Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area on the Land Conservation Assistance Network

Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area
Create an Account
last updated: April 2023

Caney Creek consists of 85,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain and narrow valleys which form the headwaters of the Little Missouri and Cossatot Rivers. The predominant timber types on the area are upland hardwoods, shortleaf pine and mixed hardwood. Typical of the Ouachitas, the ridges run in an east-west fashion. Hardwoods are generally found on the north and east aspects of the mountains while pine occupies the south and west aspects. In addition to the Little Missouri and Cossatot rivers, there are several smaller streams on the management area. These include Caney Creek, Short Creek, Sugar Creek, Mine Creek, Straight Creek, Crooked Creek, Long Creek, Blaylock Creek and East Saline Creek. One man-made lake, Shady Lake, is located on the south side of the management area.

Many hunting opportunities exist on the WMA, including deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, furbearers, rabbits, bobwhite, raccoon, mourning dove, coyote, woodcock, snipe and ducks. The area is noted for its high-quality deer potential. Squirrel hunting can be outstanding following a year of good hard mast production.

Of special interest is the Caney Creek Wilderness Area (14,433 acres). One has a choice of a couple of trails to hike depending on time allotted. Whitewater kayaking is available on the Cossatot River for those with considerable experience in white water. The Cossatot is not a river for beginners, however. "Cossatot" is derived from American Indian words meaning "skullcrusher."

Camping opportunities are endless. The Forest Service allows unrestricted camping. Albert Pike Recreational Area, Bard Springs Recreational Area and Shady Lake Recreational Area all have developed camping areas with restroom facilities and drinking water. Camping is free at Bard Springs, but a nominal fee is charged at Albert Pike and Shady Lake. Camping with electricity and cabins is available at a private campground at Albert Pike.

Contact Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.