Camp Site 21 @ Charlton Recreation Area

For Arkansans who cherish repeated visits to their favorite outdoor havens, Camp Site 21 within Charlton Recreation Area in Royal is a name that consistently comes up with glowing reviews. Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita National Forest, Charlton is not just a campground; it’s a beloved tradition for many families and outdoor enthusiasts in the Natural State. While "Camp Site 21" refers to a specific spot, it embodies the overall positive experience offered by this well-maintained and highly sought-after recreation area, renowned for its unique natural features and comfortable amenities.

Charlton Recreation Area, where Camp Site 21 is located, is particularly famous for its spring-fed Walnut Creek, which boasts some of the coldest, cleanest swimming water in Arkansas, even during the hottest summer months. This natural air conditioner makes it an unparalleled destination for cooling off and enjoying refreshing dips. Beyond the inviting waters, the campground itself offers a peaceful atmosphere with decent spacing between sites and ample shade from the surrounding trees, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Visitors, including those who "try to come every year" and "never camp anywhere else," speak volumes about the quality of the experience at Charlton. The combination of its beautiful natural setting, the refreshing creek, and the convenience of well-maintained facilities creates a compelling argument for its enduring popularity among locals. Even with facilities that might be "dated" as some reviews note, their cleanliness and functionality are consistently highlighted, proving that the care and management of the site are a top priority.

Camp Site 21 is situated within the Charlton Recreation Area, located at 11500 Albert Pike Rd, Royal, AR 71968, USA, within Garland County. This prime location places it approximately 17 to 20 miles west of Hot Springs National Park, making it easily accessible from a major Arkansas attraction while still offering a deep sense of forested seclusion.

Access to Charlton is straightforward via Highway 270 West (also known as Albert Pike Road), a well-maintained route suitable for all vehicle types, including RVs. The drive itself is scenic, weaving through the beautiful landscapes of the Ouachita National Forest, setting the tone for a tranquil getaway. The proximity to Hot Springs means campers can enjoy the peace of the forest by day and easily visit the city's historic bathhouses, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, diverse dining options, and other attractions. This dual accessibility allows for a versatile vacation experience, appealing to those who love both wilderness and cultural exploration. Furthermore, being located in Garland County means it's central to many other outdoor opportunities in the region, including Lake Ouachita.

Charlton Recreation Area, and by extension, Camp Site 21, provides a robust set of services designed to enhance the camping experience:

• Campsites with Hookups: Charlton features multiple loops, with Loop C offering full hookups (water, sewer, and 30 amp electrical service) at many of its sites. Loop B provides water and 50 amp electrical service. While specifics for Site 21 aren't detailed in the provided review, the mention of "Full hookups on C loop" is a strong indicator of its potential amenities if it's within that loop, accommodating various RV sizes and needs.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides flush toilets and shower houses with hot water. While some might describe them as "dated," reviews consistently highlight them as "decent" and well-kept, ensuring essential comfort and hygiene for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are readily available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to clean water.
• Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RV waste disposal, adding a significant convenience for longer stays.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and/or a grill for cooking and campfires.
• Designated Swimming Area: A key feature is the developed swimming area in Walnut Creek, perfect for enjoying the famously cold, spring-fed water.
• Hiking Trails: Access to several hiking trails, including the 1-mile nature trail and connections to the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, provides opportunities for forest exploration.

These services ensure that campers have comfortable and convenient facilities, allowing them to focus on enjoying the natural surroundings.

Charlton Recreation Area and its campsites like Site 21 are celebrated for several distinctive features that make it a favorite among Arkansans:

• Walnut Creek's Cold Swimming Water: This is arguably the most outstanding feature. The spring-fed Walnut Creek provides consistently cold water, even during the hottest Arkansas summers, making the designated swimming hole an incredibly refreshing and popular attraction. The historic stone dam, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), creates a perfect natural swimming pool.
• Historic CCC Architecture: The recreation area boasts structures, including the dam and bathhouse, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This historical significance adds a unique charm and provides a glimpse into Arkansas's past conservation efforts.
• Peaceful, Shaded Campground: The campground is nestled in a valley between tree-covered mountains, ensuring ample shade from towering trees across many sites. This contributes to a consistently "quiet wooded campground" atmosphere, providing a true escape from noise and sun.
• Decent Spacing Between Sites: As noted by a reviewer, there is "decent spacing between sites," which offers campers a sense of privacy and prevents an overcrowded feeling, even during busy periods.
• Proximity to Hot Springs: Being just 20 minutes from Hot Springs National Park means campers can easily explore the city's unique attractions, dining, and shops, blending the peace of nature with urban convenience.
• Opportunities for Hiking and Fishing: Beyond swimming, the area provides access to a network of trails for hiking and opportunities for fishing in Walnut Creek, appealing to a variety of outdoor interests.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite some facilities being "dated," their cleanliness and the overall tidiness of the campground are consistently praised by visitors, reflecting dedicated management and a positive environment.

These combined features make Charlton Recreation Area a well-rounded and highly desirable camping spot.

For inquiries or to make reservations at Charlton Recreation Area (which would include booking a site like Camp Site 21), you can use the following contact details:

• Physical Address: Charlton Campground 11500 Albert Pike Road, Royal, AR 71968, USA
• Office Phone: (870) 867-2101 (Often associated with the Caddo-Womble Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest)
• Cell Phone (often for camp host): (501) 693-8923

As a US Forest Service campground, reservations for Charlton Recreation Area are typically made through Recreation.gov. Given its popularity and the enthusiastic reviews, booking well in advance, especially for specific sites like Camp Site 21 and during peak seasons, is strongly recommended to secure your spot.

For residents of Arkansas, Charlton Recreation Area, including its popular Camp Site 21, stands as an ideal and often revisited camping destination. Its enduring appeal to locals stems from a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and practical amenities that cater to a wide range of outdoor interests within the Natural State.

Firstly, the star attraction — the famously cold and clear waters of Walnut Creek — provides an invaluable escape from the Arkansas heat. For families and individuals alike, the opportunity to swim and cool off in such a refreshing, natural setting is a draw that keeps visitors returning year after year. This direct access to a unique aquatic experience is something truly special for Arkansans.

Secondly, the comfortable and well-maintained campground facilities, including options for full hookups in Loop C (where Camp Site 21 might be located), make it highly accessible for both RVers and tent campers. The "decent spacing between sites" and abundant shade offer a sense of privacy and tranquility often sought in nature getaways. While some might consider the bathhouses "dated," their consistent cleanliness speaks volumes about the care provided, ensuring a pleasant and worry-free stay.

Furthermore, Charlton's historical significance, with its Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures, adds a layer of depth, allowing locals to connect with the state's heritage. Its strategic location near Hot Springs National Park offers the perfect balance: enjoy peaceful forest immersion by day and convenient access to the city's unique attractions by evening. For those who "love, love, love it" and "never camp anywhere else," Charlton Recreation Area clearly provides a consistently positive and deeply satisfying outdoor experience that embodies the best of Arkansas camping.

Camp Site 21 @ Charlton Recreation Area

Garland County, AR 71968, USA