Lake access drives the appeal at this Army Corps of Engineers campground on Lake Ouachita's shoreline. Sites sit directly on the water, allowing campers to dock boats steps from their RVs. The forested setting provides shade while maintaining clear views across the lake's surface.
Two heated bathhouses serve the campground, each equipped with hot water for showers and dish washing. Stephanie T. notes the facilities "were clean, and heated with hot water" during her April visit. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, with electric and water hookups available for RVs. The campground accommodates big rigs and allows two camping units per site.
Memorial Day weekend brings full occupancy, which can strain the electrical system during peak usage periods. Some campers experience power fluctuations when running multiple appliances simultaneously. Mountain biking and hiking trails connect to the campground, extending recreation beyond the water. The boat launch provides direct lake access for fishing and paddling.
The rough access road requires attention, particularly during wet conditions. Campers seeking additional options can explore camping near Lake Ouachita or consider Mountain Harbor Resort for a different lakeside experience.
Description
Overview
Tompkins Bend Day-Use Area on Lake Ouachita, is a great spot to getaway for the day. The combination of lush mountain scenery and wildlife, make this quiet location an ideal place for a family gathering, reunion, or group retreat.____ Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.
Recreation
Water skiers, jet skiers and anglers can all enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake, while hikers enjoy the campground's location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake.______ Wildlife enthusiasts can find everything from bobcats to black bears and deer in the forested mountains surrounding the lake, and Bald eagles are often spotted in winter.
Facilities
The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom facility, a playground, and a grassy wooded scenic view.
Natural Features
Lake Ouachita is fed from the cool waters of the Ouachita River in central Arkansas. Surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains and National Forest, it's crystal waters span over 40,000 acres and extend for 30 miles, making it the largest lake completely in the state of Arkansas.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.
Nearby Attractions
Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest. Here, off-roading enthusiasts can take on the Wolf Pen Gap Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTompkins Bend - Lake Ouachita is located in Arkansas
Directions
From Hot Springs, Arkansas, take US 270 west approximately 24.5 miles to Tompkin Bend Road. Turn right and follow access road 2.4 miles north to park.__ From Mount Ida, Arkansas, take US 270 east about 10.7 miles to Tompkins Bend Road. Turn left and follow access road 2.4 miles north to the park.
Address
15 Tompkins Bend
Mt. ida, AR 71957
Coordinates
34.568048 N
93.470581 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/21/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/21/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/21/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 32 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 17 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 48 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 8 min from Texarkana, TX
