailhead (for the Sylamore Trail) and Bad Branch Trailhead (in the Syllamo Trail system), both of which are closed to hikers until further notice. At the popular Blanchard Springs Recreation Area in the Ozark National Forest, the campground, day-use area, and group pavilion are closed as crews undertake renovations. (The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor tours may have separate operating status, so officials advise checking in advance if you plan to visit the caverns.) Additionally, the Lake Wedington Recreation Area west of Fayetteville has its campground and historic cabins unavailable this summer due to maintenance work. Another site, Spring Lake Campground and day-use area, is also closed. These closures, scattered across the forests, may disrupt some travel plans, but the agency stresses that the work is essential for the long-term enjoyment and safety of these recreation areas.
Even where sites remain open, the Forest Service cautions that some locations will experience reduced services. Campers and hikers might notice less frequent lawn mowing and trash pickup, or find that certain restrooms and bathhouses are temporarily closed. Officials explain that with ongoing projects and some ranger districts stretched thin, they must concentrate their personnel and funding on priority maintenance needs. In essence, visitors can still access many areas of the national forests, but should be prepared for a more rustic experience at times.
Planning Ahead for Outdoor Outings
With these temporary cutbacks in effect, both agencies are urging travelers to plan ahead and stay informed. Before heading out, visitors should check the official web pages or call the local ranger district or project office for the latest conditions and openings. The Forest Service posts alerts and updates on its websites for the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis forests, including notices of any new closures. For campground reservations on national forest lands, Recreation.gov will notify users of cancellations and provide refunds automatically if a site is closed. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers provides Table Rock Lake recreation updates through its Little Rock District website and social media feeds. It’s a good idea to verify visitor center hours or boat ramp statuses online in case of any last-minute changes.
If your favorite campground or trail is closed, consider exploring one of the many alternatives. Arkansas’s public lands have no shortage of options – for example, if a Ouachita National Forest site is unavailable, nearby state parks or other forest campgrounds might still be open and able to accommodate visitors. Likewise, travelers bound for Table Rock Lake who find the visitor center closed can still enjoy the lake’s marinas, trails, and scenic overlooks, or they might stop by other attractions in the Branson area. Local tourism offices and park websites can offer suggestions for alternate recreation spots so your outdoor adventure can continue with minimal hiccups.
Finally, officials from both the Corps and the Forest Service remind everyone to recreate responsibly, especially when normal services are limited. This means packing out your trash – since garbage collection may be less frequent – and following Leave No Trace principles to keep the parks and forests clean. Bring everything you need for comfort and safety, such as extra water, bug spray, or a toilet kit, in case amenities like running water or restrooms aren’t available. Respect all posted signs and closures, even if it’s tempting to venture into a closed area; doing so not only ensures your own safety but also helps protect sensitive work sites and natural habitats under restoration.
In Summary: While these service reductions and site closures may pose some inconvenience for summer adventurers, they are temporary measures aimed at improving and safeguarding the outdoor spaces we love. Park managers say they intend to restore full operations as soon as conditions allow – whether that’s when staffing levels rebound or when construction projects wrap up. In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to remain flexible with their plans, seek out open alternatives, and continue enjoying the outdoors with a bit of preparation and patience. With the right planning and respectful recreation habits, you can still make the most of Arkansas’s lakes and forests this summer, even with a few detours along the way.
For a better understanding of who manages the public lands in Arkansas, visit this helpful article.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
