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Ozark-St Francis/Cove Lake Rec Area
Overview
Cove Lake Recreation Area is a peaceful escape nestled within the lush Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. This 160-acre lake destination offers a classic forest camping experience for RVers looking to disconnect from city life. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it provides a scenic base for exploring the Arkansas river valley and the high peaks of the surrounding mountains. It is a place where the sound of the wind in the pines replaces the noise of the highway, creating a sense of deep seclusion for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
Located just south of Paris, Arkansas, the park sits at the foot of Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state. The drive along the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is breathtaking, leading you through dense hardwood forests and winding mountain roads. The park surrounds a pristine lake, offering a quiet, secluded atmosphere that keeps the area cool and shaded during the summer months. This location serves as a gateway to some of the most dramatic landscapes and panoramic overlooks in the Natural State.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides a mix of primitive and developed sites designed to blend into the natural environment. Many sites feature electric and water hookups, though visitors should be prepared for a more rustic, forest-service style infrastructure. On-site facilities include:
- Bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets.
- A designated swimming beach area with sandy access.
- A boat ramp for non-motorized or small engine craft.
- Multiple picnic sites equipped with tables and grills.
The layout ensures that campers have enough space to enjoy the sounds of the forest without feeling crowded.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike the Cove Lake Trail, a nine-mile loop that circles the water, or take a short drive to Mount Magazine State Park for world-class hang gliding and rock climbing. Fishing is a major draw here, with the lake frequently stocked with catfish and bass. The proximity to the Ozark National Forest also means endless miles of backroads for scenic driving, wildlife photography, and birdwatching in the deep woods.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prioritize tranquility and nature over luxury resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families wanting a traditional lakeside camping trip or hikers seeking easy access to the Ozarks. While it accommodates many RV sizes, its wooded sites are best suited for those who appreciate a smaller, more intimate campground layout rather than a sprawling commercial park. It is a perfect match for the self-contained RVer looking for a true forest retreat near the state's highest peaks.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tara Walker
It was very quite and loved the swimming area and picnic area
Caprock
JUST WOW! Best atmosphere, friendly folks and the best double meat cheese burger I have ever eaten. Easy to get to water and very kid friendly swim area. We are definaley coming back. THANKS CARTER FAMILY.
Tiffany Ramsey
Everyone is very friendly and the place is very clean. The campsites are maintained and spaced out nicely
Deepak
Scenic viewpoint while climbing onto Mount Magazine trail. The drive is beautiful while in fall and has couple of cabin/resort next to the lakeshore. Located 20/25mins drive from city of Paris in Arkansas
Andrea Szarowicz
Beautiful camp site. Only 2 families were there when we went. Showers and toilets at the main facility were nice. The other ones had no flush. Toliet paper was supplied. Make sure you are stocked on food... Many things close at 7pm or are miles away ( this is more for people that have never been to the area). ❤️
Michelle Cameron
Lived here the majority of my life, I love this little lake, great area for small kids! No wake lake, camping. Food at the concession stand and a few kayaks available for rent. Also a small put put area to play.
Mikkel's Outdoors
Great campground! Highly recommend! Very peaceful off season, but I bet it’s a zoo during the summer with the amazing waterfront Day Use area… Swimming, paddle boat rentals, boat launch, food, showers, flush toilets (vault in CG), horseshoe pits, volleyball area and a group pavilion with reservations. And No Alcohol. They have 4 cabins and a projection amphitheater. 36 camp sites, A Loop (1-18) is for reservations and B Loop (19-36) for FCFS area each loop with swings play area and 2 or 3 vault toilets in a loop. The manager has been here 12 years and is the permit holder with the USFS and has a staff of 6-7 during peak. They lock the gates 10:00 pm to 6:00 am both campground and day use areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s nice not having headlights shining in your tent and driving by through the night. The Cove Lake Loop Trail is not quite 4 miles RT to campsite. The CCC Trail is 1.1 mile up to a parking lot I was here for 10 days enjoying the lake and surrounding area. The turtles jumping into the water from a log. Flock of ducks resting and feeding. Woodpeckers hammering away. Squirrels gathering acorns and hickory nuts. Lots of spiders. The early morning mist covering the lake reminds you that winter is coming.
Krishna
On the way down from Mount Magazine you can see this recreational area where you can stop just relax and see the beautiful lake that surrounded by fall colors. I just loved this place its so peaceful. You need to pay 5$ for entering there is book where you need to enter all the details manually and put 5$ cash in the box. I would say visit this place on the way to ozark and experience the views by sitting at lake. I saw some people swimming so I think you can swim here so you can plan that also.