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About the Forest
The Ouachita National Forests cover over 1.8 million acres of land across Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that our office receive daily. Any questions that are not shown below will gladly be addressed by calling any one of our National Forest offices.
Where can I purchase maps?
Ouachita National Forest Maps area available for purchase at the district offices as well as the Forest Supervisor's Office in Hot Springs. The maps can also be purchased online through the USGS store. Map options are available on our page.
How do I save the dying trees on my property?
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division handles all private land issues. You can contact them at:
Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 296-1940
You can also visit their web site at: http://www.forestry.state.ar.us/
The Oklahoma Forestry Services handles private land issues in Oklahoma. You can contact them at:
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
2800 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: 405-522-6158
You can also visit their web site at: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/
Can I reserve campsites?
Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites at Charlton Recreation Area and Little Pine Recreation Area, located in Arkansas, and Cedar Lake and Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, located in Oklahoma, are reservable through Recreation.gov (please note that the reservation system does charge an $8 reservation fee per transaction).
Recreation.gov is the outdoor recreation system for 14 Federal agencies to support land management and enable visitors to discover and experience public lands and waters.
Where can I purchase passes and permits?
Passes and permits are available from the Ouachita National Forest. They can be purchased at the local districts and at the Supervisors Office in Hot Springs. There are limited personnel who issue the passes, so please call your closest district before going. For more information, visit our passes & permits page.
How do I contact a district office?
You can write or call your local ranger district office.
Where can I ride my All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)?
Contact the local ranger district closest to the area you plan on visiting.
Are there cabins for rent?
There is one group camping facility, Camp Clearfork, located on Womble Ranger District near Mount Ida, Arkansas. For reservations and additional information, contact the Womble Ranger District at 870-867-2101.
Is my car safe parked on the national forest?
There are several precautions you as a car owner can take to increase the safety of your vehicles while parked on national forest lands.
- Lock your car. As simple as this may sound, many people still forget to lock their doors.
- Don't leave travel plans visible. A thief could use this information to determine how long you will be away from your car.
- Don't leave valuables inside your car.
- Don't park your car with the trunk backed towards the woods. This provides cover for someone trying to break into the trunk.
Finally, if your car is vandalized, contact local law enforcement officials by calling "911" from a telephone or cell phone, or notify any Forest Service personnel and they can contact law enforcement for you.
Can I bring my dog?
In campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas and trailheads, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Dispose of waste properly. If you tie your dog, find a shady spot and give lots of attention to minimize barking, which could disturb other forest users.
On trails, dogs must be under verbal or physical restraint at all times. Remember the Ouachita National Forest is a multi-use forest, which means depending on upon where you are, you and your dog may encounter horseback riders, mountain bikers, or off-highway vehicle riders, as well as a multitude of big or small native wildlife. Always use a leash when around other forest users. Watch your pet for signs of stress and fatigue and provide plenty of water and rest.
When is the best time to view fall colors?
Fall color depends on weather patterns and other patterns of nature but, overall, peak fall color season usually begins the third week in October and goes through the middle of November.
The trees you will find in the forest are primarily a pine-hickory mix. There are scenic drives and hundreds of miles of trails you can explore that are open to hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-road vehicles.