The Ouachita National Forest surrounds Story, Arkansas, providing campers with access to a 1.8 million acre wilderness area featuring dense pine forests, mountain ridges, and clear streams. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas's largest lake with 975 miles of shoreline, borders many campsites near Story, creating numerous opportunities for waterfront camping. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below freezing at night, while summer humidity levels often exceed 80%.
What to do
Hiking the LOViT Trail system: Tompkins Bend Campground provides direct access to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. "The campground is nicely situated near the end of the LOViT cross country MTB/hiking trail," notes one visitor. Another camper adds that "There are several great trails nearby, including Lake Ouachita Vista trail system - great for hiking and mountain biking."
Crystal digging: Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground serves as a convenient base for mineral hunting. "We went crystal digging at Coleman which was also unbelievable. Will definitely go back when half the US isn't underwater!" reports one camper. Another visitor mentioned, "It is near enough to Hot Springs. Also near plenty of quartz mines. My favorite place in Arkansas."
Creek swimming: Unlike the warmer lake water, Charlton Recreation Area offers a cold-water swimming option. "The swimming area at the entrance of the campground is a big draw, accessible to the public for day use, and has quite chilly water. On the hottest summer days, it's a better bet for cooling off than warm lake water on nearby Lake Ouachita," explains a camper who visited in summer.
What campers like
Clear water visibility: Joplin Campground visitors frequently comment on the water clarity. "Just about every sit is on the water...clearest water in the state. 45,000 acre lake I believe," one visitor notes. Another camper adds that it's "Such a dreamy spot on the lake. Facilities were nice and close enough by."
Secluded tent sites: Primitive camping options at Hickory Nut Mountain offer more isolation than developed sites. "Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below," explains one tent camper. The site also features a unique nighttime experience: "You get a view of the lake from the trees and at night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs'. Which makes the experience a little enchanting."
Wildlife viewing: Denby Point campers regularly spot wildlife near their sites. "We saw tons of deer everyday in the campground," reports one visitor. Another camper describes, "Sunsets and views of the stars are amazing from this campsite on the lake." The diverse wildlife extends to birdwatching opportunities, with one Lake Ouachita camper noting: "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great."
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Several campgrounds have minimal or no shower options. At Gulpha Gorge Campground, "the only thing missing was a shower in the bath house." Similarly, at Denby Point, the bathrooms were "clean and more than adequate" but lacked showers.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Ouachita's level varies significantly throughout the year. "The lake is very low right now. I was told that the state is drawing down the lake for hydro power and because there hasn't been any rain in awhile it's starting to show," explains one recent visitor. Another camper warns: "One thing to note is when the lake floods the water does come up to some of the tables that are near the edge."
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears have been spotted near some camping areas. A Tompkins Bend camper reports: "There seems to be a bear that likes to roam around. He stayed clear of my tent but was getting into every trash can around camp and created quite a ruckus a few times. I just remote started my truck when he got near the trash cans near my tent and it spooked him a bit to run off."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offers dedicated facilities for children. "Ranger programs, educational displays, swimming beach, cabins and traditional tent/RV camping" are available according to one visitor. Another notes the campground has "volleyball nets near the lake" for family activities.
Protected swimming areas: Families with young children will appreciate designated swim zones. At Tompkins Bend, one parent notes: "Water/boat access. Coves for kids to play in." Another family mentions that Lake Ouachita "has camping for all types" with "tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy."
Varied accommodation options: Families needing more comfort can find non-tent options. "The cabins are beyond wonderful to stay in and well worth the price. Beautiful scenery and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," explains one family that visited Lake Ouachita State Park.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds near Story have uneven sites due to mountainous terrain. At Charlton Recreation Area, "Loop A, atop a hill, has the forested primitive sites, and is the prettiest of the three loops." For RVers, "the sites on loop B offer a nicer setting than Loop C, in my opinion, but neither are bad."
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites aren't available at all campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park notes: "We stayed in A35 which is a triple A site with level site with all the trimmings! Wooded campsite with adequate shade, picnic table, fire pit and raised grilling station." At Denby Point, "Our site had 50, 30 and 20 amp electric as well as a frost hydrant with decent water pressure."
Electric options vary: Determine power requirements before arrival. At Joplin Campground, sites have electric hookups, but backup options are limited. "No wifi or sewer hookups. We stayed for 5 days with 4 teenage grandkids and had a blast," reports a Lake Ouachita camper, highlighting the balance between modern conveniences and rustic experience.
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