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Charlton Recreation Area

Ouachita National Forest

Set availability alertOfficial reservation

Upcoming Availability

14 of 14 days currently show available sites.

View releasing sites

Sun, Jul 26

47

sites

Mon, Jul 27

47

sites

Tue, Jul 28

46

sites

Wed, Jul 29

45

sites

Thu, Jul 30

43

sites

Fri, Jul 31

39

sites

Sat, Aug 1

39

sites

Sun, Aug 2

42

sites

Mon, Aug 3

45

sites

Tue, Aug 4

45

sites

Wed, Aug 5

44

sites

Thu, Aug 6

45

sites

Fri, Aug 7

40

sites

Sat, Aug 8

40

sites

Campground guide

What to know before booking

Charlton Campground is located 17-miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270-West. A-Loop campsites do not offer electric or water services available at the campsites. Located in the valley between two tree covered mountains, the campsites through-out the campground are well shaded.

max Stay

14 nights

max Concurrent Stay

1 campsite(s) held

Official campground details, summarized

Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.

Facilities

A-Loop campsites do not offer electric or water services available at the campsites. There is no bathhouse/restroom facilities in A-Loop. Campsites in A-Loop are basic campsites with each campsite having a fire ring, BBQ grill and picnic table. Community water spigots are available through-out the A-Loop. A-Loop Group Use Campsite does not have electric or water services available at the Group Use Campsite. B-Loop RV/Tent campsites offer 30-50 amp electrical service and water connections at the sites. C-Loop campsites, 1-10, offer 30-amp electrical service, water connections and some sites offering sewer connections. C-Loop campsites 11-19 and C-Loop Group Use Campsite do not have electric or water services available at the sites. Warm water showers and flush toilets. Paved roadways and campsites with gravel tent pads for setting up tents. Two Group Use Sites offering areas for large groups to set up tents, tents are only allowed at the Group Use Sites. Swimming and picnicking in the Charlton Day Use Area is included as part of the campsite fees. Two trail systems, one 1 mile interpretative trail system and a connector trail to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) lead out from the Charlton Day Use Area.

Natural Features

Located in the valley between two tree covered mountains, the campsites through-out the campground are well shaded. The campground constructed along Walnut Creek, a natural spring-fed stream, temperatures are cool, even through the summer months.

Recreation

Charlton Recreation Area offers a developed day use with swimming and picnicking facilities. A large pavilion is located in the day use area. The swimming area is known by area residents as being some of the coldest water through-out the summer months. Walnut Creek, a spring-fed stream provides refreshing water in the swim site. Hiking trails are located in and around the campground. An amphitheater is located in the day use area for group gatherings. Campsites are available from a basic campsite to more developed with additional amenities, to include 30-50 amp electrical service, water connections and some sites offering sewer connections. A dump station is located at the campground. Walnut Creek runs through the campground and access is available for wading and fishing in the creek.

Nearby Attractions

Lake Ouachita Vista - Hickory Nut Mountain Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) Lake Ouachita Hot Springs National Park Historic Hot Springs Quartz Crystal Mines

Important notices

Cell phone access is limited in the campground. Campsite availability is limited during major holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Campground is open seasonally, from the first of May to the first of November. The Day Use Area is open only from the first of May to first of October. A-Loop are basic campsites with no electric or water services at the campsites. B-Loop has electrical, 50-amp service, and water connections at the campsites. C-Loop, campsites 1-10, offer electrical, 30-amp service, water and some campsites have sewer connections, at the campsite. C-Loop, campsites 11-19, known as "Booger Hollow", do not off electrical or water services at the campsites, but community water spigots are available in the area.

More at Ouachita National Forest

Other tracked campgrounds from the same park or area.

Surrounding campgrounds

Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.

Crystal Springs (Ar)

Lake Ouachita

2.4 mi

Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Lake Ouachita

2.6 mi

Joplin

Lake Ouachita

5.3 mi

Tompkins Bend

Lake Ouachita

6.2 mi

Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Lake Ouachita

6.2 mi

Denby Point

Lake Ouachita

6.5 mi

Common questions

Is Charlton Recreation Area available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 14 of the next 14 days, starting Sun, Jul 26. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.

How do I book Charlton Recreation Area?

Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.

How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?

Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.