Day Use Area
COVE LAKE RECREATION AREA rental Pavilion
COVE LAKE RECREATION AREA - Vault Toilets
COVE LAKE RECREATION AREA Trailhead
COVE LAKE RECREATION AREA views

Featured amenities

Showers Showers

Available sites

20 total sites

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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

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 Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

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

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: A RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 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
🚐 005, Loop: A RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 006, Loop: A RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 007, Loop: A RV
Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 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

Reviews (138)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.6
138 reviews
5
76.1%
105
4
12.3%
17
3
5.8%
8
2
3.6%
5
1
2.2%
3

James B

Verified

January 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: A

4

We camped there in January in our 26 ft. self contained trailer. One other camper was there, just the way we like it. No water or services were available in winter. Hiked the trail around the lake clock wise. A little over 4 mi. At the end was a large tree blocking the trail. We had difficulty getting around it. We camp here several times a year. Winter is best for scenery and hiking.

James B

Verified

January 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: A

4

We camped there in January in our 26 ft. self contained trailer. One other camper was there, just the way we like it. No water or services were available in winter. Hiked the trail around the lake clock wise. A little over 4 mi. At the end was a large tree blocking the trail. We had difficulty getting around it. We camp here several times a year. Winter is best for scenery and hiking.

Gerald D

Verified

March 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: A

5

One of my favorite places to escape and get away from it all.

Gerald D

Verified

March 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: A

5

One of my favorite places to escape and get away from it all.

Jennifer L

Verified

April 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: A

5

Clean campsites and bathrooms. Beautiful place to camp! One of my favorite places.

Jennifer L

Verified

April 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: A

5

Clean campsites and bathrooms. Beautiful place to camp! One of my favorite places.

Sherry L

Verified

May 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: A

5

Cove Lake is beautiful. We love the view from our campsite overlooking the lake. The people that work there are always nice. The area is always tidy and we feel safe camping at Cove Lake

Sherry L

Verified

May 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: A

5

Cove Lake is beautiful. We love the view from our campsite overlooking the lake. The people that work there are always nice. The area is always tidy and we feel safe camping at Cove Lake

Banhdith S

June 30, 2021

1

Tried to modify reservations to a different weekend, 2 days in advance and app would not let me see what is in cart.

Banhdith S

June 30, 2021

1

Tried to modify reservations to a different weekend, 2 days in advance and app would not let me see what is in cart.

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.

Nearest town

Paris, AR - 9.6 mi

About 16 min to downtown

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

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service