About Charlton Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 47
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
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Reviews (234)
What Guests Are Saying
Charlton Recreation Area offers a peaceful and scenic environment with spacious, well-kept campsites and clean facilities, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to Hot Springs and local attractions like crystal hunting and Ouachita Lake. While some have noted the lack of cell service and the reservation-only policy, the overall experience is positive, highlighting the campground's beauty and cleanliness.
What Guests Are Saying
Charlton Recreation Area offers a peaceful and scenic environment with spacious, well-kept campsites and clean facilities, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to Hot Springs and local attractions like crystal hunting and Ouachita Lake. While some have noted the lack of cell service and the reservation-only policy, the overall experience is positive, highlighting the campground's beauty and cleanliness.
Review Summary
Brenda K
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 10, Loop: C
We have always loved this camping area and decided to take our granddaughter for 3 days. To say we were disappointed was an understatement. The campsite was filthy when we arrived. Trash and cigarette butts everywhere. We had to clean prior to setting up as we had a 5 year old and a dog. The fire pit was full, couldn’t have used it even if we wanted to and the charcoal grill was completely snapped off and laying on the ground. The water spigot was held on by zip ties. My husband luckily had tools to fix it prior to us being able to hook up. They have removed all trash cans from the entire campground and placed 2 large dumpsters that were overflowing when we arrived. Very inconvenient to have to get in your vehicle to haul trash. The bath house looked like it hadn’t been cleaned ever and the toilets were stopped up. I will say someone came and mopped on the second day but luckily we didn’t need to use it.
We ended the trip on day 3 with no power to the entire campsite in extreme heat, so we packed up early and went home. This has always been one of our favorite places to camp but we will definitely not be back until conditions improve
Brenda K
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 10, Loop: C
We have always loved this camping area and decided to take our granddaughter for 3 days. To say we were disappointed was an understatement. The campsite was filthy when we arrived. Trash and cigarette butts everywhere. We had to clean prior to setting up as we had a 5 year old and a dog. The fire pit was full, couldn’t have used it even if we wanted to and the charcoal grill was completely snapped off and laying on the ground. The water spigot was held on by zip ties. My husband luckily had tools to fix it prior to us being able to hook up. They have removed all trash cans from the entire campground and placed 2 large dumpsters that were overflowing when we arrived. Very inconvenient to have to get in your vehicle to haul trash. The bath house looked like it hadn’t been cleaned ever and the toilets were stopped up. I will say someone came and mopped on the second day but luckily we didn’t need to use it.
We ended the trip on day 3 with no power to the entire campsite in extreme heat, so we packed up early and went home. This has always been one of our favorite places to camp but we will definitely not be back until conditions improve
Brenda K
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 10, Loop: C
We have always loved this camping area and decided to take our granddaughter for 3 days. To say we were disappointed was an understatement. The campsite was filthy when we arrived. Trash and cigarette butts everywhere. We had to clean prior to setting up as we had a 5 year old and a dog. The fire pit was full, couldn’t have used it even if we wanted to and the charcoal grill was completely snapped off and laying on the ground. The water spigot was held on by zip ties. My husband luckily had tools to fix it prior to us being able to hook up. They have removed all trash cans from the entire campground and placed 2 large dumpsters that were overflowing when we arrived. Very inconvenient to have to get in your vehicle to haul trash. The bath house looked like it hadn’t been cleaned ever and the toilets were stopped up. I will say someone came and mopped on the second day but luckily we didn’t need to use it.
We ended the trip on day 3 with no power to the entire campsite in extreme heat, so we packed up early and went home. This has always been one of our favorite places to camp but we will definitely not be back until conditions improve
Martin O
VerifiedJuly 1, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 13, Loop: A
Great campsite, tucked up the road with a large tent pad area and a lot of tree shade. A short stroll to Walnut Creek for a soak.
Only thing to be aware of was patches of poison ivy skirting the tent sites.
Martin O
VerifiedJuly 1, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 13, Loop: A
Great campsite, tucked up the road with a large tent pad area and a lot of tree shade. A short stroll to Walnut Creek for a soak.
Only thing to be aware of was patches of poison ivy skirting the tent sites.
Martin O
VerifiedJuly 1, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 13, Loop: A
Great campsite, tucked up the road with a large tent pad area and a lot of tree shade. A short stroll to Walnut Creek for a soak.
Only thing to be aware of was patches of poison ivy skirting the tent sites.
Johnny M
VerifiedJune 29, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 18, Loop: B
Enjoyed our stay. Didn't like the 8.00 reservation fee.
Johnny M
VerifiedJune 29, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 18, Loop: B
Enjoyed our stay. Didn't like the 8.00 reservation fee.
Johnny M
VerifiedJune 29, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 18, Loop: B
Enjoyed our stay. Didn't like the 8.00 reservation fee.
laurie p
VerifiedJune 8, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 12, Loop: B
Always stay there when we come to hot springs love it clean quiet sites are big will return soon
Location Charlton Recreation Area
Address:
Charlton Campground, 11500 Albert Pike Road
Royal, AR, 71968
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 34.5168 / -93.3818
Elevation: 197 feet
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.
Site types & loops
- C-Loop campsites 11-19 offer no electrical or water services, but community water spigots are available.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
