The Basics
Cove Lake Recreation Area
AR State Hwy 309
Paris, AR
Phone: (479) 284-3150 (Big Piney District Office)
Closest Towns: Dardanelle, Paris
Directions: Cove Lake is located approx. 8 miles south of Paris, Arkansas on AR Hwy 309.
About Cove Lake
Located near the base of Mt Magazine, this beautiful 102-acre mountain lake is a great spot for camping, hiking, swimming or fishing. Facilities include a campground, bathhouse with hot showers and drinking water (in season), picnic sites, a pavilion, hiking trails and a boat launch ramp.
Concession services are also available, typically from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, and include boat rentals, cabins, minature golf and food services.
In the campground, there are 36 primitive camping sites available. Camping trailers are allowed, but no hookups are offered.
24 picnic sites are also available for day-use. If using the picnic facilities or swimming, there is a day use fee charged.
Connecting the Cove Lake Rec Area to Mt Magazine State Park atop the mountain is the 9.7 mile Mt. Magazine-Cove Lake Trail, climbing over 1,500 feet from the lake to the state park's campground. This trail can be done in a day, but may be best enjoyed as an overnight backpack. Camping is allowed anywhere along the trail in the National Forest, but not in the State Park, which is approx. the last ½ mile of the trail at the top.
While you are here, be sure to visit Signal Hill atop Mt Magazine, which is the highest point of elevation in Arkansas at 2,753 ft.
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