Rep. Westerman introduces bill to reopen APRA to overnight camping

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) introduced the “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest.

The 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas and Oklahoma is a recreation destination to hundreds of thousands of people annually. One of the most popular sites within the Ouachita National Forest is the Albert Pike Recreation Area, which features hiking, swimming, and other day uses.

Albert Pike Recreation Area (APRA) was closed after a major flash flood tragically killed 20 people on June 11, 2010. In November 2020, the Forest Service initiated a planning process to determine which facilities and infrastructure would support the uses of APRA in the future. Under the Forest Service’s final decision, no overnight camping would be permitted in APRA.

The “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” will:

Require the Forest Service to re-open any campsites outside of the 100-year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment

Identify areas within APRA that are suitable for overnight camping within six months

Develop at least 54 campsites, including at least eight with water and electric capabilities, outside of the 100-year flood plain within 2 years of the bill’s enactment

Westerman said he introduced the bill after hearing from numerous constituents on their hope to see the park reopened for overnight camping.

Westerman stated he has heard from countless constituents who expressed their disappointment and frustration at the Forest Service’s decision to permanently suspend all overnight camping at Albert Pike.

Westerman said that they must ensure Albert Pike is safely refitted to ensure the 2010 tragedy never occurs again. Westerman also stated that he looks forward to working with the U.S. Forest Service to allow for safe and responsible usage for years to come.