Ouachita County Airport Directory
Ouachita County, Arkansas, sits in the south‑central part of the Natural State, bordered by Calhoun, Columbia, and Montgomery counties. The county’s aviation needs are anchored by a single, publicly‑owned facility: Camden Regional Airport (ICAO: KCCA, FAA LID: CCA). Located just north of the historic river town of Camden, the airport occupies 450 acres of flat, pine‑studded terrain and provides a gateway for private pilots, corporate travelers, air‑ambulance services, and occasional military training flights.
Camden Regional Airport opened in 1942 as a World War II training field and was transferred to civilian use after the war. Today it features a 5,504‑foot asphalt runway (15/33), a modern terminal building with Wi‑Fi, self‑serve fuel pumps offering 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, and a full‑service Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) called Camden Aviation Services. The FBO provides aircraft maintenance, tie‑down spaces, hangar rentals, and pilot lounge amenities. According to the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, the airport recorded an average of 14,200 aircraft operations in 2022, with 92 % general‑aviation, 6 % air‑taxi, and 2 % military activity.
Airport Serving Ouachita County
The primary airport in Ouachita County is the Camden Regional Airport. Although the county does not host a commercial airline hub, the airport’s proximity to I‑30 and US‑278 makes it a convenient departure point for travelers heading to larger hubs such as Little Rock National Airport (LIT) (approximately 115 miles north) or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (about 260 miles west). The airport’s runway length accommodates most light jets, turboprops, and small business jets, allowing companies like Hawthorne Industries in Camden to maintain a corporate fleet without needing to travel to a larger airport for routine departures.
In addition to the main runway, Camden Regional Airport maintains a parallel taxiway system, a 100‑aircraft tie‑down apron, and two T‑hangars that host local flight schools, notably Ouachita Flight Academy. The academy provides private pilot training, instrument rating, and commercial‑pilot certifications, contributing to the county’s modest but growing aviation community. The airport also supports emergency medical transport; the Arkansas Air Ambulance Service frequently lands at CCA when responding to incidents in the rural western part of the state.
Communities in Ouachita County with Airport Access
While Camden houses the airport, several surrounding towns and unincorporated areas rely on it for air travel and cargo. Below is a snapshot of the most populated communities and their distances to Camden Regional Airport:
- Camden – The county seat is only 4 miles (6 km) north of the airport, a 10‑minute drive via County Road 28.
- Bearden – Located 30 miles (48 km) east of CCA, reachable via AR‑24 and US‑278 in roughly 35 minutes.
- Stephens – Situated 22 miles (35 km) north‑northeast, accessible by AR‑7 and County Road 12 in about 28 minutes.
- Woodlawn – Approximately 15 miles (24 km) southeast, a 20‑minute drive on US‑278.
- Fountain Hill – Roughly 10 miles (16 km) north, a 15‑minute trip via County Road 25.
- Hickory Ridge (unincorporated) – 12 miles (19 km) southwest, reachable in 18 minutes on AR‑53.
These distances are based on the most direct routes using state highways and county roads, and they illustrate how the single airport serves a broad swath of the county’s population, which the 2020 Census recorded at 22,650 residents.
Camden Regional Airport Facilities and Services
Camden Regional Airport’s terminal houses a modest passenger waiting area, an airline‑style ticket counter (used primarily for charter services), and a conference room that local businesses rent for air‑related meetings. The airport’s FBO offers 24‑hour self‑serve fuel, a 24‑hour push‑back service, and a certified aircraft mechanic on staff during normal business hours (7 am–5 pm Central). For pilots, a weather station provides METAR/TAF data, and the airport is equipped with an AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) that updates every minute.
Security at the airport follows TSA guidelines for general‑aviation facilities: a small security checkpoint for charter passengers and a fenced perimeter with controlled access gates. The airport’s lighting system includes runway edge lights, a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) on runway 15, and a VASI on runway 33, allowing night operations year‑round. In 2023, the airport completed a $1.2 million runway resurfacing project funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Arkansas Aeronautics Division, improving safety for both piston‑engine and turbine aircraft.
Travel Distances from Ouachita County Towns to the Airport
Understanding travel time is crucial for residents and businesses that schedule flights. The following table outlines typical driving times from key locations to Camden Regional Airport under normal traffic conditions:
| Community | Distance (miles) | Driving Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Camden (downtown) | 4 | 10 |
| Bearden | 30 | 35 |
| Stephens | 22 | 28 |
| Woodlawn | 15 | 20 |
| Fountain Hill | 10 | 15 |
| Hickory Ridge | 12 | 18 |
These figures help illustrate why many Ouachita County residents consider Camden Regional Airport the most convenient aviation gateway, especially for time‑sensitive travel such as medical evacuations, business trips, or flight training sessions.
Airport Services in Ouachita County: What Residents Can Expect
Beyond basic runway and fuel services, the airport offers a suite of amenities that support both private pilots and commercial operators:
- Aircraft Rental – Camden Aviation Services maintains a fleet of two Cessna 172s and one Piper PA‑28 for short‑term rental, popular among visiting flight students.
- Charter Flights – Local charter companies such as Arkansas SkyCharters provide on‑demand flights to Little Rock, Dallas, and Houston, typically within a 2‑hour flight window.
- Hangar Space – Six T‑hangars are available for lease, offering protection from the region’s frequent thunderstorms and winter ice.
- Maintenance – Certified A‑check and B‑check services are performed on‑site, with major repairs sent to the nearby Southern Arkansas Aircraft Maintenance Center in Hot Springs.
- Community Events – The airport hosts an annual “Fly‑In Breakfast” for local school groups and a “Veterans Fly‑by” during Memorial Day weekend, strengthening the county’s aviation culture.
These services, combined with the airport’s strategic location, make it a vital component of Ouachita County’s transportation infrastructure, supporting everything from agricultural aerial spraying contracts to emergency response missions.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Arkansas Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Ouachita County, Arkansas.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 2 Regional Airport in Ouachita County, Arkansas.
Camden Regional Airport
Camden Regional Airport Awos
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Ouachita County, Arkansas.
Local Airports
There are 0 Local Airport in Ouachita County, Arkansas.
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Ouachita County Airport
What airport serves Ouachita County, Arkansas?
The only public-use airport in Ouachita County is Camden Regional Airport (CCA), located about 4 miles north of downtown Camden. It provides general‑aviation services, fuel, hangars, and charter options for the county’s residents and businesses.
How far is Camden Regional Airport from Bearden in Ouachita County?
Camden Regional Airport is approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Bearden. The typical driving route follows AR‑24 east to US‑278, taking about 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
What general‑aviation services are available at the Ouachita County airport?
Camden Regional Airport offers 24‑hour self‑serve fuel (100LL avgas and Jet‑A), aircraft rental of two Cessna 172s and a Piper PA‑28, tie‑down and T‑hangar space for up to 100 aircraft, on‑site aircraft maintenance through Camden Aviation Services, and a pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi and flight planning tools.
Are there any commercial flight options at the airport in Ouachita County?
While Camden Regional Airport does not host scheduled airline service, it provides charter flight options through local operators such as Arkansas SkyCharters, which can connect passengers to major hubs like Little Rock National Airport (LIT) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on demand.
Where is the Ouachita County airport office located and what hours does it operate?
The airport office for Camden Regional Airport is located in the terminal building at 1500 Airport Road, Camden, Arkansas 71701. It operates Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm Central Time, with after‑hours access to the self‑serve fuel station.