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Facilities

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Albert Pike Recreation Area

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.

Albert Pike Recreation Area, near Langley, Arkansas, is a day-use spot that offers a beautiful escape into nature, especially for those who love hiking and rivers. While camping is currently off the table, the area is still a great place to spend the day with picnic tables, restrooms, and easy access to the stunning Little Missouri River.

Visitors rave about the scenic hiking trails, particularly the Eagle Rock Loop, which showcases some of the best views in the Ouachita National Forest. One reviewer noted, “The river and the hiking trails are beautiful,” making it clear that outdoor lovers will find plenty to explore. Just be mindful of the weather, as the area is prone to flash flooding, and it’s best to check conditions before heading out.

If you’re looking for supplies, the nearby town of De Queen has everything you might need, from stores to restaurants. While the facilities show some wear, the natural beauty and tranquility of the area make it worth the visit. As one camper put it, “Alberta Pike is overgrown but still beautiful, and quiet!” So grab your gear, pack a lunch, and enjoy a day in this picturesque setting.

Description

National Forest

Ouachita National Forest

Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.

Day use/swimming only.

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Location

Albert Pike Recreation Area is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hot Springs take Highway 70 west 36 miles through Glenwood to Salem. Turn west on Highway 84 and go 13 miles to Langley. At Langley turn north on Highway 369 and go 6 miles to the recreation area.

Coordinates

34.37476452 N
93.87765655 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Albert Pike Recreation Area needs a permit.


Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 30, 2019

Albert Pike Recreation Area - Day Use Only

The Albert Pike Recreation Area is now for Day Use Only. As a result of flooding and potential flooding the former campground is now a day use area with parking spaces, picnic tables, water faucets and restrooms with toilets, sinks and showers. 

The main attraction of this area is the easy access to the Little Missouri River and the hiking trails along the Eagle Rock Loop. The river and the hiking trails are beautiful. If you need supplies, the town of De Queen has a number of stores, restaurants, gas stations and services available. The small town of Langley has a convenience store/gas station. 

Depending on the time of year the mosquitos and black flies can be pervasive. The facilities are showing their age and some wear. On the weekend this area gets a high number of visitors, so it is best to arrive early in the day.

SiteDay Use Only
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Troy W., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Troy W., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Troy W., May 30, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 8, 2019

One of the best

I love love this whole area, so sad you can't camp here any more. Tons of great spots nearby though, along the creeks. Alberta pike is overgrown but still beautiful, and quiet!

  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Rachel J., May 8, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018

Winding Stairs Primitive Camping

this campground is closed due to a flood in 2010 in which multiple people were killed. But go here and go up the mountain on Forest Road 106, 2.1 miles and on your left will be Winding Stairs trailhead. hike this for some of the most beautiful scenery to offer. go about 2.3 miles in once you cross the river twice look for a small trail that leads to the ultimate camping spot. huge rock facing behind it and small path leads straight to some of the most clear blue swimming holes and beautiful rock facings that you will see anywhere in Arkansas. you will thank me, I promise!

  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Andrew H., August 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Andrew H., August 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Andrew H., August 28, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Campground CLOSED

A high casualty flash flood in the campground in 2010 led to the closure of the campground. The recreation area is still open for day use. Backpackers can access popular trails including Eagle Rock Loop, along which there are several developed backcountry campsites.

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

Fantastic Primitive camping

This area is superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs. Or if you're up for more of a challenge like us, you can take on the 28-30 mile Eagle Rock Loop trail. Beautiful views. Lots of water crossings over the Little Missouri River. Area is prone to severe flash flooding so know the weather before heading out. Well worth the work. And you will work.

  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2016

Albert Pike

Although the campground is closed due to the flood (at least last time I checked), it's definitely worthwhile to camp a little up the trail and in the backcountry. My boyfriend and I are expert backpackers/hikers/campers, and this is one of our favorite spots. The water is perfect, the woods lush, and lots of wildlife. Just be careful not to go when rain is expected, because it can be very dangerous. And pack your trash out!

  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Katie K., September 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Katie K., September 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Albert Pike Recreation Area by Katie K., September 13, 2016
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Albert Pike Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Albert Pike Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.