The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber and wood production, watershed protection and improvement, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management, minerals leasing, and outdoor recreation.  Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and more!

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Features

Recreation Areas Temporarily Shutting Down or Reducing Services

In response to guidance from state health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several recreation facilities have been temporarily shut down or services reduced.

Cedar Lake Status Updates

Cedar Lake Campground and Day Use areas are temporarily shutting down through April 30, 2020. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from our agency and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates. Status updates of the recreation area will be updated regularly.

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Spotlights

2019 Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) now available - View/print here

The MVUMs directed by the Travel Management Rule are now available for the Ouachita National Forest. 

Prescribed Fires on the Forest

The Ouachita National Forest will be conducting prescribed burns over the next several months.

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