Swimming and fishing enthusiasts will find direct lake access at this US Forest Service campground in the Ozark National Forest. Cove Lake Campground operates year-round with sites accommodating RVs up to 68 feet, featuring electric hookups and standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Several campers highlight the large swimming area with its grassy beach section, though bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness. Sites positioned directly on the water provide mountain views across the lake. The campground connects to hiking trails and sits near Mount Magazine State Park Campground, making it a solid base for exploring the region's outdoor recreation opportunities.
Description
Overview
The Cove Lake Recreation Area is a perfect summer getaway and an ideal place to camp, picnic or recreate. It envelops the shores of a 160-acre mountain lake near the 2,700-foot-tall Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state of Arkansas.
Recreation
Popular activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, water skiing and scenic drives. A boat ramp is available and an on-site concessionaire provides boat rentals and other equipment available for purchase. The lake is home to catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and perch. It is stocked every other year, although a small amount of catfish are stocked annually and just prior to a yearly kids' fishing derby hosted at the lake.
Facilities
The recreation area provides picnic areas, campsites and a group shelter, as well as multiple activities, including miniature golf, canoe and paddleboat rentals. The campground offers multiple single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are also provided. Multiple picnic areas are available on the lake shore, including a picnic shelter that has electricity.
Natural Features
The recreation area is situated in a mixed forest of mature trees and is located in the Arkansas River Valley in the Ozark National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
The recreation area is about 15 miles south of the town of Paris, in Logan County, Arkansas. A scenic route to the top of Mount Magazine is a beautiful 10 mile drive north from Havana, Arkansas.
Fee Info
January 01, 2019 - December 31, 2019 (Peak Season) Picnic Pavilion $35 Day
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOzark National Forest Cove Lake Campground is located in Arkansas near Paris
Directions
From Paris, take Highway 109 south, then turn southeast on Highway 309 for 9 miles.
Address
19 COVE LAKE LOOP
Paris, AR 72855
Coordinates
35.2244444 N
93.6225 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
Drive Time
- 57 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 33 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 55 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 57 min from Little Rock, AR
