Shady Lake
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
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.
Shady Lake
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, passes the historic Shady Lake Dam, and continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail. Overview: The campground is made up of four camping loops, with 51 campsites, ranging in amenities of no services to campsites with electric and water services provided. Bathhouses with warm showers and flush toilets. Day use hosts a swimming site, picnic pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables with BBQ grills and a 3-mile hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Shady Lake. Campsites can accommodate RV’s up to 32-feet in length. Shady Lake is located approximately 40 miles west of Glenwood, Arkansas, and 45 southeast of Mena, Arkansas.
Before you go
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
Day use/swim area - $5/vehicle or $2/person for bus, walking or biking • Group picnic shelter - $5/vehicle • Campground: • Single sites- $15/night • Single sites w/ electric- $20/night • Single sites w/ electic and sewer- $25/night (Site #C22) • Double sites w electric- $40/night (Site #D14)
Hours
Open mid-March through end of November. The trail is open year round.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.