Everyone should have Mount Magazine on their Arkansas bucket list but it’s not the only place in the area to explore! Right next door to our tallest peak in the state is a pleasant lake for even more adventure. Cove Lake Recreation Area is a lovely escape for families needing a bit more nature in their weekend getaway. Let’s take a tour and see what fun awaits:

Mount Magazine is a glorious state park to visit in Arkansas but we want to add on to your excursion!

Google/Brijido Cervantes There’s plenty of reasons to visit Mount Magazine State Park but you’re probably already familiar with this must-see. However, there’s a lovely lake just a little bit further north of the mountain. So let’s go explore!

Take the trail from the mountain or just a short 10 minute drive north to reach Cove Lake.

Google/Brianna Shaffer After you’ve hiked and picnicked Mount Magazine, pack up and drive to Cove Lake Recreation Area. The more adventurous folks can learn about the point-to-point trail by heading here. Keep in mind the trail is about 10 miles long!

This beautiful lake is surrounded by the mountains and can provide plenty of activities for a day trip…

Google/Ashleigh Carew The 160-acre Cove Lake is a dreamy getaway that’s perfect for families, couples, or just any Arkansas nature lover!

…or overnight camping!

Google/Patrick Caple The lake has 36 campsites with some being first-come first-serve as well as some open to reservations. Campsites are $15/day. RV spots are available as well as a handful of cabins! For more information on those you can inquire at the ranger’s office at (479)-963-3076.

Naturally, you’ll want to spend most of your time in the water.

Google/Ashleigh Carew After you’ve unloaded the car, you can jump right into relaxation! There’s no better place to escape the sweltering Arkansas summer heat than by a dip in the cool waters of a mountainside lake.

You can play on the water as well!

Google/Crystal Tong Kayaks, canoes, and boats are welcomed at Cove Lake. Do note that it is a “no wake” lake. The clean waters are home to catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, and perch.

Cove Lake is an area you’ll want to explore in, on, and around! For more assistance in planning your next getaway to the lake, head to the Forest Service’s website here.

What’s your favorite part about visiting Cove Lake? Share your experience with us in the comments below or upload your photos to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Google/Brijido Cervantes

There’s plenty of reasons to visit Mount Magazine State Park but you’re probably already familiar with this must-see. However, there’s a lovely lake just a little bit further north of the mountain. So let’s go explore!

Google/Brianna Shaffer

After you’ve hiked and picnicked Mount Magazine, pack up and drive to Cove Lake Recreation Area. The more adventurous folks can learn about the point-to-point trail by heading here. Keep in mind the trail is about 10 miles long!

Google/Ashleigh Carew

The 160-acre Cove Lake is a dreamy getaway that’s perfect for families, couples, or just any Arkansas nature lover!

Google/Patrick Caple

The lake has 36 campsites with some being first-come first-serve as well as some open to reservations. Campsites are $15/day. RV spots are available as well as a handful of cabins! For more information on those you can inquire at the ranger’s office at (479)-963-3076.

After you’ve unloaded the car, you can jump right into relaxation! There’s no better place to escape the sweltering Arkansas summer heat than by a dip in the cool waters of a mountainside lake.

Google/Crystal Tong

Kayaks, canoes, and boats are welcomed at Cove Lake. Do note that it is a “no wake” lake. The clean waters are home to catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, and perch.

Cove Lake is an area you’ll want to explore in, on, and around! For more assistance in planning your next getaway to the lake, head to the Forest Service’s website here.

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Address: Cove Lake Recreation Area, 19 Cove Lake Loop, Paris, AR 72855, USA