In the News

by Rep. French Hill
Log Cabin Democrat
Aug. 27, 2025

Nearly nine decades ago, the Depression-era jobs programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), started work on one of Arkansas’s most iconic outdoor spots, the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area. In 1936, the CCC began planning the recreation area, including the construction of the Narrow Creek Dam, eventually creating the beautiful 18-acre Lake Sylvia we know today. Concurrently, the WPA set out to construct Camp Ouachita, a Girl Scout camp on the north shore of the lake. Designed by the acclaimed Little Rock architect Frank Ginocchio, the Girl Scouts enjoyed the camp throughout the late 1970s.

As a boy, I loved hiking the trails around Lake Sylvia, scrambling on the bluffs, and backpacking along the Ouachita National Trail that passes by Lake Sylvia on its way from Pinnacle Mountain to Eastern Oklahoma. Unfortunately, over the years, the Ouachita National Forest suffered from manpower shortages and budget shortfalls. Despite its beauty and popularity, the lack of resources was not enough to fully maintain the area for public enjoyment and recreation. Eventually, the gates to the recreation area were even closed between November 1 until May 1 – prime time for a visit! As a result, few could take full advantage of the overnight accommodations in the restored Girl Scout camp cabins, enjoy paddling and fishing on the lake, or use the outstanding campground that sits adjacent to the Ouachita National Trailhead.

Thus, in 2018 I approached Governor Hutchinson about outlining a new strategy for the state parks to add various rugged sites, such as the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, under their oversight. In my recommendation, I proposed that the state could take full responsibility for Lake Sylvia and attach it to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which would add the restored camp Ouachita cabins to the state park’s overnight reservation system. This would expand options for the more than 1 million visitors who visit Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offering new activities and overnight stays.  

In 2021, under leadership from then Arkansas Secretary of Tourism, Stacy Hurst, and former Ouachita National Forest supervisor Troy Heithecker, Arkansas was able to authorize Lake Sylvia’s inclusion in Pinnacle Mountain State Park. This was an important win for Arkansas. More importantly, though, this was a win for all Arkansans who love the outdoors, and for all those who visit to see the beauty of The Natural State all year long.

                Today, Lake Sylvia remains an extraordinary place in Arkansas’s landscape. It is an ideal gateway to those visiting the Flatside Wilderness Area, whether it be for camping, biking on one of the many wonderful trails, or hunting in the nearby walk-in turkey hunting zone. Lake Sylvia has also seen important capital improvements with fiber, wi-fi, and improved parking and cabins for Ogden Hall. Most notably, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has restructured the lake bottom and provided significant fish stocks, further enhancing recreation activities, camping reservations, and economic benefits for the surrounding area.

I remain grateful to the great work of Governors Sanders and former Governor Hutchinson for their continued commitment to enhancing Arkansas’ outdoor recreation areas and potential – and I am especially proud of Arkansas’ tremendous partnership between the National Forest and our Arkansas State Parks for providing year-round access and activities at Lake Sylvia. Over the past four years, overnight stays have doubled.

As we head into the almost 90^th anniversary of Lake Sylvia’s creation, I look forward to the work our state will continue to do to ensure Arkansans – and visitors alike - enjoy the beauty of the Natural State for generations to come. 

Lake Sylvia