Lake Sylvia Recreation Area near Perryville is Arkansas State Parks newest addition. The recreation area, including Camp Ouachita, is managed by Arkansas State Parks as a unit of Pinnacle Mountain State Park. 

“Lake Sylvia is a rustic, yet beautiful recreation area nestled in the scenic mountains of the Ouachita National Forest,” said Aaron Presser, Assistant Superintendent at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area/ Pinnacle Mountain State Park. “Originally constructed as a Girl Scout Camp, the recreation area is centered around Lake Sylvia, an 18-acre reservoir dammed by the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corp] around 1937. The original camp, Camp Ouachita, comprised of primitive sleeper cabins, bath houses, facility buildings, and the iconic Great Hall, now referred to as Ogden Hall. At this camp, girls from all over the country looked forward to swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.” 

Both CCC and WPA [Works Progress Administration] history can be found at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area.

“Preserving this site is monumental in continuing Arkansas’ history as it’s the only Girl Scouts Camp remaining built by the WPA and CCC,” said Presser. “Sometime after the camp had closed in 1979, Arkansas State Parks, in partnership with U.S. Forest Service, took over management of Camp Ouachita and Lake Sylvia in 2023. Since then, facility improvements have been made. Now, guests may enjoy beautifully restored rustic camper cabins overlooking the lake, cozy campgrounds, and the beautiful Day Use Area. Lake Sylvia has a rich history, fostering recreation in the lovely Ouachita Mountains. We hope Camp Ouachita’s legacy will continue with each visitor.

Along with history, outdoor recreation is a main draw for visitors here and includes a trail system that connects with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

“This serene lake is known for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, electric only boats, and fishing,” said Presser. “There are many recreational opportunities at the Day Use Area situated on Lake Sylvia. The area features a rustic CCC built diving platform for swimmers. A boat launch is located on the left side of the lake for those who want to spend a day on the water. Our new playground is situated under the shade of beautiful trees. This area includes swings, a slide, and a pump track for mountain bikers and kids. Wrapping around the lake is a mile hike called lake Sylvia Loop. This tranquil trail leads you under tall pines and oaks to the dam overlook to view Narrows Creek Canyon. Where you will also find a fascinating in-cropping cave. For a longer hike, guests can travel to the Chinquapin Overlook to see the vast forested mountains surrounding Lake Sylvia. Not only does the day use area foster good memories, but it also pays homage to the history of the Girl Scouts Camp through continuing its recreative legacy.” 

Visitors can also overnight at the recreation area. “At the Camp Ouachita Historic Site, we host seven camper cabins that were once used at the Girl Scouts Camp,” said Presser. “These cabins combine a unique experience, a rustic feeling with modern facilities.”

Presser mentioned that the biggest cabin has amenities that include a queen bed, a kitchen with a full-size fridge, a full bath, and an extra room with two bunk beds. The smaller cabins also have a queen bed and full bathrooms, a kitchenette, and heating/air. Both options have grills, picnic tables, Wifi and indoors and outdoor seating. Along with the camper cabins, Ogden Hall, which was used as a meeting place for the Girl Scouts, is now being used as an event space for weddings, reunions and more. There is also a full commercial kitchen available for an additional price. On the other side of Lake Sylvia is a shaded campground that has 14 RV sites and nine regular and two group primitive campsites. At the center of the campground is a bathhouse for guests to use. 

The recreation area is a draw for the region. 

“Although Lake Sylvia is nestled in the remote Ouachita Mountains, it is a focal point for the surrounding area,” said Presser. “With Petit Jean State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park just 30 minutes away there is plenty to explore. Not to mention our proximity to Little Rock, Hot Springs, and Conway. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip there is no shortage of recreative possibilities here at Lake Sylvia. We look forward to new visitors continuing Camp Ouachita and Lake Sylvia’s legacy.” 

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is also part of the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area Recreation Master Plan. “Its main goal is to connect urban Little Rock to the wilderness through a trail system with recreational opportunities all along the way,” said Presser. “Lake Sylvia will be the ending point of this project as far as maps go, but we look at it as your gateway to the mountains and wilderness of the Ouachita National Forest with its endless recreational possibilities from hiking, gravel grinding, off-roading, hunting, and fishing. This area truly has something for everyone and in any season.”