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Hard to BookNational Forest

Cove Lake Recreation Area

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

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As of October 2026, Cove Lake Recreation Area is a campground in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas with 21 campsites. Cove Lake Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Cove Lake Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Cove Lake Recreation Area is located at 35.2244° N, 93.6225° W.

people allowed on 20 of 21 sites: 6
people allowed on the largest site: 50

Cove Lake Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Cove Lake Recreation Area

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Standard 20
Group 1
Accessible 2

What an RV fits

30–34 ft1 site
35–39 ft2 sites
40–44 ft6 sites
45–49 ft5 sites
50–54 ft2 sites
60–64 ft3 sites
65–69 ft1 site

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, photography.

All sites at Cove Lake Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
001	A	Standard	6	35 ft	-
002	A	Standard	6	60 ft	-
003	A	Standard	6	44 ft	-
004	A	Standard	6	44 ft	-
005	A	Standard	6	40 ft	-
006	A	Standard	6	35 ft	-
007	A	Standard	6	45 ft	-
008	A	Standard	6	45 ft	-
009	A	Standard	6	40 ft	-
010	A	Standard	6	47 ft	-
011	A	Standard	6	48 ft	-
012	A	Standard	6	40 ft	-
013	A	Standard	6	30 ft	-
014	A	Standard	6	68 ft	Accessible
015	A	Standard	6	50 ft	-
016	A	Standard	6	41 ft	-
017	A	Standard	6	60 ft	-
018	A	Standard	6	45 ft	-
019	B	Standard	6	60 ft	-
020	B	Standard	6	54 ft	-
Pavilion	-	Group	50	-	Accessible

About Cove Lake Recreation Area

Overview

The Cove Lake Recreation Area is a perfect summer getaway and an ideal place to camp, picnic or recreate. It envelops the shores of a 160-acre mountain lake near the 2,700-foot-tall Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state of Arkansas.

Recreation

Popular activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, water skiing and scenic drives. A boat ramp is available and an on-site concessionaire provides boat rentals and other equipment available for purchase.

The lake is home to catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and perch. It is stocked every other year, although a small amount of catfish are stocked annually and just prior to a yearly kids' fishing derby hosted at the lake.

Facilities

The recreation area provides picnic areas, campsites and a group shelter, as well as multiple activities, including miniature golf, canoe and paddleboat rentals. The campground offers multiple single-family sites for tent or RV camping.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are also provided. Multiple picnic areas are available on the lake shore, including a picnic shelter that has electricity.

Natural Features

The recreation area is situated in a mixed forest of mature trees and is located in the Arkansas River Valley in the Ozark National Forest.

Nearby Attractions

The recreation area is about 15 miles south of the town of Paris, in Logan County, Arkansas. A scenic route to the top of Mount Magazine is a beautiful 10 mile drive north from Havana, Arkansas.

Rules and notices at Cove Lake Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Cove Lake Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

A no-wake policy is in effect on the entire lake during weekends and holidays

Hookups are not available

First-come, first-served sites may be available

Off-road vehicles are prohibited in the campground

Click here for more information on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Cove Lake Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Cove Lake Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Cove Lake Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Cove Lake Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Cove Lake Recreation Area have?

Cove Lake Recreation Area has 21 campsites.