Charlton Recreation Area
Charlton Campground is located 17-miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270-West. This historic campground constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's has been upgraded with modern amenities. Known as one of the coldest swimming sites in the State of Arkansas, the cool water temperatures can be enjoyed through-out the summer months.
A-Loop campsites do not offer electric or water services available at the campsites. Community water spigots are available through-out the loop. B-Loop RV/Tent campsites offer 30-50 amp electrical service and water connections at the sites. C-Loop campsites offer 30-amp electrical service, water connections and some sites offering sewer connections. Warm water showers and flush toilets. Paved roadways and campsites with gravel tent pads for setting up tents. Two Group Use Sites offering areas for large groups to set up tents, tents are only allowed at the Group Use Sites. Swimming and picnicking in the Charlton Day Use Area is included as part of the campsite fees. Two trail systems, one 1 mile interpretative trail system and a connector trail to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) lead out from the Charlton Day Use Area.
Need to Know
Cell phone access is limited in the campground. Campsite availability is limited during major holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Campground is open seasonally, from the first of May to the first of November. The Day Use Area is open only from the first of May to first of October. 50-amp service is only available in B-Loop of the campground, 30-amp service is available in C-Loop and no electrical service is available in A-Loop and some sites located in C-Loop, area referred to as "Booger Hollar".
Natural Features
Located in the valley between two tree covered mountains, the campsites through-out the campground are well shaded. The campground constructed along Walnut Creek, a natural spring-fed stream, temperatures are cool, even through the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Ouachita Vista - Hickory Nut Mountain
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT)
Lake Ouachita
Hot Springs National Park
Historic Hot Springs
Quartz Crystal Mines
Recreation
Charlton Recreation Area offers a developed day use with swimming and picnicking facilities. A large pavilion is located in the day use area. The swimming area is known by area residents as being some of the coldest water through-out the summer months. Walnut Creek, a spring-fed stream provides refreshing water in the swim site. Hiking trails are located in and around the campground. An amphitheater is located in the day use area for group gatherings. Campsites are available from a basic campsite to more developed with additional amenities, to include 30-50 amp electrical service, water connections and some sites offering sewer connections. A dump station is located at the campground. Walnut Creek runs through the campground and access is available for wading and fishing in the creek.
Contact Information
Mailing
US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest Caddo-Womble Ranger District 1523 Hwy 270 East Mount Ida AR 71957
Physical
Charlton Campground 11500 Albert Pike Road Royal AR 71968
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: Office: (870) 867-2101 Cell: (501) 693-8923
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Hot Springs, drive 17 miles west on Albert Pike Road (Hwy 270 West), Charlton Recreation Area is located along Hwy 270.
Available Campsites
- Site Charlton 19, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 18, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 8, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 16, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 1, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 9, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 14, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 12, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 18, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 11, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 14, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 3, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 21, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 12, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 15, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 8, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 16, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 6, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 17, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 2, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 17, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 1, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 11, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 2, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 3, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 4, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 16, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 12, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 10, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 4, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 7, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 17, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 9, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 7, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 10, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 13, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Group Site A, Loop A, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 15, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group Site C, Loop C, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 13, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 6, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 13, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 14, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 20, Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 15, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 5, Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site Charlton 19, Loop C, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Charlton 5, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
