Charlton Recreation Area
Charlton Recreation Area is a national forest campground in Arkansas. Hookups: electric & water.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- Arkansas
- Coordinates
- 34.51682, -93.38181
- Hookups
- Electric & Water
- Activities
- Amphitheater, Biking, Camping, Crawfishing, Day Use Area, Fishing, Photography, Picnicking, Swimming, Swimming Site, Water Access
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- Office: (870) 867-2101 Cell: (501) 693-8923
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Charlton Recreation Area
Overview 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. 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. Facilities • A-Loop campsites do not offer electric or water services available at the campsites. There is no bathhouse/restroom facilities in A-Loop. Campsites in A-Loop are basic campsites with each campsite having a fire ring, BBQ grill and picnic table. Community water spigots are available through-o
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- Thermal Water Jug Fountain · 19 mi
- Propane
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 154 designated routes (155 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loop A | Private campground | 0.1 mi | — | — |
| Charlton | National forest campground | 0.1 mi | — | — |
| Loop C | Private campground | 0.3 mi | — | — |
| Loop B | Private campground | 0.3 mi | — | — |
| Crystal Springs (AR) | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.4 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Hickory Nut Mountain | National forest campground | 3.9 mi | — | — |
Open Charlton Recreation Area in DryRig
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Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.