RV Sites
Roy L
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: A
Be aware that there are no showers or flush toilets at this site. When I book it, the agent on the phone said that there would be showers, but that is not the case.
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About Cove Lake Recreation Area
The Cove Lake Recreation Area is a perfect summer getaway and an ideal place to camp, picnic or recreate. It envelops the shores of a 160-acre mountain lake near the 2,700-foot-tall Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state of Arkansas.
Available sites
20 total sitesActivities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Swimming
Summer
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Summer
Swimming
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Lake Access
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
20 Sites Available
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001, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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002, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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003, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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004, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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005, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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006, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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007, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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008, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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009, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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010, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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011, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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012, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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013, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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014, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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015, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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016, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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017, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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018, Loop: A
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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019, Loop: B
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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020, Loop: B
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Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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Site Details
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20 Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐
001, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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002, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
003, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
004, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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005, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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006, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
007, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
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008, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
009, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
010, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
011, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
012, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
013, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
014, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
015, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
016, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
017, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
018, Loop: A
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
019, Loop: B
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
020, Loop: B
RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
138 reviews
Summary
Cove Lake Recreation Area offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience with stunning views, well-kept grounds, and friendly staff, making it a popular choice for families. Many visitors appreciate the secluded, quiet atmosphere and the natural scenery, including the lake and trails. However, some guests have noted concerns about the cleanliness of bathrooms, the lack of shower facilities, and occasional noise from generators, suggesting room for improvement in maintenance.
Based on guest feedback
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 138 reviews
5 stars
76.1% (105)
4 stars
12.3% (17)
3 stars
5.8% (8)
2 stars
3.6% (5)
1 star
2.2% (3)
Showing 133 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Cherie D
VerifiedJuly 9, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: A
We love cove have been going here for years. The ground care takers that have been there the last couple years don’t do a good job at taking care of the camping area. The bathrooms are nasty the fire rings aren’t cleaned. People run generators past 10 because they never come check the area and dogs in the swimming area. They have kids cleaning and taking care of things or pretending too. Even the showers in the men’s bathroom doesn’t work properly. And adults aren’t making sure things are actually being done.
Like I said we love Cove the views and the piece and quite when someone generator isn’t running 80% of the time.
Helpful
ron j
VerifiedJune 14, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: A
Still a nice primitive campground. Despite showing almost booked up, we had the place virtually to ourselves.
Helpful
Carrie L
VerifiedJune 3, 2026 Stayed at: 014, Loop: A
The friendliest staff you will ever meet! Campgrounds are nice and well kept. We love cove lake and will definitely be back to camp and also do day passes as well. Thank you for all you do! It doesn’t go unnoticed!
Helpful
Zach C
VerifiedJune 1, 2026 Stayed at: 009, Loop: A
Our stay at Cove lake was nothing short of incredible. Toni and Garrett make the camping experience a stress free family activity. The staff is helpful and polite. The big breakfast is reason enough to come stay a night or two. We feel the most safe and the most cared for at this campsite and will continue to choose it as a family destination for years to come.
Helpful
Lonnie N
VerifiedMay 10, 2026 Stayed at: 007, Loop: A
Nice quiet little campground.
Helpful
Georgia M
VerifiedMay 10, 2026 Stayed at: 016, Loop: A
Nice campsite in close proximity to the lake. We felt very secluded.
Helpful
Matt M
VerifiedApril 13, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: A
The shower facilities were locked. This is the first time that I’ve camped here in over 15yrs that the campgrounds locked the showers this late into the season. There was also no envelopes to deposit the cash site side of the facility. Was very disappointed as I was going to pay for my friend to stay a few nights. We ended up leaving as a heavy storm was coming in, with threat of tornadoes/hail, etc. The showers/bathrooms would have been a nice place to find refuge in case of a major storm, btw..
Helpful
Matt M
VerifiedApril 13, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: A
The shower facilities were locked. This is the first time that I’ve camped here in over 15yrs that the campgrounds locked the showers this late into the season. There was also no envelopes to deposit the cash site side of the facility. Was very disappointed as I was going to pay for my friend to stay a few nights. We ended up leaving as a heavy storm was coming in, with threat of tornadoes/hail, etc. The showers/bathrooms would have been a nice place to find refuge in case of a major storm, btw..
Helpful
Richard G
VerifiedMarch 16, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: A
Cove Lake is one of the best "old school" campgrounds in the USA!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cove Lake Recreation Area
19 Cove Lake Loop, Paris, AR 72855 United States
Elevation: 306 ft
Getting There
From Paris, take Highway 109 south, then turn southeast on Highway 309 for 9 mi.
Highway access
Cove Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Highway 109 and Highway 309, which provide direct routes from Paris.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
- No-wake policy on the lake during weekends and holidays.
Amenities
- No hookups available at this campground.
Site capacity
- Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Vehicles & parking
- Off-road vehicles are not allowed in the campground.
General
- Click here for more information on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood; obtain it at your destination to prevent pests.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Paris, AR
Population: 3,284
Nearby city: Fort Smith, AR
Approx. 47 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 404 ft
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Paris, AR
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service