Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 13,180-acre nature reserve located in Arkansas.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hunters, and fishermen. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including wild turkeys, deer, and black bears.
One of the main reasons to visit Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area is for its recreational activities. The reserve offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.
There are several points of interest to see within the reserve, including the Caney Creek Wilderness Area, the South Fourche LaFave River, and the Blue Hole. The Caney Creek Wilderness Area is a designated wilderness area within the reserve that is home to a wide range of wildlife. The South Fourche LaFave River is a popular spot for fishing, as it is home to several species of fish. The Blue Hole is a deep swimming hole that is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area include that it is home to the largest black bear population in Arkansas. The reserve is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Louisiana pine snake.
The best time of year to visit Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities you plan to do. Spring and fall are popular times for hunting, while summer is a great time for fishing and hiking. The reserve is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during hunting season. Visitors should check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for specific dates and regulations.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Albert Pike
|
||
Shady Lake
|
||
Bard Springs Recreation Area
|
||
Bard Springs
|
||
Star of the West - Lake Greeson
|
||
Arrowhead Point
|
National Wild and Scenic River Little Missouri, Arkansas
Caney Creek National Game Refuge
Caney Creek Wilderness