This free Corps of Engineers campground provides direct access to Lake Ouachita with several sites positioned close to the water. The terrain drops steeply toward the lake, creating challenging access for larger RVs, though some manage to navigate down to waterfront spots. T-Mobile cell service reaches the area with enough strength for basic web browsing.
Campers use the site primarily for boat launching and water activities like scuba diving. Sites sit relatively close together, but low occupancy levels typically provide adequate privacy. For additional camping options, visitors can explore places to camp around Story or check out COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground nearby.
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 3/12/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/12/26
- 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
