Shady Lake

Area Status: Open

Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

Overview:

The campground is made up of four camping loops, with 66 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric and water services provided. Bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets. Day use hosts a swimming site, picnic pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables with BBQ grills and a 3-mile hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Shady Lake. Campsites can accommodate RV's up to 32-feet in length. Shady Lake is located approximately 40-miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	No reservations. Sites available on a first-come/first-based only.
Operational Hours:	For campground schedule, see Recreation and Fee Schedule. The trail is open year round.
Reservations:	All campsites and facilities at Shady Lake are first-come, first-served. No reservations.
Rentals & Guides:	Click here for more information and a map. Information and map - Spanish Shady Lake Trail Map
Area Amenities:	Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees:	Current recreation fees and schedule Loop A Campground - Loop A-7 with water and electricity - Loop B - (w/electric) Loop C Campground (tent sites) - C-22 (site with full hook-ups)- Day use/swim area - $5/vehicle or $2/person for bus, walking or biking; Group picnic shelter - $5/vehicle Loop D - (w/water & electric) D-14 (double site) double w/water & electric tent site.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Spring-Fall
Busiest Season:	Spring
Closest Towns:	Athens, Arkansas.Mena, Arkansas.
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Flush
Operated By:	Mena-Oden Ranger District (479) 394-2382

General Information

Directions: Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn northwest on Arkansas Hwy. 246 at Athens, AR; turn right (north) at sign, drive 3 miles on Forest Service Road 38.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

The trail is unsurfaced with white rectangles marking the trail. The trail's length is a total of 3.2 miles one way.

Fees:	No fee.
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Campground Camping

No. of Sites	65
Sleeping Shelter	None
Fees:	day use and camping fees

RV Camping

20 sites with water and electric hookups are available.

No. of Sites	20 with electric and water.
Reservation Info	All sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations
Size Restrictions	Can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet.
Dump Stations	Yes

Lake and Pond Fishing

Day Hiking

The trail is unsurfaced with white rectangles marking the trail. It takes about 2 hours to travel the 3.2 miles of trial, one way.

Trail Map

Fees:	No fee.
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Interpretive Areas

Picnicking

Boating - Non-Motorized

Swimming

Amenities

Camping trailer:	20 non-reservable sites with electric and water
Picnic tables:
Tent camping:	44 sites
Parking:
Toilets:	Flush
Fee charged for some activities:	Day use and camping fees.
Accessible:	Two restrooms are accessible.
Drinking water:	Located at campground.