Unique Ways to Stay at Your State Parks and National Forests
After a day of hiking, biking or sightseeing in Western Arkansas’ Mountain Frontier, spend the night relaxing in a campground, cabin or luxurious lodge at one of the region’s four state parks or two national forests.
OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST
The Ouachitas are filled with remote places to stay. Shady Lake Recreation Area features 64 campsites in a peaceful mountain setting with access to a quiet lake and hiking trails. Jack Creek Recreation Area is located in a picturesque setting alongside towering bluffs and scenic waterways. While you’re here, explore several historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures, hiking trails and overlooks. Knoppers Ford Recreation Area is nestled along the turquoise waters of Sugar Creek and is great place for OHV adventures and equestrian enthusiasts. Seeking an elegant retreat into nature?
Head to Bethesda Lake Resort & Cabins. Five upscale cottages with large wraparound porches and four luxurious lakeside cabins let you enjoy nature in style. Other cabin retreats include Clear Sky Ridge and Black Bear Cabins, which feature beautiful scenery and chances at spotting wildlife.
OZARK NATIONAL FOREST
From campgrounds to cabins, the Ozark National Forest has plenty of places for you to unwind. If you prefer the crackle of a campfire or spotting stars through the mesh lining of a tent, then head to Shores Lake Recreation Area. While camping, don’t miss out on the swimming beach, gorgeous overlooks of the lake and family picnicking areas.
Stay in the heart of the Ozarks at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, where you’ll find three cabins and a lodge featuring stone walls, original Civilian Conservation Corps furnishings and grand stone patios complete with a view. At the base of Mount Magazine, you’ll find the idyllic campground of Cove Lake Recreation Area. There is even a miniature golf course, boat rentals and a concession stand in the summer.
For an elevated camping experience, stay at StoneWind Retreat. Here, you can sleep in a luxury yurt cabin, attend a meditation class and book an in-cabin massage. For peaceful nights along the Mulberry River, look no further than Turner Bend Cabins and Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
STATE PARK STAYS
Retreat to The Lodge at Mount Magazine and wake up every morning to panoramic views of the Ozark foothills and Petit Jean River Valley. One trip to this stunning resort atop Mount Magazine State Park and you’ll see why it is one of the finest lodges in Arkansas.
Relax on a private balcony in your suite, king or queen room at the lodge. Enjoy the rustic mountain vibes of the grand lobby and Skycrest Restaurant. Make memories in the game room and large indoor swimming pool. In addition to The Lodge at Mount Magazine, there are also 13 private cabins where you can watch the sun rise from a hot tub and spend the night cozied up by the fireplace. While you’re here, take advantage of the hiking, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing and hang-gliding opportunities around the lodge. You can even walk to Arkansas’ highest point at 2,753 feet!
Farther west in the scenic Boston Mountains is Lake Fort Smith State Park. Choose from 10 full-service cabins with one- and two-bedroom options to rest your head indoors after a day of fun. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, 30 campsites (20 Class AAA and 10 Class B) are situated along the lake and woods. There are also two group lodges that hold approximately 30 people and are the perfect spot for a retreat or family reunion.
Lake Fort Smith has several recreational opportunities for both water and land lovers. Rent a boat from the marina. Bike the 12.4-mile Boston Mountain Trail. Hike the western section of the Ozark Highlands Trail, or take it easy at the seasonally open pool, where cabin guests receive free entry.
Live like a royal atop Arkansas’ second highest peak, Rich Mountain, at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge. Originally built in the late 19th century as a Victorian resort, it was named to honor the Queen of the Netherlands at the time and quickly became known as the “Castle in the Clouds.” Today, the 40-room lodge provides stunning views from every room, a delicious restaurant serving Southern fare and a cozy lobby that invites you to curl up by the large fireplace. If you choose to set up camp, you’ll find 41 campsites sprinkled across the mountaintop.
While at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, take on numerous hiking and biking trails ranging from the 200+ mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail to the 1-mile Lover’s Leap Trail. You can also experience the beauty from the comfort of your car on the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Here, you can enjoy 54 miles of breathtaking scenery in total if you continue into Oklahoma.
At Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, there are numerous campgrounds for visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Six tent sites are located at the Cossatot Falls Area, where you’ll find the toughest whitewater between the Rockies and the Smokies. If you are an experienced river runner, stay at this unique campground and conquer rapids ranging from Class III to Class V.
Other campsites here include the Sandbar Area and River Ridge Group Camp that features tent sites, a pavilion, restrooms, fire pits, grills and river access. Near the visitor center, there is also the Cossatot River RV Park-Cabins. These fully equipped log cabins are located in a quaint wooded setting alongside a well-maintained RV Park.
