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
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.
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
Activities
- Amphitheater
- Camping
- Biking
- Crawfishing
- Day Use Area
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Swimming
- Swimming Site
- Water Access
Media
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/16/01/10169450_b4c12a20-b14f-465a-a179-58d9b67cc667_700.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/08/26/15/38/10169450_7a384a88-ba39-47b2-8662-9dd6a784d64f_700.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/08/26/15/40/10169450_165652cc-2e2d-4b0a-a1f8-7ab027ac25cf_1440.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/15/47/10169450_66d13abf-3855-4176-ac02-7886d5fc4604_1440.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/16/03/10169450_61b486eb-7cfa-4595-abdb-4316e70b416b_1440.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/16/10/10169450_f57b0ccf-12f2-477e-a6a0-604b25f71064_700.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/15/59/10169450_9d22d753-2aba-412e-8915-445862c5e4f3_700.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/16/06/10169450_6a88e1fd-e8dc-472c-b79e-13d964b91085_1440.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/15/50/10169450_a9add347-e2bb-4852-bbda-7d27a40701db_700.jpg)
![Charlton Recreation Area](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2022/07/11/15/57/10169450_d9b35c79-0351-450d-be5c-09e594272bfa_700.jpg)