Charlton Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 80 ft
- Sites
- 48
- Electric hookups
- Yes
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- Yes
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Not published
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- 4
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
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
Before you go
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
Day Use: $5/vehicle OR $2/person (walk-in/bike-in/drop-off) • Camping: • Single sites- $15/night • Single sites w/ electric: $25/night • Double sites w/ electric: $40/night • Group sites (tents only): $40/night
Hours
Open seasonally
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.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.