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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. Individual campsite temporary closings: For your safety, the following campsites are closed while being evaluated for risk of flooding: B12, B14, B18, B20, B21, C1, C2, C3, C4, D4, D6, D8, D10
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.
The camp sites seem like they've seen better days, and the bathroom door wouldn't shut all the way so I couldn't lock it. As far as the beauty, the lake was gorgeous & the waterfall at the dam was unbelievable! We only went on one trail, the interpretive one.
Only reason I gave this is a 3 is due to the main bathroom facilities and tent camping around the lake have been closed for some time. There are other bathroom facilities that are open in the RV camping section. A gorgeous recreation area in the Quachita NF. Great place, have been hear many times.
Without Google Map and a good friend I would have never found it. Amazing as I lived in Arkansas, not 40 miles away. The water was cool, the park well kept, the bathrooms stocked and reasonably clean.
We stuck to the little stream, but if you walk up a little, previous visitors have built little dams, allowing the water to rise and giving you a place to just sit, stay cool and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
We love Shady Lake. It's pure nature & lots of hiking, playing in creeks and peace. It's usually pretty full but no problems with anyone. No cell reception but that's what we need sometimes.
Absolutely beautiful and so very peaceful. Definitely more people than we expected but not crowded or uncomfortable at all. The camp host was wonderful and the facilities were very clean and well stocked. Definitely worth the drive from Oklahoma.
