Welcome to the Ouachita National Forest

Updated Status of Recreation Areas

Developed recreation areas and an OHV trail system in the Ouachita National Forest were temporarily shutdown to help protect the health and safety of visitors and staff. Expect sites to reopen on a case-by-case basis, sometimes with modified operations. The openings may not be quick or permanent. The most recent updates will be posted on the Status Update of Recreation Areas page. Please be patient during this transition as the Ouachita National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation.  

Dispersed camping remains an option for those who prefer a primitive camping experience. Be sure to follow the rules for dispersed camping and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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. For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, contact your local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

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. Discover the wonderful scenery and recreational opportunities we have to offer.

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Recent News

• Hunters reminded hunting near former Ouachita Job Corps center in Royal, Ark. prohibited

  Release Date: Nov 25, 2020  

Features

Cedar Lake Status Updates

Parts of the Cedar Lake Recreation have reopened, but construction is ongoing. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates.

Status Update of Recreation Areas

In response to guidance from state health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recreation facilities were temporarily shut down or services reduced. As we work toward opening the recreation areas, expect sites to reopen on a case-by-case basis, sometimes with modified operations. The openings may not be quick or permanent. Please be patient during the transition as the Ouachita National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation.

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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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