South Fourche Recreation Area
4.479 reviews8607 N Hwy 7 Jessieville, AR 71949
South Fourche Recreation Area
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges $5 per night for camping, with no additional fees for day use.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the breathtaking Scenic Highway 7 Byway, South Fourche Recreation Area beckons travelers with its perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. This hidden gem within the Ouachita National Forest invites you to pull off the scenic route and discover a riverside sanctuary where the gentle South Fourche River flows just steps from your campsite. Whether you're paddling a kayak through peaceful waters or simply unwinding to the sound of rippling currents, this roadside retreat offers an effortless escape into nature without venturing far from the beaten path.
South Fourche Recreation Area is a small, primitive campground featuring basic amenities. It accommodates tent and RV camping, but lacks group sites or specialized facilities.
Historical SignificanceWhile South Fourche Recreation Area may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its story is written in the timeless language of the Ouachita wilderness—a place where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace and adventure along these riverbanks.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of four distinct seasons at South Fourche, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, comfortable days with temperatures hovering between 36°F and 52°F—perfect for cozy campfires and brisk morning hikes. As summer arrives, the thermometer climbs to a warm 92°F, transforming the South Fourche River into a refreshing oasis for swimmers and paddlers. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures with gentle rainfall that keeps the forest lush and vibrant. While winter air remains pleasantly dry, summer brings that characteristic Southern humidity that makes every dip in the river feel like pure bliss.
ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access for all visitors while still offering the authentic mountain forest experience of the Ouachitas.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of the Ouachita National Forest, where towering pines and hardwoods create a verdant canopy overhead. The star attraction, the South Fourche River, meanders gracefully past the campground, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding forest like nature's own mirror. This pristine waterway serves as both a peaceful backdrop and an aquatic playground, inviting visitors to explore its gentle currents and discover hidden swimming holes along its banks.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Ouachita Mountains, this campground showcases the region's signature rolling hills and ridgelines that stretch as far as the eye can see. The South Fourche River has carved its path through these time-worn hills for millennia, creating a picturesque valley that perfectly captures the essence of Arkansas's mountain beauty. This unique geological setting offers campers a front-row seat to one of North America's oldest mountain ranges, where every vista tells a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as roadside parking spaces with picnic tables and fire rings, indicating they are designed for small to medium-sized setups. No measurements or specific size details are given.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal due to the campground's roadside nature and lack of concealment. User reviews emphasize the presence of nearby traffic and visibility from the road, with one reviewer stating, "You have zero concealment from the road."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping facilities are not available at this location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are described as simple and roadside, with each featuring a picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal grill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is first-come-first-serve and does not require advance reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come-first-serve, with $5 per night charged via an honor system.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground primarily supports minimal recreational activities, including picnicking and non-motorized boating. While fishing is mentioned in user reviews, there are no official details outlining specific opportunities.
Fishing
Fishing is mentioned positively by users, such as "A good spot to camp and fish" and "Fishing and camping are allowed." However, no specific details about fish types or fishing conditions are provided.Boating
The campground provides floating access to the South Fourche River and supports non-motorized boating. Specific details about boat types or facilities are not provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The site supports non-motorized boating, which could include activities like kayaking or canoeing, though details are not specified.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted; however, no specific fire policies are outlined.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews indicate safety concerns due to the campground's visibility from the highway. Reports include encounters with suspicious individuals and observations of litter, such as empty cans in fire pits.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Jessieville Winona Fourche Ranger District Office at 8607 N Hwy 7 Jessieville, AR 71949; Phone: (501) 984-5313; Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific facilities for trash or recycling are mentioned. One user noted garbage issues, such as "14 empty Mountain Dew cans in the fire ring."
Proximity to water featuresThe campground offers direct access to the South Fourche River for non-motorized water activities.
Common complaintsSafety concerns regarding visibility and proximity to the highway, as well as litter issues such as food waste and beverage cans in fire pits.
Hostnull
Campground Map
8607 N Hwy 7 Jessieville, AR 71949
Driving directionsOne mile south of Hollis, AR, on Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway.
The campground is located directly along the Scenic Highway 7 Byway, providing straightforward access from major roads. However, proximity to the highway may result in noise disturbances.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
South Fourche Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for South Fourche Recreation Area display mixed sentiments. Some highlight its serene and clean environment, while others express safety concerns. Positive reviews appreciate the simplicity and convenience as a stopover site, while negative experiences cite visibility from the highway and unsettling encounters with other visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Nice, & CLEAN. Very Serene." - "Fishing & Camping are Allowed." - "A Place to Stretch your Legs after a Long Drive, or decide to Stay Overnight." - "Very clean and well-maintained daytime camping...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- "The site sits right on the highway and is loud with trucks driving by." - "You have zero concealment from the road." - Safety concerns raised by multiple users, including unsettling interactions...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water. No potable water is available. - Consider the campground's roadside location when deciding whether it suits your camping needs. - The campground is best suited as a quick...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "If you're solo, do NOT stay here." - "It was the only place in 7 years that I have packed up and left after setting up for the night." - "Nice, & CLEAN. Very Serene." - "Honor system to use, $5...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Sites are located roadside and visible from the highway. - No site-specific numbers or unique features are detailed.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025