Summary
The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, deer, otters, and black bears.
One of the main reasons to visit the Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge is to enjoy its natural beauty and serene surroundings. Visitors can explore the refuge's many hiking trails, fishing areas, and hunting grounds, or simply relax and observe the local flora and fauna.
Some of the specific points of interest at the refuge include the wildlife observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands and forests, and the Louisiana Purchase Historic Marker, which commemorates the area's significance in American history. Visitors can also take guided tours of the refuge to learn more about its ecology and conservation efforts.
Interesting facts about the Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge include its history as a former military base during World War II and its role in protecting the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The refuge also serves as an important stopover point for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway.
The best time of year to visit the Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge depends on visitors' interests. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching and fishing, while winter offers opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation. Summer can be hot and humid, but visitors can enjoy water-based activities like kayaking and swimming.
Overall, the Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas.
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 |
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High Shoals Cabins
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Washita - Lake Ouachita
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Highway 27 - Lake Ouachita
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River Bluff
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Dragover
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Fulton Branch
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