The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on proposed recreation fee increases across the Ouachita National Forest, including changes that would affect visitors to the popular Shady Lake Recreation Area near Mena, Arkansas.
The proposal comes just weeks after Shady Lake reopened for the 2026 season following major renovations and upgrades that added new accessible campsites, improved infrastructure, and introduced online reservations for the first time.
Proposed Recreation Fee Changes
According to the Forest Service, the proposed fee increases are intended to help cover the rising costs of operating and maintaining recreation facilities while supporting future improvements. Officials say many fees have remained unchanged for years despite growing visitation and increasing maintenance demands.
The proposed changes at Shady Lake Recreation Area include:
| Site | Site Type | Current Fee | Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shady Lake | Campsite with Electric/Water/Sewer hookups | $25/night | $35/night |
| Shady Lake Group Picnic | Group Picnic Site (up to 30 people) | $0/day | $50/day |
| Cedar Lake Day Use | Group Picnic Site (up to 30 people) | $0/day | $50/day |
| Charlton Day Use | Group Picnic Site (up to 30 people) | $0/day | $50/day |
The proposal would also affect several other developed recreation areas across the forest.
The Forest Service noted that approximately 80% of recreation fee revenue stays within the forest where it is collected and is used for campground maintenance, repairs, accessibility improvements, visitor services, and deferred maintenance projects.
Shady Lake Recently Reopened After Major Upgrades
The fee proposal arrives shortly after Shady Lake Recreation Area reopened following a major renovation project that temporarily closed portions of the campground and swim area during construction.
Located in the mountains of the Ouachita National Forest near Mena, Shady Lake has long been one of Arkansas’s favorite forest campgrounds. Originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the area includes a 25-acre lake, hiking trails, swimming access, mountain biking opportunities, and campsites tucked into dense forest scenery.
Recent improvements included:
- Nine new ADA-accessible campsites
- Renovated bathhouse facilities
- Updated utilities and campground layout
- Improved parking and accessibility features
- A replaced fishing pier
- Expanded reservation availability through Recreation.gov
For the first time, campers can now reserve many campsites online up to six months in advance instead of relying entirely on first-come, first-served availability. More on the upgrades is available at our article from April, 2026.
Balancing Improvements With Affordability
The proposed fee increases could generate mixed reactions among Arkansas campers and outdoor recreation advocates.
Supporters often argue that modest fee increases are necessary to maintain aging infrastructure and improve visitor experiences at heavily used public recreation sites. Across the country, the Forest Service has increasingly relied on recreation fee revenue to help address deferred maintenance and staffing shortages.
Others may question whether higher fees could make public lands less affordable for families and frequent campers, especially as outdoor recreation costs continue to rise.
Shady Lake has historically been known as one of the more affordable mountain camping destinations in Arkansas. Current listings for campsites at the recreation area generally range from basic primitive sites to electric and water hookups.
Public Comment Period Open Through July 20
The Forest Service is accepting public comments on the proposed recreation fee changes through July 20, 2026. Comments can be submitted online, by email, or by mail to the Ouachita National Forest recreation program office.
- By mail: Ouachita National Forest, Attention: Bill Jackson, Recreation Program, PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902
- By email: SM.FS.ONF_PA@usda.gov
- Online: https://arcg.is/1Gu8zH1 (click on “Ouachita National Forest” at the top of the page.)
- In person or by phone: Visit the Ouachita National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 100 Reserve St., Hot Springs, AR 71901, during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or call 501-321-5253 and indicate that you want to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes.
If approved, the new fees would likely be implemented in phases after review by the appropriate recreation resource advisory committee.
More information about the proposal and comment process is available through the Ouachita National Forest official website.
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!
