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Charlton Recreation Area
Charlton Recreation Area is located 20 miles west of Hot Springs along Highway 270.
Picnic, swim, hike, and fish along picturesque Walnut Creek, a cold, spring-fed mountain stream in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. This historic recreation area features a captivating native stone dam that forms the swimming area and rustic bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps federal work program in 1935.
Overview:
The campground is made up of three loops with 46 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric, water and sewer provided. Bathhouse with warm showers and flush toilets are provided. Day use hosts spring fed swimming site with some of the area's coldest water found in the area, even during the hottest of summer temperatures. A 1-mile nature trail can be found near the campground and connections to the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail lead from the campground as well. Charlton Campground is located 20 miles west of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
Information about Charlton Recreation Area.
Information about Charlton Recreation Area - Spanish
Other recreation sites within the Caddo/Womble Ranger District
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Day use area open. Campground opens for the season 5/1/23. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. For more information contact the Caddo-Womble Ranger District at 870 867-2101. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations are now available through Recreation.gov for all sites and can be made up to six months in advance. |
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Fee charged for some activities, Toilets, Drinking water |
| Fees: | Fee area. Please see attached recreation schedule and fees. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Best Season: | Spring - Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Spring - Fall |
| Restrictions: | Hunting is not allowed in recreational areas. Please read and follow the posted regulations. You are responsible for your fires. Build them in stoves, grills, and fire rings only. No fishing in the swimming area. All pets must remain on a leash while in the campground. No dogs allowed in the day use or swimming areas. There is a fee to use this facility. |
| Closest Towns: | Mt. Ida, Arkansas. |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Flush |
| Operated By: | Caddo-Womble Ranger District 870-867-2101 |
General Information
Directions: Twenty miles west of Hot Springs on U.S. 270.Activities
Mountain Biking
There is a 0.8 mile Prayer in the Woods Trail for visitors to enjoy. Access to the Charlton Trail and the nearby Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is also available.
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|
Campground Camping
RV Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Day Hiking
There is a 0.8 mile Prayer in the Woods Trail for visitors to enjoy. Access to the Charlton Trail and the nearby Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is also available.
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|
Group Picnicking
Picnic pavilion.
Swimming
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Interpretive Trail |
|---|---|
| Fee charged for some activities: | |
| Toilets: | Flush |
| Accessible: | Some parts may not be accessible. |
| Drinking water: |