Temporary Impacts to National Forest Recreation Areas in 2025 Recreation Season
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., May 29, 2025—The National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma will temporarily reduce services or issue closures at some recreation areas for the 2025 recreation season due to damage from a natural disaster event, planned/ongoing construction reconstruction or maintenance.
Temporary adjustments to services and amenities are necessary to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment. While minor impacts may be seen at recreation areas across the forests, there will be significant impacts at some areas. Closures may be required in the future.
Recreation areas closed on the Ouachita National Forest: Bard Springs campground and swim site; Shady Lake A-Loop campground and swim area.
Recreation areas closed on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests: Allison Trailhead; Bad Branch Trailhead; Blanchard Springs campground, day use area, pavilion; Lake Wedington Recreation Area campground/cabins; Spring Lake Campground and day use area.
Visitors should check national forest websites for updated information on recreation site availability and any future closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ozark-stfrancis or https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita.
About reduced services: Reduced services may include reduced frequency of mowing, fewer trash receptacles, reduced frequency of trash removal, reduced frequency of cleaning or temporary closure of restrooms/bathhouses and limited tour times at hosted tour sites.
About current closures: The Forest Service remains committed to ensuring public health and safety while balancing access to recreation areas. Recreation services and public access are vital to local economies. It is our intent to maintain access to recreation opportunities to the greatest degree possible.
The safety and enjoyment of our visitors remain top priorities, and we’ll steward the areas we can with available staff and resources.
Visitors to public lands can help protect the integrity of recreation areas and open spaces by implementing responsible and ethical recreation guidelines emphasizing planning and preparation, waste disposal and being considerate of other visitors. Minimizing the impact on natural spaces by utilizing the “pack-it-in, pack-it-out” principle of taking trash and other items with you when you leave helps reduce the amount of trash buildup, preserve the environment and protect wildlife.
“We are aware that these temporary closures and reduction in services will unfortunately disrupt visitor expectations, and we appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we navigate the unique challenges of the 2025 recreation season. We are actively seeking solutions and are committed to resuming full services when conditions allow,” said Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen.
Reservations through www.recreation.gov at any of the closed recreation areas will be automatically refunded within four to six weeks. To check the status of a previously requested refund, please call Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777.