Are the Ouachita River Float Camps really closed?

[MenHen]

I saw 2 posts from October claiming they were day use only. I can't find anything official or online though. Does anyone know for sure? Very sad if they are.

Thanks!

[Chicago Bob]

Not only are they closed to camping, ownership has been turned over to the county. I paddle using these accesses regularly and can confirm that they are posted as such. This is the result of the lawsuits pending over the Albert Pike flooding.BOB

[MenHen]

Thank you! That is such a shame.

[prophet]

ridiculous. plenty of funding for logging and burning though

[sig]

I don't think it's a funding issue, it's an over reaction to the Albert Pike campground flood and subsequent lawsuits. It seems they have closed many campsites that are very low and close to rivers to avoid future flash flood events.

Albert Pike was a tragedy and I do feel the USFS probably erred when they built those new sites right down by the river but I don't understand why that meant a closing of every site near a river.

[Deuce]

I wasn't aware of the ownership transfer. That's interesting.

[Jim E]

They are open for day use only and closed 10:00 P.M.-6:00 A.M.

If you are looking for a place to camp I would suggest Ouachita River Haven
Located just a short bit above where Fiddlers Creek joins the river makes them pretty close to the Dragover section. Also, being a privately owned campground, they are not affected by the forest department's decision to close flood prone campgrounds.

[cj5752]

I maybe wrong but I don't believe ownership has changed. The county had been maintaining them for a while. I assume that has not changed. I emailing Chris Ham with the forest service. You can contact him at ( cpham@fs.fed.us). They had flood danger evalueations done and are in the process of making long term decisions. I hate that more people have not noticed and made some noise. We may have lost a great resource.