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Camper submitted image from COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground - 1

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Facilities
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Nature
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Water
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Established Camping

COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground

9 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground, near Mt. Ida, Arkansas, is a scenic destination that offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun right on the water. With sites that provide stunning views of Lake Ouachita, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and s'mores under the stars. Many visitors have enjoyed the easy access to the lake, with opportunities for swimming and boating right from their campsites. One camper shared, “We had a beautiful spot on a peninsula,” highlighting the picturesque setting.

For those who love to explore, the area is known for its hiking trails and water activities. You can rent boats and jet skis nearby, making it easy to get out on the water. While some campers mentioned that certain sites could be a bit cramped, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a great choice for families and groups looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hot Springs, Arkansas: Take US 270 west for 23.5 miles to Mountain Harbor Road. Turn right and follow access road three miles north to the park.

Address

303 Campground Rd.
Mt. ida, AR 71957

Coordinates

34.57519 N
93.442639 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
COE Lake Ouachita Twin Creek

COE Lake Ouachita Twin Creek

13 min away

Washita Primitive Camping Area

Washita Primitive Camping Area

33 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Paul Y.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2024

Great views ... not all sites are good ... needs maintenance

The views are great as CG is on narrow peninsula of Lake Ouachita ... but not all sites are created equal.   A few are fantastic.   Some, like 63-D shouldn't be allowed as sites as too small and not remotely level.   Due to bridge weight restrictions, less maintained by COE than other nearby CGs.   We much preferred Tompkins Bend CG which is a couple of miles down the road.

Site63-D
Month of VisitApril
Kiva R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 17, 2023

Gorgeous!

One of our favorite trips ever. We had a beautiful spot on a peninsula. Lake was beautiful. You can rent boats and jet skis there at the marina. You could get right in the lake from our site. Would go back every weekend if it was closer.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Kiva R., March 17, 2023
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Kiva R., March 17, 2023
Bailey W.
Reviewed May. 14, 2022

Not that great.

So I was super excited about this campground when I read about it online. It seemed perfect! The drive into the campground is very curvy and has lots of blind spots. When we arrived, there was no one on duty, so we just filled out a card and proceeded into the campground, following the map posted on the official website. That's where we ran into our first issue. The map was all wrong. We spent nearly an hour trying to find our spot. Finally, we asked the volunteer on duty. He showed us an updated map and we found out that our campsite wasn't even where we had picked it based off the old map. The tent sites are walk in only. They have electric but the closest water spigot is at the parking lot. The scenery is nice but the boats are loud, as to be expected of a lakeside campground. The bathrooms aren't very well maintained, the showers are gross, and the park goers tend to be obnoxious, revving their engines and hooping and hollering. We actually ended our trip the next day. Overall not a bad site IF you're here in a camper. Not suggested for tent camping.

Sitetent site 19, A
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Bailey W., May 14, 2022
Melody S.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2021

Fun Trip!

Hike in electric spot that overlooked the lake. Easy to walk down and swim in the water!

There are showers & restrooms, grill & fire-pit, trash bins, & a beach swimming area.

40 minutes outside of Hot Springs but definitely worth the drive.

Site16
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Melody S., August 14, 2021
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Melody S., August 14, 2021
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Melody S., August 14, 2021
G
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2021

Best place in Arkansas

Just about every sit is on the water...clearest water in the state. 45,000 acre lake I believe. It is a no brainer to make an effort to stay. Bring or rent boats within a 1/2 mile. Staying in Joplin next to Mountain Harbor Resort.... groceries. By the way... dry county so stock up.

Site03
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Gary M., August 4, 2021
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Gary M., August 4, 2021
  • (5) View All
Russell The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Beautiful but FULL

This is a beautiful area, and a great campground. Very Clean and very nice bathrooms. We had campsite 51 on D loop. Its on a hill so be careful but great access to the lake. The area was very crowded but still felt like we were out in no were. I would go back again but at  less busy time.

Site51 B
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Russell , June 21, 2021
Bruce F.
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2021

Beautiful!

We enjoyed our 2 nights here on the lake. The campground is literally on a mountain in the lake. Tent sites right on the lake and so are some RV spots. Warning. Stay away from Loop C around sites 35-37. They are literally right on top of each other. We luckily had a friend who was staying over on site 28 and we parked with him. Loved it there! Some sites are off camber due to the mountain side. Bath house where we were staying was the nicer of the ones. Older but clean. Can’t wait to come back in the summer!

Cara T.
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Even better than expected

Such a dreamy spot on the lake. Facilities were nice and close enough by. Other people weren’t too terribly close. My dogs enjoyed it just as much as I did. We will definitely be back!

  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Cara T., September 15, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Cara T., September 15, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Joplin Campground by Cara T., September 15, 2020
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joplin Campground managed by the Corps of Engineers (COE)?

Yes, Joplin Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). The COE maintains the facilities, though some campers note that due to bridge weight restrictions, this campground may receive less maintenance than other nearby COE campgrounds. The Corps of Engineers typically staffs a kiosk at the entrance, though staffing appears to vary seasonally.

What recreation activities are available at Joplin Recreation Area?

Joplin Recreation Area offers numerous activities centered around Lake Ouachita. Swimming is popular with a designated beach area and easy water access from many campsites. Boating opportunities abound on the 45,000-acre lake, with boat and jet ski rentals available at the nearby marina. The exceptionally clear waters make the lake perfect for fishing. Hiking trails are accessible in the surrounding area. The campground itself provides amenities like fire pits and grills for outdoor cooking and relaxation. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are also popular activities in this natural setting.

Where is Joplin Campground located on Lake Ouachita?

Joplin Campground is uniquely situated on a peninsula that extends into Lake Ouachita, offering waterfront sites with excellent lake access. The campground is positioned approximately 40 minutes outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It's located near Mountain Harbor Resort, which provides convenient access to groceries and supplies. The campground's peninsula location creates a secluded feeling while providing stunning views and direct water access from many campsites.

Is there a map available of Joplin Campground?

Yes, there is a map available of Joplin Campground. The map is posted at the entrance near the kiosk and displays the campground's layout including the different loops (A, B, C, and D) and individual campsites. For the most current map and site-specific information, it's advisable to check with the Corps of Engineers website or contact the Lake Ouachita ranger office directly before your visit.

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