Cove Lake Recreation Area

19 COVE LAKE LOOP
PARIS, AR 72855

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.

Camp site features

Across 36 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 36 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 36 sites
Longest rig: 68 ft
Largest party: 6 people

Fees

January 01, 2019 - December 31, 2019 (Peak Season) Picnic Pavilion $35 Day

Directions

From Paris, take Highway 109 south, then turn southeast on Highway 309 for 9 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

72 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Roy L

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Reviewed 8 days ago

Be aware that there are no showers or flush toilets at this site. When I book it, the agent on the phone said that there would be showers, but that is not the case.

Cherie D

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Reviewed 2 months ago

We love cove have been going here for years. The ground care takers that have been there the last couple years don’t do a good job at taking care of the camping area. The bathrooms are nasty the fire rings aren’t cleaned. People run generators past 10 because they never come check the area and dogs in the swimming area. They have kids cleaning and taking care of things or pretending too. Even the showers in the men’s bathroom doesn’t work properly. And adults aren’t making sure things are actually being done. Like I said we love Cove the views and the piece and quite when someone generator isn’t running 80% of the time.

ron j

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Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Still a nice primitive campground. Despite showing almost booked up, we had the place virtually to ourselves.

Carrie L

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Reviewed 3 months ago

The friendliest staff you will ever meet! Campgrounds are nice and well kept. We love cove lake and will definitely be back to camp and also do day passes as well. Thank you for all you do! It doesn’t go unnoticed!

Zach C

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Our stay at Cove lake was nothing short of incredible. Toni and Garrett make the camping experience a stress free family activity. The staff is helpful and polite. The big breakfast is reason enough to come stay a night or two. We feel the most safe and the most cared for at this campsite and will continue to choose it as a family destination for years to come.

Georgia M

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Nice campsite in close proximity to the lake. We felt very secluded.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 6% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.