About Charlton Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 47
Campground Amenities
-
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
47 Sites Available
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Site Details
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47 Sites Available
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Reviews (75)
What Guests Are Saying
Charlton Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful, quiet setting, spacious campsites, and clean swimming area, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and proximity to Hot Springs for convenient trips. However, some concerns were raised about the cleanliness of bathrooms, reservation processes, and limited cell service, indicating room for improvement in maintenance and accessibility.
What Guests Are Saying
Charlton Recreation Area is praised for its beautiful, quiet setting, spacious campsites, and clean swimming area, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and proximity to Hot Springs for convenient trips. However, some concerns were raised about the cleanliness of bathrooms, reservation processes, and limited cell service, indicating room for improvement in maintenance and accessibility.
Review Summary
Merle G
VerifiedOctober 14, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 5, Loop: C
Quietest National Park campground ever! Beautiful setting along a creek. Bathroom facilities were totally open during the early days of the USG shutdown. Many thanks to the volunteer camp hosts! Monday night in October only 6 campers.
Gail G
VerifiedOctober 13, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 4, Loop: C
It is a beautiful place.
Bruce S
VerifiedOctober 5, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 9, Loop: C
Nice, quiet, dark campground filled with kids and families having
a great time.
Robin J
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 12, Loop: C
The area is lovely. I don’t like that there is not a cash pay option. And I really dislike that there is a $4 a day service fee to use a card
Thomas C
VerifiedSeptember 2, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 15, Loop: B
The site was very unlevel from front to back. We had to back into the tent pad and still had a hard time getting the rig level. We were in B15. Some of the other sites appeared to be better, but I can’t say for sure. Cell service was almost non existent. We did find one spot close to the bathhouse that we were able to get a signal. Given that this campground is prone to flash floods, that is disturbing.
Chris B
VerifiedAugust 19, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 17, Loop: C
Nice Place.
John R
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 20, Loop: B
This is the sweet spot. Far enough from town, but close enough if you forgot something. Always cold water in the swimming hole. The dam is a great example of CCC craftsmanship, and will provide no end of fun. The campground is very shady. Spacious, clean, well designed sites make backing in easy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelly R
VerifiedAugust 11, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 12, Loop: B
Beautiful, quiet, serene campground in AR. The camp sites were spread out, with lots of trees and shade. Each site had a nice, level gravel pad plus cement sidewalk with picnic table and fire pit. The bathrooms were typical of a state park; functional and mostly clean.
Kurt R
VerifiedAugust 10, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 20, Loop: B
Lovely campground, there were very few people here when we were. The hosts are excellent, and the grounds are in superb shape. Definitely will be heading back soon. There's a nice place to swim, a great little nature trail, and a trail that accesses LOVIT (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail). Bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept. Bugs were nearly non-existent in our visit, and we enjoyed quiet, peaceful nights. Almost hate recommending this because it's a hidden gem. Sadly, we must support and promote our parks anyway we can before they take those away too.
Tim C
VerifiedAugust 4, 2025 • Stayed at: Charlton 13, Loop: B
We loved B-13, nice shady spot. It was clean and level, we had no problems. Swimming hole is great, COLD!
Location Charlton Recreation Area
Address:
Charlton Campground
Royal, AR, 71968
United States
From Hot Springs, drive 17 miles west on Albert Pike Road (Hwy 270 West), Charlton Recreation Area is located along Hwy 270.
Latitude & Longitude: 34.5168 / -93.3818
Elevation: 197 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Cell phone access is limited in the campground. Campsite availability is limited during major holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Campground is open seasonally, from the first of May to the first of November. The Day Use Area is open only from the first of May to first of October. A-Loop are basic campsites with no electric or water services at the campsites. B-Loop has electrical, 50-amp service, and water connections at the campsites. C-Loop, campsites 1-10, offer electrical, 30-amp service, water and some campsites have sewer connections, at the campsite. C-Loop, campsites 11-19, known as "Booger Hollow", do not off electrical or water services at the campsites, but community water spigots are available in the area. |
