Cove Lake Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoint while climbing onto Mount Magazine trail. The drive is beautiful while in fall and has couple of cabin/resort next to the lakeshore.
Located 20/25mins drive from city of Paris in Arkansas

Beautiful camp site. Only 2 families were there when we went. Showers and toilets at the main facility were nice. The other ones had no flush. Toliet paper was supplied. Make sure you are stocked on food... Many things close at 7pm or are miles away ( this is more for people that have never been to the area). ❤

On the way down from Mount Magazine you can see this recreational area where you can stop just relax and see the beautiful lake that surrounded by fall colors. I just loved this place its so peaceful. You need to pay 5$ for entering there is book where you need to enter all the details manually and put 5$ cash in the box. I would say visit this place on the way to ozark and experience the views by sitting at lake. I saw some people swimming so I think you can swim here so you can plan that also.

Great campground! Highly recommend! Very peaceful off season, but I bet it’s a zoo during the summer with the amazing waterfront Day Use area… Swimming, paddle boat rentals, boat launch, food, showers, flush toilets (vault in CG), horseshoe pits, volleyball area and a group pavilion with reservations. And No Alcohol. They have 4 cabins and a projection amphitheater. 36 camp sites, A Loop (1-18) is for reservations and B Loop (19-36) for FCFS area each loop with swings play area and 2 or 3 vault toilets in a loop.
The manager has been here 12 years and is the permit holder with the USFS and has a staff of 6-7 during peak. They lock the gates 10:00 pm to 6:00 am both campground and day use areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s nice not having headlights shining in your tent and driving by through the night.
The Cove Lake Loop Trail is not quite 4 miles RT to campsite.
The CCC Trail is 1.1 mile up to a parking lot
I was here for 10 days enjoying the lake and surrounding area. The turtles jumping into the water from a log. Flock of ducks resting and feeding. Woodpeckers hammering away. Squirrels gathering acorns and hickory nuts. Lots of spiders. The early morning mist covering the lake reminds you that winter is coming.

Lived here the majority of my life, I love this little lake, great area for small kids! No wake lake, camping. Food at the concession stand and a few kayaks available for rent. Also a small put put area to play.

Peaceful, clean, good food, great swimming, reasonable prices! Overall wonderful camp trip and will definitely return

My favorite place to hang out and swim. Lots of security. Great time for family oriented people

Great stop for fishing & lunch after leaving Mt. Magazine. Went on a Friday in late August and not crowded at all & only a $5 per car fee. Beautiful location with nice picnic tables & lots of secure trash bins. Had fun fishing but no bites!

Nice place to go relax and camp also they have tables with grills. And you can rent paddle boats

Swimming area is easy to find and very clearly marked. It does cost $5 per car to get in to swim. The lake itself and the drive up is beautiful.

Its wonderful. Clean. Everybody gets along and there to have a great time. Great sectioned swimming area for the kids and areas for adults. Camping, fishing, hiking, BBQ, and smiles are recommended. It's just a great all around place. We'll worth $5 for all day.

Always a great place to go with family and friends. Has a great swimming area and my kids always enjoy camping andfishing.

Been going to cove lake for 30 + years ..love it!

0ur favorite place. Quiet. Peaceful. Swimming area. Just beautiful. Picnic tables. Small cabins, camping area. Near mt.magizine lookout.

Loved this place, Beautiful and quiet.
Would visit this place again:

It's beautiful and fun! Can bring your entire family for the day for $5 (if they fit in one vehicle). Love that you can bring your own food or eat from the concession stand. They have restrooms and showers. Campgrounds if you want to camp. Fishing areas and areas for dogs away from the swimmers. They also have Paddle boats and canoes to rent for pretty cheap. There is a volleyball area, but it needs some tending. Overall, my family enjoys going there, so I would recommend it.

Beautiful rec area with camping, swimming and picnic areas.

My kids planned a surprise party for me there, I was happy all the kids grandkids was there. It was a great day on my 60th birthday. Cove lake is awesome nice little swimming area. Clean bathrooms. It's a beautiful place.

Absolutely beautiful and clean. Lots of shade and amazing funnel cake

Very nice area to spend the day. Water was great and the Lake has three areas marked off for different level of swimmers. Lots of shade trees. There is a Concession stand with good food and has the best funnel cakes. There are paddle boat's available as well as Kanoos. There are Cabins for rent reasonable with all the hook ups. It was a very pleasant experience