Charlton Recreation Area
Royal, Arkansas · on Walnut Creek · Ouachita National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- creek
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5 per vehicle
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Charlton Recreation Area
Charlton Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service campground and day-use site in the Ouachita National Forest, about 17-20 miles west of Hot Springs, Arkansas, along Highway 270. Its centerpiece is a swimming hole on Walnut Creek, a cold, spring-fed mountain stream impounded by a native stone dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.
The site sits along Walnut Creek in the Ouachita Mountains within the Ouachita National Forest, a few miles from Lake Ouachita. A 1-mile interpretive nature trail loops the recreation area and connects to the longer Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and the Charlton Trail (about 4.1 miles one-way to Crystal Springs Recreation Area).
Swimming at Charlton Recreation Area
Swimming takes place in a pool formed by a roughly 20-foot native stone CCC dam across Walnut Creek. Water is described by both the Forest Service and first-hand visitors as unusually cold and clean, spring-fed, and remaining refreshingly cold even in summer heat. A concrete swim platform and ladder aid entry/exit, and shaded banks provide seating areas. No hike is required to reach it, making it accessible for families as well as those seeking a cold-water dip.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Hot Springs, Arkansas, travel about 17-20 miles west on U.S. Highway 270 (Albert Pike Road) to Royal, AR; the recreation area address is 11500 Albert Pike Road, Royal, AR 71968.
Parking: Paved roads and on-site parking are available at the day-use and campground area.
The hike in
No hike is required to reach the swimming hole -- it's a short walk from day-use parking to the CCC dam pool on Walnut Creek. For those wanting to hike further, an interpretive loop (about 0.8-1 mile, sometimes called the 'Prayer in the Woods Trail') circles the campground, and the longer Charlton Trail (steep for its first 0.5 mile, then easier) runs about 4.1 miles one-way from the recreation area to Crystal Springs Recreation Area, connecting near Pipe Springs (~2 miles in) to the 39-40 mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. None of these are needed for swimming access.
Swim area is reached via a short walk from the day-use parking lot, not a hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The swim pool has a concrete platform and ladder for entry/exit and shallower wading is possible upstream of the CCC dam, but there are no lifeguards on duty, the water is described as very cold year-round, and the stone dam edge/platform requires supervision for young kids.
Parking
Paid, $5 per vehicle (or $2 per person for walk-in/bike-in) for day use
Paved on-site parking and paved roads at the day-use area and campground; fee collected via self-serve pay box at entry.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and a bathhouse with warm-water showers serve the day-use/swim area and B-Loop and C-Loop campsites; the CCC-era stone bathhouse sits right at the swimming area. A-Loop campsites have no bathhouse, only water spigots.
Water clarity
Clear
Both the Forest Service and first-hand visitor accounts describe Walnut Creek here as spring-fed and among the coldest and cleanest swimming holes in Arkansas; no reports of murkiness found.
Hours
Day-use swim area open seasonally, roughly May 1 through early October (one source says October 1, another early October); campground open May 1 through November 1. The Ouachita National Forest ranger district office operates Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm.
On the water
Restrictions: No boating in the designated swim area behind the CCC dam (fishing is also prohibited there); Recreation.gov describes water activity on Walnut Creek at Charlton as limited to wading and fishing.
The Charlton swim hole is a small, spring-fed creek pool impounded by a stone dam -- not sized or intended for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or motorboats. The nearest place to launch a boat is Lake Ouachita, reached via marinas about 3.3-3.6 miles away (e.g., near Crystal Springs Resort and Mountain Harbor Resort).
Rentals nearby
Boat rentals/marina services on Lake Ouachita; the resort's activities page lists 'Boating' but does not publish which specific craft (pontoon, kayak, motorboat, etc.) are available for rent online -- call the marina for current offerings
On Lake Ouachita, about 3.6 miles from Charlton Recreation Area; marina phone (870) 867-1212, resort main line (870) 867-2191
Backstory
The stone dam and adjoining bathhouse were built in 1935 (some sources say 1935-1938) by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a federal work relief program, using fitted native stone construction.
Charlton Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Charlton Recreation Area charge a fee?
Day use is $5 per vehicle (or $2 per person for walk-in/bike-in); camping ranges roughly $15-$40/night depending on hookups. Day-use area open May to early October; campground open May 1 to November 1.
Is Charlton Recreation Area kid friendly?
The swim pool has a concrete platform and ladder for entry/exit and shallower wading is possible upstream of the CCC dam, but there are no lifeguards on duty, the water is described as very cold year-round, and the stone dam edge/platform requires supervision for young kids.
Do I need to hike to reach Charlton Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Charlton Recreation Area?
Paved on-site parking and paved roads at the day-use area and campground; fee collected via self-serve pay box at entry.
When is the best time to visit Charlton Recreation Area?
Summer, when the cold spring-fed water is most sought after for cooling off; campground and day-use area operate roughly May through October/November.
What are the rules at Charlton Recreation Area?
No hunting within the recreation area; fires only in designated stoves/grills/rings; no fishing in the swimming area; pets must be leashed and are excluded from the day-use and swimming areas.
What water body is Charlton Recreation Area on?
Charlton Recreation Area is on Walnut Creek, a natural creek verified in USGS hydrography data.
