The USDA Forest Service Shuts Campgrounds and Other Facilities in Arkansas (Updated 4/1/2020)

UPDATED 04/01/2020

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has announced many more closures.

Both the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have closed campgrounds Arkansas. Several recreation facilities have been temporarily shut down or services reduced. According to their website, “The USDA Forest Service is taking necessary measures to safeguard the health of employees and the public. The health and safety of employees and the nearby communities is always our top priority at the USDA Forest Service.” Both National Forests remain open to dispersed camping. Below are the current closures:

Ouachita National Forest

• Temporary Shutdowns
  • Albert Pike Day Use Area
  • Charlton Campground
  • Charlton Group Campground
  • Crystal Campground
  • Jack Creek
  • Little Missouri Falls Day Use Area
  • Camp Clearfork
  • Lake Sylvia Campground
  • South Fourche Campground
  • Bear Creek Equestrian Campground
  • Bard Springs Campground
  • Little Pines Campground
  • Shady Lake Campground
  • Shady Lake Group Campground
  • Billy Creek Campground
  • Cedar Lake Campground
  • Cedar Lake Horse Camp
  • Winding Stair Campground, including the Backpacker Camp
  • Mena Visitor Information Station
• Reduced Service
  • Rich Mountain Tower Day Use
  • Hickory Nut Mountain Day Use
  • Iron Springs Day Use
  • Emerald Vista Day Use
  • Horsethief Springs Day Use
  • Old Military Road Day Use
  • Fourche Mountain Day Use
  • Knoppers Ford Day Use
  • Pipe Springs Day Use
  • Billy Creek Day Use
  • Dutch Creek CCC Day Use
  • Big Brushy Day Use
  • Dragover Day Use
  • Shirley Creek Day Use
  • Fulton Branch Day Use
  • River Bluff Day Use
  • Rocky Shoals Day Use
  • Presbyterian Falls Day Use
  • R.S. Kerr Arboretum & Nature Center
  • Hollis CCC Interpretive Site
  • Gap Creek Trailhead (Wolf Pen Gap South trailhead)
  • Standing Rock Trailhead (Wolf Pen Gap East trailhead)
  • Wolf Pen Gap Main Trailhead
  • Winding Stairs Trailhead
  • Brushy Hollow Shooting Range
  • Peeler Gap Shooting Range

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

• Temporary Shutdowns
  • Barkshed Campground
  • Bayou Bluff Campground
  • Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor Center and Cavern Tours
  • Blachard Springs Recreation Area and Campgrounds
  • Gunner Pool Campground
  • Haw Creek Campground
  • Horsehead Lake Campground
  • Lake Wedington Campground
  • Long Pool Recreation Area including Day-Use. Access to Big Piney for canoe drop-off only
  • Moccasin Gap Campground (trail system remains open)
  • Ozone Campground
  • Pleasant Hill Shooting Range
  • Redding Campground
  • Richland Creek Campground (Wilderness access available at county road)
  • Rotary Ann Rest Area on Highway 7
  • Sams Throne Campground (walk-in access to climbing area only)
  • Shores Lake Campground
  • Sylamore Shooting Range
  • White Rock Day Use Area, including trails
  • Wolf Pen Campground
• Reduced Services
  • Syllamo Bike Trail – the trail is open; however the toilet is temporarily unavailable
  • Sylamore Ranger District – all restrooms facilities on the district are temporarily unavailable
  • White Rock Mountain cabins and campground are available by reservation only  For reservations, go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 or http://www.whiterockmountain.com/ or call 479-369-4128.

The Forest Service would like to remind visitors, “Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided.”