Charlton Rec Area

The Basics

Charlton Recreation Area
US Highway 270
Mt. Ida, AR

Phone: (870) 867-2101 (Womble District Office)

Closest Towns: Hot Springs, Mt. Ida

Directions: Charlton Recreation Area is located approx. 19 miles West of Hot Springs & 16 miles East of Mt. Ida on US Highway 270.

About Charlton

This historic recreation area, located along the small but scenic Walnut Creek, offers camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming and so much more, all in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. A small native stone dam and rustic bathhouse were built by the CCC in the 1930s, and contribute to the swimming portion of the rec area.

The campground offers 58 campsites, divided into three loops. Loop A offers 18 primitive tent sites. Loop B offers 20 campsites, with many offering electric and water hookups. Loop C has 10 sites, with some offering electric, water & sewer hookups. Each campsite offers a table, tent/trailer pad, grill, lantern post and parking spur. Water hydrants, garbage cans, and restrooms with cold showers are available within walking distance. Loop C even offers hot showers as well. Two group camping areas are also available as well. Some campsites in Loops B and C can accomodate camping trailers up to 35 feet long, and a dump station is also available. The campground is typically closed during the winter months.

A short interpretive trail is accessible from the campground, between Loops A and B. Also accessible from the recreation area is the Charlton Trail, which travels 4.3 miles to the Crystal Springs Campground on Lake Ouachita. This trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers, and is popular with both.

What's Nearby


Parks & Nature
Hot Springs National Park

Trails

Camping
Camp Clearfork Group Camp

Lodging

Local Eateries

Gear & Supplies

Other Attractions

Towns & Cities