About Avery
Overview Avery Recreation Area sits just below Blakely Mountain Dam and along the western shore of the Ouachita River/ Lake Hamilton. This day-use area offers great shoreline fishing access, an ADA fishing pier, boat ramp, reservable pavilion, restroom, and hiking trails. There is a small paved ADA trail with scenic benches. The Wood Duck Slough Trail has great wildlife viewing opportunities. Avery is also home to one of the main trailheads of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) a 40 mile long trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour. Recreation Water skiers, jet skiers and anglers can all enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake, while hikers enjoy the location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake. Natural Features Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101. Nearby Attractions Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.
How to Get There
From Hot Springs, AR: Take US 270 west to AR-227 N/Mountain Pine Rd for 6 miles. Continue straight on Blakely Dam road through Mountain Pine and past Mountain Pine school. Drive across the base of Blakely Mountain Dam and Avery Recreation Area will be on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Avery
Heading to Avery? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Avery?
No central reservation system listed for Avery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10103087) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Avery?
From Hot Springs, AR: Take US 270 west to AR-227 N/Mountain Pine Rd for 6 miles. Continue straight on Blakely Dam road through Mountain Pine and past Mountain Pine school. Drive across the base of Blakely Mountain Dam and Avery Recreation Area will be on your left.
How do I contact Avery?
You can reach the park at phone: 501-767-2101.
References & Official Resources
