Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

History buffs and lovers of heights rejoice! There are some fan-dancy historic cabins to rent for a mountaintop campout in the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area. Enjoy scenic views, and hikes that meander through dramatic bluffs and mountain lakes. Come back and settle into to your quaint historic abode, pour some wine, and make a toast to the g Read more...

A charming, family-friendly destination surrounded on three sides by water (with picnicking areas and cabins within easy walking distance), Lake Wedington Recreation Area is a first-class campground on the National Register of Historic Places. A pavilion, horseshoe area, and volleyball pit are available onsite, and a swimming area, fishing, and tr Read more...

For a rich, peaceful experience in a remote, mountainous destination, visit Richland Creek Recreation Area. This small, primitive campground offers a full menu of quiet water activities: kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and fishing. In addition, it’s a lovely picnicking spot for families or groups of friends and a great area for hikers to wander. Read more...

What do you get when you cross canoeing, beer, and dramatic vistas of rock bluffs? We like to call it scenic cabrewing! You can definitely partake in this activity when you camp at the Wolf Pen Recreation Area, perfectly perched on the Mulberry River. There’s also great fishing and hiking, and trust us when we say the views are postcard worthy. Ti Read more...

Enjoy the sweet lack of noise pollution at Redding Recreation Area, a quiet, forested area with easy access to the beautiful Mulberry River. Whether you’re swimming, picnicking, taking advantage of the area's hiking, or fishing for bass and catfish in the river, you’ll be in for a real natural treat! Little luxuries like a bath house and dispersed Read more...

The basics is what you'll get at the Ozone Recreation Area. Any way you slice it, that's a pretty great deal here! In this former CCC camp right across the street from the Ozone Trailhead, you’ll experience historical charm and bountiful nature side-by-side. Hikers, picnickers, and those who appreciate a nice no-frills ramble in the woods should g Read more...

A backpacker’s paradise, the Ozark Highlands Trail offers numerous opportunities for good old-fashioned dispersed camping along a picturesque route, totaling nearly 200 miles. Scenery varies from high and rocky to deeply forested. Opportunities for fishing and hunting abound, but with only foot traffic allowed along the trail, you’ll be safe from Read more...

Shores Lake Recreation Area is a top destination for fishing, hiking, picnicking, water recreation, and all-around outdoor fun. Oh, if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a swimming beach and handicap accommodations all over. Enjoy the hot showers, the boathouse, and other on-site amenities while wading knee-deep (maybe literally) in your beautiful n Read more...

Got atmosphere? At Spring Lake Recreation Area, you don’t have to wander far for a thorough outdoor experience. Open and awesome year-round, this waterside campground and picnicking destination sits adjacent to a slew of truly beautiful scenery, including sandstone bluffs, hardwood forest, and wildflowers that bloom in all seasons. Fishing, non-mo Read more...

Clove Lake Recreation Area is a sight to behold, especially as it boasts the highest point in Arkansas on Magazine Mountain. Take in the views and dive in, literally. Enjoy swimming in the lakes, putting some mini-golf, floating your boat, or renting cabins. Although, camping in tents this close to the stars is always a good idea. Read more...

There are plenty of fair views to be had while camping at the Fairview Recreations Area. Mother Nature provides a lovely palette filled with creamy dogwood blooms and radiant redbud blossoms. There are trails that take you deep into the stunning Ozark highlands, and you’ll be driving out on the most scenic highway in the state. You might want to b Read more...

Besides offering access to a huge variety of recreational activities—including swimming, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, and hiking—Long Pool Recreation Area is smack in the middle of all kinds of incredible natural beauty. With Big Piney Creek (an officially named Scenic and Recreational River) flowing by, dense forest, and high bluffs offering in Read more...

Rugged, remote, and the ultimate equine adventure, the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail provides over 35 miles of jaw-dropping views. Gaze over winding valleys framed by majestic mountains, stop by sparking streams for a drink, or take a bareback dip in one of the ponds! There are numerous camping spots including: Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, The Ol Read more...

Set yourself up to take advantage of one of the best rides in Arkansas by dropping in for the night at Moccasin Gap Horse Trail Campground. Offering equestrian accommodations but friendly to all, the campground is a perfect launching point for enjoying nearby forest, streams, and waterfalls on bike, ORV, or horseback. Gravel parking spurs are open Read more...

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and explore the Arkansas wilds, head to Brock Creek Recreation Area. The campground is in driving distance to Brock Creek Lake, and ATV trails are nearby. Campsites are both prime and primitive!Read more...

You’ll find no absence of greenery in Gunner Pool Recreation Area, a congregation of shaded, private campsites along beautiful North Sycamore Creek. The area offers a treasure trove of hunting, nature-viewing, and hiking opportunities, including direct access to a trailhead. The campground is open all year 'round, but may be especially worth hitti Read more...

Time to chase down some waterfalls at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area! Dust off your hiking boots and explore trails through the wooded wilds of the Ozarks. With waterfalls and creek swimming on your path, it’s a trek well worth taking. Felling mellower? Mirror Lake is the perfect place to kick back with a cold one and catch some fresh fish. Wha Read more...

Time to bring your fishing gear back to life on the 30 miles of scenic shoreline at Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area. This place was meant for recreat’n. Visitors indulge in swimming in the cool waters, canoeing through the placid lake, or hanging at the beach with a mouthwatering picnic spread. Cast your line in hopes of hooking some trophy largem Read more...