Shady Lake Recreation Area (FR 528) in AR -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Arkansas

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Shady Lake Recreation Area (FR 528) in AR

Ouachita NF, Mena Ranger District
1,146 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedPAVED
VerizonNONE
AT&TUNMEASURED
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A 2.4-mile stretch of paved National Forest road in Polk County, AR.

Ouachita National Forest, Mena Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 30-day limit. Camp at least 100 ft from water.

All 2.4 miles in are fully maintained. Paved the whole way in (2.4 miles). Level ground alongside most of its length. Winds through 12 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Saline River runs 0.1 mi off. Tall Peak stands 1,186 ft above the site, 1.4 miles northwest. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Mena, is 19 mi off.

September normals 64–83°F, 5.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Loop C in ARCampground0.0miLoop D in ARCampground0.1miLoop B in ARCampground0.2miEast Fork Saline (FR 908) in ARDispersed Camping0.3miViles Branch (FR 502) in ARDispersed Camping0.6mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Ouachita National Forest, Mena Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?