Overview
Shady Lake is closed to horses and all Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Visitors are encouraged to access the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to identify routes where OHV activities are allowed on the Forest. Shady Lake makes an excellent base camp for those who wish to participate in such activities. Guests are welcome to trailer their machines to and from the recreation area and park in proximity to Shady Lake Recreation area.
Shady Lake is a 25-acre lake constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 along the Saline River in Polk County. The recreation area is home to four camp loops with a total of 54 campsites, site amenities ranging from basic amenities to full service campsites with sewage, water, and 20/30/50 amp electrical connections. Currently, only 17 campsites are available for reservations. All remaining campsites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Day use activities are allowed, as well.
For a small monetary payment forest guests can enter the area and encounter a mass of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, restroom amenities, warm showers, flush toilets, potable water, overlooks, picnic pavilions, and pure relaxation.
America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored at Shady Lake Recreation Area. Visit this website for more information and instructions on how to use the pass - https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Loop A Reconstruction Project was completed in 2026. The project was funded solely through Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) monies and resulted in the construction of nine, fully accessible ADA campsites with full-service capabilities. Loop A bathhouse, an original CCC structure, was restored to remove vandalism and repair broken support beams. A brand new vault toilet was installed to support day users. As part of the improvements to the sites, new utilities were installed to provide potable drinking water and waste management. Please note, the map provided does not show an accurate road layout for Loop A. Please see photo attachment of the campground layout.
Recreation
This developed recreation area provides a foundation for families to gather and recreate together. The site offers four camp loops for all user types, services ranging from all to no amenities. Hiking access into Caney Creek Wilderness begins in Loop C at Tall Peak Trail spurring off the Shady Lake Trail; Shady Lake Trail continues to traverse along the perimeter of the recreation area. Other features in the site include a swimming beach, lake access for non-motorized boating and fishing, picnic pavilions, accessible amenities such as warm showers and flush toilets. Shady Lake Recreation Area is a gateway to various recreational opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest. Mountainous roads venture deep into the valleys and on top of ridges. Several hiking trailheads are located in close proximity to Shady Lake. Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex is 13 mile drive from the gates of the recreation area. This area is hub for wild game hunters of all kinds for generations.
The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stems in Shady Lake and the work completed is preserved so forest guests can enjoy its glory. Several original structures are still standing and operational, places include Loop A Bathhouse and Pavilion, Shady Lake Dam, the overlook pavilion, rock bridges, rock walls, and various land features.
Although Shady Lake is not open to horses or Off Highway Vehicles, forest guests can enjoy Shady Lake Day Use amenities through walk in access. Parking is available outside the gate for parties operating OHVs.
Facilities
Shady Lake facilities are open April 15 - November 30
CCC-built Pavilion overlooking the Shady Lake
Loop A bathhouse/pavilion with male and female bathrooms with shower stalls
Loop A campground: nine (9) reservation only, campsites with water/electric/sewage connections
Loop B bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls
Loop B campground: Eleven (11) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & six (6) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites
Loop C bathhouse with male and female bathrooms with private, shower stalls
Loop C campground: One (1) reservation only, campsite with water/electric/sewage connections & 17 first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites
Loop D bathhouse with male, female, and family bathrooms with private, shower stalls
Loop D campground: seven (7) reservation only, campsites with water/electric connections & three (3) first-come first-serve, non-electric/water campsites
Natural Features
Shady Lake Recreation Area is nestled in the Ouachita National Forest at the base of Tall Peak and Raspberry Mountains with bordering features including National Forest, Caney Creek Wilderness and private land. The campground is surrounded by mountain tops and towering pine trees providing the perfect shaded camping experience. Saline creek traverses through the campground suitable for freshwater swimming opportunities outside of drought conditions. Mountainous, dirt roads are quickly accessible outside of the recreation area, serving as a gateway into the forest. Historically, the rec area has been utilized as a base camp for wild game hunters throughout the seasons.
Nearby Attractions
Ouachita National Forest
Mena-Oden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953
Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex
Eagle Mountain
CCC-constructed fire towers: Bee Mountain & Tall Peak (walk-in access only)
Caney Creek Wilderness, Caney Creek Trail & Buckeye Trail
Sugar Gap Vista
Talimena Scenic Drive
East End Visitor Information Station
Caddo-Womble Ranger District, 1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957
Albert Pike Recreation Area
Bard Springs Recreation Area
Little Missouri Falls
Athens Big Fork Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, Winding Stairs Trail
Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm
Arkansas State Parks
US Army Corps of Engineers
Gillham Lake
Dierks Lake
DeQueen Lake
Millwood Lake
Lake Greeson
Nearest Towns - Athens: 7 miles, Wickes: 26 miles, Glenwood: 33 miles Mena: 27 miles, Kirby: 30 miles, Dequeen: 45 miles