Horsehead Lake Campground

Howdy, fellow Arkansans! Are you yearning for a serene escape into the natural beauty of our state, where the clear waters of a peaceful lake beckon and the sounds of nature replace the hustle and bustle of daily life? Then it's time to explore Horsehead Lake Campground, nestled near Clarksville. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a cherished retreat managed cooperatively by the U.S. Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, offering a genuine outdoor experience that emphasizes natural beauty and tranquility. As locals, we understand the allure of finding those secluded spots that feel like our own private oasis, and Horsehead Lake Campground delivers just that.

This article is crafted specifically for you, our community in Arkansas, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Horsehead Lake Campground. We'll delve into its picturesque location, the array of services and unique features it boasts, and what makes it a highly recommended spot for both avid anglers and families seeking a refreshing swim. Our goal is to offer factual insights with a friendly, professional tone, helping you plan your next memorable journey to one of Arkansas's true natural treasures. Get ready to discover the peaceful charm of Horsehead Lake!

Horsehead Lake Campground is a truly delightful and well-regarded camping destination located within the Horsehead Lake Recreation Area. Situated on the shores of the beautiful 98-acre Horsehead Lake, this campground is cooperatively managed by the US Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ensuring a well-maintained and protected natural environment for visitors. It offers a prime setting for those who appreciate tranquility, water activities, and a secluded escape.

Visitors consistently describe it as "a really nice place to camp," highlighting the "very beautiful" lake and the overall "very secluded" area. The campground provides a variety of camping spots, including options for "one vehicle" or "double ones - for 2 vehicles," accommodating different group sizes. Sites are generally well-designed, though specific details on RV hookups can vary. Some sites may offer water and electric, but it's important to note that many sources indicate "no hookups or special amenities are available" at the main campground, implying a more rustic experience with the convenience of bathhouses.

A significant draw is the excellent quality of facilities available. The bathrooms, particularly those at the swimming area, are described as "nice and even air conditioned," and are "very well kept," which is a huge plus for any camper. There are convenient features like "a locking dumpster" for trash disposal, and a self-serve payment stand with "envelopes with checks to pay for visiting," making the process straightforward. Horsehead Lake is particularly popular for "catfishing," as well as largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish, and is "a popular canoeing and kayaking lake," with plenty of "little dead end off-shoots to explore." Despite the beauty, visitors are reminded to be mindful of "a lot of tree stumps that inches below the water-line" for boaters and to respect the natural cleanliness by properly disposing of trash. This campground truly offers a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Horsehead Lake Campground is located near Clarksville, AR 72830, USA. This places it within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, a vast and scenic area of Arkansas known for its rugged mountains, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. The campground is situated in Johnson County, offering a truly immersive natural experience while still being within reasonable driving distance of local towns.

Access to Horsehead Lake is generally straightforward, though it involves navigating through forested roads characteristic of national forest land. From Clarksville, you typically head North on AR Hwy 103 for approximately 8.6 miles, then turn left/west onto AR Hwy 164 for about 3.6 miles to Forest Road (FR) #1408. From there, you turn right and continue for about 2 miles, "staying on pavement," as it circles around to the lake's various recreation areas. While not directly on a major highway, the roads leading to the campground are usually well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle types, though some advise against "sedan sized vehicles" due to submerged river crossings on some routes; it's best to check specific access points if unsure.

The "secluded" nature of the area means that cell service can be limited; for instance, T-Mobile users reported "don't have service at any of the camping areas, but have okay service in the dead center of the lake." This can be a benefit for those seeking to truly disconnect, but it's important to plan accordingly. Despite the seclusion, the campground offers multiple "pull-off areas to park in," some with "an actual boat launch and dock," ensuring convenient lake access. Its location provides a fantastic base for exploring the wider Ozark National Forest, including hiking trails and other natural attractions in the region.

• Developed Campsites: Offers a developed camping area with individual sites.
• Tent Camping: Provides spots suitable for tent camping.
• RV Camping: Accommodates camping trailers/RVs up to 30 feet in length, though generally without hookups. Some sources indicate "RV sites with hookups" might exist, but primary information points to no special amenities or hookups at the main campground.
• Restroom Facilities: Includes well-kept bathrooms, with some at the swimming area being "nice and even air conditioned."
• Showers: Hot showers are available, typically located at the bathhouse.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available during the on-season.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at campsites for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Available at sites for campfires.
• Grilling Platforms: Included with fire rings at campsites for cooking.
• Boat Launches & Docks: Several areas provide "an actual boat launch and dock" directly off the grounds.
• Swim Beach: A large, grassy swimming area with "soft sand" is provided in the day-use portion.
• Playground: Available in the recreation area for children.
• Day Use Area: Separate areas for picnicking and day visits ($3 fee).
• Self-Pay Station: Allows for convenient payment of camping and day-use fees via cash or check.
• Locking Dumpster: Available for trash disposal.
• Designated Parking: "Ample parking for 2 vehicles" per campsite.
• Primitive Camping: Offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission across the lake from the developed campground.

• Beautiful & Secluded Lake: Horsehead Lake is described as "very beautiful" and the area "very secluded," offering a tranquil natural setting.
• Crystal Clear Water: On some days, "the water is so clear you can see to the bottom," enhancing swimming and paddling experiences.
• Excellent Fishing: A popular catfishing lake, also home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish, providing great opportunities for anglers.
• Ideal for Paddling: Highly recommended for "canoeing and kayaking," with "lots of little dead end off-shoots to explore."
• Comfortable Facilities: Clean and well-maintained restrooms and bathhouses, including air-conditioned facilities at the swim area.
• Dedicated Swim Beach: A large, sandy, and grassy swim area that doesn't feel "uncomfortably crowded" even on busy days.
• Flexible Camping Options: Offers spots for single or double vehicles, accommodating tents and RVs up to 30 feet, with various levels of amenities.
• Cooperative Management: Managed by the US Forest Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ensuring good stewardship and recreational opportunities.
• Value for Money: Day use is noted as "$3, well worth it," making it an affordable option for recreation.
• Opportunity to Disconnect: Limited cell service encourages a true escape from digital distractions.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed on leash, making it suitable for animal lovers.
• Family-Friendly: With a playground, swimming, and various activities, it's great for family outings.

Address: Clarksville, AR 72830, USA (Specific address for Horsehead Lake Recreation Area can be found via Forest Service: 2591 AR-21 Clarksville, AR 72830, for Pleasant Hill Ranger District Office).

Phone: (479) 754-2864 (This appears to be the Pleasant Hill District Office, which manages the area).

Mobile Phone: +1 479-754-2864

For information on specific site availability and current conditions, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Pleasant Hill Ranger District. Note that this campground is often first-come, first-served, and does not accept reservations via Recreation.gov.

For Arkansans, Horsehead Lake Campground offers an incredibly appealing and well-suited outdoor escape, perfectly capturing the essence of our state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. We value those "secluded" spots where we can truly unwind, and Horsehead Lake, with its "very beautiful" lake and quiet surroundings, delivers just that. The fact that it's managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission gives us confidence in its preservation and continued access for public enjoyment.

The versatility of the campground, accommodating both tent campers and RVs (up to 30 feet, even if hookups are limited), makes it accessible to a wide range of local outdoor enthusiasts. The "clean bathrooms" and "air conditioned" facilities at the swimming area are a significant draw; as Arkansans, we appreciate comfort even when roughing it, and these amenities make a real difference, especially during our warmer months. The "large and even uncomfortably crowded" swim beach, with its "soft sand," is a perfect spot for families to cool off and enjoy the lake.

Furthermore, Horsehead Lake is a true angler's paradise, renowned for "catfishing," bass, and sunfish. For those of us who love to cast a line, having "boat launch areas and docks right off the grounds" is incredibly convenient. The lake's suitability for "canoeing and kayaking," with its intriguing "dead end off-shoots to explore," offers endless opportunities for peaceful paddling adventures. Even the limited cell service, while something to plan for, is often seen as a positive for Arkansans seeking a genuine "digital detox" and a deeper connection with nature.

Horsehead Lake Campground embodies the spirit of Arkansas outdoor recreation: beautiful, accessible, and designed for genuine enjoyment. It's a place where we can easily escape for a "fast camping trip" or a longer family vacation, knowing we'll find clean facilities, ample space, and a community that values the same appreciation for nature. It's not just a campground; it's our backyard wilderness, waiting to be explored.

Horsehead Lake Campground

Clarksville, AR 72830, USA