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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

The Ouachita National Forest is located primarily in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  Outstanding mountain views coupled with picturesque streams, rivers, and lakes provide a unique and highly valued setting for outdoor recreation.  The forest offers high quality nature related-sightseeing, scenic driving, hunting, fishing, and dispersed camping.  Learn about the areas rich history at wayside exhibits along a scenic drive or experience unique botanical, mineral, and prehistoric resources featured in information and educational programs.  An extensive trail system provides for all types of uses including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicles (OHV) riding.  A variety of services can be found at developed campgrounds ranging from rustic tent pads to full-service RV hookups.  Enjoy exceptional water-based recreation opportunities including fishing, non-motorized boating, and passive enjoyment of streams, rivers and lakes.

Showing: 1 - 10 of 82 results

Acorn Shooting Range

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This range provides recreational opportunities and target practice shooting.  Regulations are posted at the range.

Albert Pike Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or…

Bard Springs Recreation Area

Site Temporarily Closed
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking
Small campground with Adirondack-type shelters in a remote mountain setting on a small scenic stream. It provides a good site for a base camp for hikers in the Caney Creek Wilderness.

Bear Mountain Shooting Range

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This shooting range provides recreational opportunities and target practice shooting.  Regulations are posted at each range.

Beech Creek National Scenic Area & Botanical Area

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
The 7,500-acre scenic area is known for its beautiful old beech trees, other middle-aged to mature trees and vegetation. Enjoy 32.5 miles of interconnecting hiking trails through different ecosystems…

Belle Starr Multi-Use

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Belle Starr Mult-Use Trail is a 22.6 mile looping trail that winds over the unique and varied terrain of the Ouachita National Forest. Riders and hikers will experience a diverse forest, with…

Belle Starr North Parking/Trailhead

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Hiking
The North Parking/Trailhead provides access to the Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail. Trails are gravel or unsurfaced. The trail is marked with yellow rectangles. Markers are posted at intersections to…

Belle Starr West Parking/Trailhead

Site Open
Biking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hiking
The West Parking/Trailhead provides access to the Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail.Trails are gravel or unsurfaced. The trail is marked with yellow rectangles. Markers are posted at intersections to help…

Big Brushy Creek Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
Attractive wooded setting on stream bank. Has a loop trail and parking/access for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. 

Billy Creek Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
The camping area lies along a small stream, which provides a great spot to fish for sunfish in the small pools. Billy Creek Trail starts here and climbs to the top of Winding Stair Mountain.  The…