Little Pines Campground

Overview

Little Pines Recreation Area is located on the shoreline of 960-acre Lake Hinkle in the Poteau Mountain area of the Ouachita National Forest, approximately 12 miles west of Waldron, Arkansas. Built in a former pine plantation, the campground offers nine level campsites with shade, water, and electrical service.

The recreation area provides opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, and fishing. A boat ramp adjacent to the campground provides lake access, and a courtesy dock and fishing pier are available. Lake Hinkle is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Anglers should consult current Commission regulations and licensing requirements before fishing.

Visitors can also explore hiking, mountain-biking, and off-highway-vehicle trails within a few miles of the campground. A campground host may be available to assist visitors and answer questions about the area. Waldron offers groceries, restaurants, medical services, fuel, and other supplies.

Campsite Locations

All nine campsites are within surrounded by Lake Hinkle on three sides. Campsites are categorized by their position within the campground:

• Lakeside sites—5, 6, 7, 8, and 9: Located on the lake side of the campground, with no other campsites between these sites and the shoreline.

• Interior sites—1, 2, 3, and 4: Located within the interior portion of the campground, slightly farther from the shoreline.

Vegetation, terrain, and seasonal lake levels may affect water views and shoreline access. A lakeside designation does not necessarily indicate a direct water view or direct access from the campsite. All campsites have sidewalk access to the boat docks and fishing pier.

Recreation

Little Pines Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing along 960-acre Lake Hinkle, which is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, and fishing pier provide access to the lake, while a short hiking trail begins in the day-use area. Additional hiking, mountain-biking, and designated off-highway-vehicle trails are available within a few miles of the campground.

Visitors should consult the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for current fishing-license requirements and regulations. Trail users should check current Forest Service maps, conditions, and vehicle requirements before heading out.

Facilities

Little Pines Campground has nine reservable single campsites along the shoreline of Lake Hinkle. All sites are back-in; no pull-through sites are available. Each campsite includes a paved parking spur, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and electrical and water connections. Flush toilets, showers, and a trailer dump station are also available.

Boating facilities include a ramp for launching and retrieving boats, a courtesy dock, and docks for registered campers to moor boats during their stay. A fish-cleaning station is located near the boat ramp. An adjacent day-use area includes a large picnic pavilion and swimming area.

Natural Features

Little Pines Campground is located along the shoreline of 960-acre Lake Hinkle in the Poteau Mountain area of the Ouachita Mountains. Developed within a former pine plantation, the campground features level campsites and a shaded forest setting. An adjacent boat ramp provides convenient access to the lake.

Nearby Attractions

Little Pines Campground is a convenient base for exploring the Ouachita National Forest and the Waldron area.

• Scott County Museum of History: Located in downtown Waldron, the museum features exhibits highlighting Scott County’s communities, people, and cultural history.

• Ouachita National Recreation Trail: This long-distance trail crosses the Ouachita Mountains through Arkansas and Oklahoma. A segment follows the crest of Fourche Mountain and offers opportunities for hiking and backcountry exploration.

• Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail: Formerly known as the Poteau Mountain Multi-Use Trail, this 22.6-mile loop travels through varied forest and mountain terrain. The trail accommodates hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and designated off-highway-vehicle use.

• Fourche Mountain Trail: This multi-use trail provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and designated off-highway-vehicle use in the Ouachita National Forest.

Trail surfaces, difficulty, seasonal access, and permitted uses vary. Before visiting, obtain current Forest Service maps and check trail conditions, closures, and off-highway-vehicle requirements. Contact the Scott County Museum of History directly for current hours and admission information.