Shady Lake Campground
Ouachita National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Mena, AR4.5 (4)
Cell signal:
Shady Lake is closed to horses and all Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Visitors are encouraged to access the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to identify routes where OHV activities are allowed on the Forest. Shady Lake makes an excellent base camp for those who wish to participate in such activities.
Things to do nearby
Ouachita National ForestShady Lake
Best For
AnglersHikersWildlife watchersFamiliesBackpackers
Site Types
TentRV
Amenities
Fire Rings
Picnic Tables
Vault Toilets
Drinking Water
Showers
Electric Hookups
Fishing
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Season
May through October
Max/site
6 people
Known Issues
Federal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.
Cancellation Policy
Recreation.gov: full refund if cancelled 7+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Shady Lake Campground cost per night?+
Shady Lake Campground costs $15–$40 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What season is Shady Lake Campground open?+
Shady Lake Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does Shady Lake Campground have hookups?+
No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.
What is the maximum RV length at Shady Lake Campground?+
Shady Lake Campground can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long.
How do I make reservations at Shady Lake Campground?+
Shady Lake Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
How far is Shady Lake Campground from the nearest town?+
Shady Lake Campground is located in Mena, AR. Check the map above for distance to nearby services.
Own a campground nearby?
List free on CamperWatch — we take 5% only on bookings we send. No monthly fee.