Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Ouachita Mountains, Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground in Mena, Arkansas, offers a distinct camping experience tailored for those seeking a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of community and a focus on faith. This campground is more than just a place to park your RV; it's a ministry providing an environment for spiritual growth, family gatherings, and outdoor adventure. While it caters significantly to church camps during the summer, it also opens its arms to individuals and families looking for a serene and respectful place to relax and explore the natural beauty of Western Arkansas. It's a place where you can truly unwind, connect with nature, and perhaps, connect with your faith in a tranquil setting.

Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground is conveniently located at 715 Polk County Rd 61, Mena, AR 71953, USA. This address places it within easy reach of Mena, a charming town that serves as a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of the Ouachita National Forest. For locals in Arkansas, the accessibility is a significant advantage. Polk County Road 61 provides a clear path to the campground, minimizing travel complexities. Mena itself offers essential services such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries, ensuring that campers have access to everything they need. The campground's location is particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy ATV riding. Critically, you can "leave from there and ride to the trails," including access to the renowned Wolf Pen Gap ATV trail system, without needing to re-trailer your vehicle. This direct trail access is a huge draw for the off-roading community, saving time and hassle. Beyond ATV trails, the surrounding Ouachita National Forest provides endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Arkansas. The scenic Talimena National Scenic Byway, famous for its stunning vistas, is also within easy driving distance. This combination of serene natural beauty and direct access to thrilling outdoor activities makes Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground an ideal destination for a wide range of Arkansans looking to experience the best of their home state.

Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground provides a range of services designed to facilitate a comfortable and enriching stay, with a clear mission rooted in its Baptist association. While the experience is unique compared to typical commercial campgrounds, it offers essential amenities. Based on customer reviews and common campground offerings, the services likely include:

• RV Campsites: Sites are available, including 30-amp hookups, suitable for various RV sizes. While full sewer hookups may not be available at every site, a convenient dump station is provided on-site.
• Access to ATV Trails: A major highlight is the ability to directly access ATV trails from the campground, catering to off-road enthusiasts.
• Swimming Area: The presence of a "swimming area in the creek" (though without a lifeguard) offers a natural and refreshing way to cool off during warmer months.
• Free Ice Machine: A practical and much-appreciated amenity for campers, providing easy access to ice.
• On-Site Management: The manager, Al, is consistently praised as "super nice and helpful," ensuring that guests have support and assistance during their stay.
• Shared Restroom/Shower Facilities: While noted by a reviewer as a single combined unit for male and female, these facilities are available for guest use.
• Event Hosting (Church Camps, Retreats, Family Gatherings): The campground serves as a ministry, regularly hosting church camps, and is available for other church events, retreats, and family gatherings, indicating facilities to support groups.
• Cabin Rentals and Bunkhouses: Beyond RV sites, the campground's mission suggests it also offers other lodging options for groups and individuals.

It is important to note the specific policies regarding alcohol and smoking, as these are prohibited on the premises.

The features and highlights of Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground are clearly articulated through the positive experiences of its visitors, even as some acknowledge practical considerations. These key aspects make it a unique and appealing destination for many Arkansans:

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: This is a consistently praised feature, with reviewers describing the place as "Peaceful and Quiet" and "amazing quiet." This makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and escaping the noise of daily life.
• Exceptional Staff/Owner Hospitality: The on-site manager, Al, receives high acclaim. He is described as "super nice and helpful," creating a welcoming and supportive environment that makes guests feel "like home away from home." Another reviewer expressed a desire to keep the place a secret "because I don’t want other people to find out how good this place is," underscoring the high regard for the staff and overall experience.
• Direct ATV Trail Access: A significant highlight for off-road enthusiasts is the ability to "leave from there and ride to the trails." This direct access to the extensive ATV network in the Ouachita Mountains is a major convenience and draw.
• Natural Swimming Area: The "swimming area in the creek" provides a refreshing and natural way to cool off, adding to the outdoor recreational opportunities available directly at the campground.
• Complimentary Ice: The "ice machine for free ice" is a practical and thoughtful amenity that significantly enhances the camping experience, saving campers time and money.
• Christian and Respectful Environment: The "No drinking and smoking posted at the entrance" and the mention of a "Christian atmosphere" establish a clear expectation for a respectful, family-friendly, and alcohol-free environment, which is highly valued by a specific segment of the camping community.
• Ideal for Relaxation and Riding: Summarized by a reviewer who stated, "All in all not a bad place to relax and ride," highlighting the dual appeal of tranquility and adventure.

To learn more about Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground, inquire about availability, or make a reservation, direct contact is recommended. You can reach them via phone at (479) 394-2019. The mobile phone number, +1 479-394-2019, is also available for your convenience. For navigation, the physical address is 715 Polk County Rd 61, Mena, AR 71953, USA. Given the campground's mission and its popularity for church camps, it's advisable to contact them well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the summer months or a specific holiday weekend. Speaking with Al or other staff will allow you to clarify any specific details regarding site availability, amenities, pet policies, and to gain insights that can help you plan the perfect trip to this unique Arkansas gem.

In conclusion, Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground in Mena, Arkansas, offers a truly unique and highly suitable camping experience for locals in the region. For those who prioritize a peaceful and quiet environment, friendly and helpful staff like Al, and direct access to renowned ATV trails, this campground is an ideal choice. Its commitment to a Christian and respectful atmosphere, combined with practical amenities like a swimming creek and free ice, makes it a welcoming "home away from home" for many. While some aspects like site proximity and sewer hookups might be considerations for certain campers, the overall experience of relaxation, outdoor adventure, and genuine hospitality consistently earns high praise. If you're an Arkansan looking for a serene retreat that blends natural beauty with a supportive community feel and convenient access to the thrills of the Ouachita Mountains, Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground is certainly worth discovering.

Ouachita Baptist Assembly Campground

715 Polk County Rd 61, Mena, AR 71953, USA