Famous for its world-class trout fishing, Bull Shoals–White River State Park lies along the shores of both Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. The scope of the park can first be experienced from the 15,744-square-foot visitor center set high above the Bull Shoals Dam. Its state-of-the-art visitor exhibit hall and theater share the history of the area and tell the fishing stories from these waters. Venturing down into the park along the White River, visitors are greeted with 113 campsites plus three Rent-An-RV sites.
Mammoth Springs State Park
A National Natural Landmark, Mammoth Spring is one of the world’s largest springs with nine million gallons of water flowing hourly. It forms a 10-acre lake then runs southward as the Spring River, a famous Ozark trout and float stream. Remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant are part of Mammoth Spring’s history. The park also features an 1886 Frisco train depot and museum. Adding to the things to do here are a playground, picnic area, baseball field, walking trail, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Ozark Folk Center State Park is dedicated to perpetuating the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks. Located in Mountain View, Arkansas, and open mid-April to late-October, the park offers visitors an opportunity to watch artisans work, to stroll through the Heritage Herb Garden, and to hear live Southern mountain music.
Jacksonport State Park
In the 1800s, steamboats made Jacksonport a thriving river port. During the Civil War, Confederate and Union forces occupied the town because of its location at the confluence of the White and Black rivers. Jacksonport became the county seat in 1852, and the restored courthouse now stands as a museum. Admission is free. Facilities also include 20 Class A campsites (50 amp service), a swimming beach, pavilion, picnic sites, a playground, and the half-mile Tunstall Riverwalk. Today, exhibits in the park’s 1872 courthouse and programs by park interpreters share the story of this historic river port.
Lake Charles State Park
A half-hour from Jonesboro and about 1.5 hours from Memphis, Lake Charles State Park is a peaceful place located on a 645-acre lake filled with bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. In fact, it’s the place where the largest number of 20-inch bass have been caught in Northeast Arkansas. A full line of bait and tackle is available at the visitor center from March through October. There are 60 campsites, a third of which are Class AAA, with many spots right on the water. A yurt offers an additional lodging option. The park is also a great getaway in fall and winter months with four hiking trails and a 3-D archery range (open November through February).