Info Lake Ouachita

[sherri]

Hi, new to the forum, long time member of the Bluff City Canoe Club. Planning a trip to lake Ouachita in Sep. Taking our sea kayaks...wanting info on favorite sections of the lake. Would like to camp on one of the islands, it would just be for the weekend.

Thanks!

[Jim Krueger]

Sherri,

Beverly Buys, Richard, and Dan Valovich are just a few of the paddlers who really like Lake Ouachita and have quite a bit of experience paddling it, as well as camping on it's islands. They may chime in or you might try and send some them some PMs to ask further.
Buckville camp ground and landing is on the North side of the lake and may be one of their suggestions to begin an island-camping trip.A good many of the lake's islands are fairly handy from here.


Best Regards
Jim Krueger

[Richard]

I would definitely consider Buckville if you are wanting to do primitive camping.
Learn and use Leave No Trace principles.
This is one of several islands near Buckville.
http://good-times.webshots.com/slidesho ... YL-tmeyDjs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[sherri]

Thanks for the info guys!

[fettsway]

OK. Richard's slideshow makes me what to visit and camp on that island.

What's the story with this Lake? I live in the Tulsa area and am considering making a trip down there before the summer ends. Can you guys give up some more details. I would think the lake gets overrun with ski boats and partiers, and those cool islands would turn into drunk island with the summer party crowd. I don't want any part, just want to enjoy the peaceful outdoors.

I looked the place up on google maps and it's huge. Where is Buckville in reference to the Lake?

[dan valovich]

sherri,
buckville is located on the north shore of lake ouachita across from crystal springs. camp anywhere you want. the north part of lake ouachita is completely different than the south. lots of coves and islands you can explore and avoid the crowds. the cedar fouche area is to the east of buckville and fishing is excellent as is snorkeling.
real easy to get sunburned. ticks and chiggers can be a problem also if you go hiking in he brush. if common sense is used you will have a great time. here is a couple of photos of the buckville area

[sherri]

Love the pictures...I can't wait to go and explore.
Thanks, Sherri

[fettsway]

I was told Buckville was a town, but google maps does not find it.

I called the Lake Oachita office and they did not have a number for Buckville camp ground. I am just trying to map out a route to the Buckville camp area for future use.

[Jim Krueger]

Buckville was certainly a pretty good sized community many years ago however what's there now is the old church and large cemetery, and the Buckville (primitive) campground which is administered by the Corps of Engineers. It's a very scenic campground in it's self. What you'll find there is a dozen places to pitch a tent or park an RV, it's all gravel roads within and has a nice swimming beach to one side. No office, no elect. no potable water. They do have a restroom facility with pit toilet. Just before reaching the campground proper, they also have a paved boat ramp.
State Hwy 298 runs the length of Lake Ouachita on it's North side, Buckville is just South off 298 about middle ways. You may need an Ark. Atlas or Ouachita National Forest map to most clearly see the lay of the place.

Jim

[dan valovich]

betty brady owns buckville grocery and is a good source of information
501 984 5323

[Richard]

[Jim Krueger]

Fettsway,

I hope all this information helps you! and I just know you will like this area as much as we do. Buckville is certainly less used because you have to 'go round by Laura's House' (so to speak) to get there. Pardon the old expression, it was used by my older relativesto always mean somewhere that was quite well out of the way... That's really the beauty of Buckville. On so many trips I've made there, you have some of the best views of the lake, islands, primitive camping, and Mountain views, both across the lake and also North as well. It's just not very convenient for accessibility 'and such', that keeps it always a pleasure to stay there for the shear beauty and contemplation. I know you'll enjoy it!

P.S. I would also offer further, that a favorable opinion of camping anywhere in Arkansas wouldn't be had when it's too hot and sultry to enjoy sleeping out Whether it's Buckville or Gilbert, Arkansas, 'the coolest place in the state' It's pretty hot about now, not intolerable sleeping yet, but getting closer.

P.S., P.S. Friend Dan always takes such nice shots of the lake from his airplane, I can feel the breeze now! I just wish I could handle my weak stomach as well as I can paddle...


Best Regards
jim

[Beverly]

Richard - really fun to review that slide show. Talk about hot! I remember that we went late in the afternoon and broke camp fairly early in the morning to avoid 100 degree temperatures. The good thing, you can always jump into that beautiful clear water to cool down.