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!

Explore our information on-line. Discover the wonderful scenery and recreational opportunities we have to offer.

Recent News

• Forest Officials to revise Environmental Assessment on quartz proposal

  Release Date: Feb 5, 2019  

• Prescribed burns begin on Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

  Release Date: Feb 5, 2019  

Features

2019 Recreation Fees

The new recreation fees that were proposed in 2018 will become effective in 2019. 

Map Price Increase for Printed Maps

For the first time in nearly a decade, increasing costs of production, printing, and distribution are driving the need for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service to increase the price of its maps. Prices of USFS paper and plastic coated maps will increase to $14 on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

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Spotlights

2018 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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