Water access and boat launching draw visitors to COE Lake Ouachita Avant, a free Corps of Engineers campground on the shores of Arkansas's largest lake. The forested sites include several positioned directly by the water, though campers should note the steep terrain leading down to the shoreline. RVs and trucks with boat trailers manage the access, making this a functional spot for anglers and boaters despite the challenging topography.
Cell service reaches the campground adequately for basic web browsing. Sites appear spaced relatively close together, though low occupancy levels typically provide privacy between camping parties. The campground allows pets and campfires, with basic amenities including toilets and trash service. For additional options in the region, campers can explore campsites near Story.
Description
The Corps of Engineers maintains over 1100 campsites and 20 boat ramps on Lake Ouachita. Boating, fishing, scuba diving and island camping are especially popular.
The land surrounding Lake Ouachita is part of the Ouachita National Forest, which encompasses 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
Approximately 4 million people visit Lake Ouachita each year. With 40,000 acres of water and 20,000 acres of public land, Ouachita offers an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Primitive campsites are located on the north end of Lake Ouachita at Big Fir, Buckville, Cedar Fourche, Rabbit Tail, Avant, Irons Fork, Ebone Point (boat-in only) and Washita. There is no charge for camping at these areas. Amenities at these areas are as follows:
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Lake Ouachita Avant is located in Arkansas
Coordinates
34.63643683 N
93.3834244 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/18/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/18/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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 COE Lake Ouachita Avant needs a permit.
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 35 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 17 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 33 min from Texarkana, TX
