State & National Parks

Magnificent Mother Nature Minutes from the City

Arkansas isn't called The Natural State for nothing. The state's stunning beauty is always on view - whether you're in one of the many state or national parks in the area or looking for one of the 130 naturally forming waterfalls in Northwest Arkansas. Our region is perfect for just about any outdoor activity you can think of.

With lakes, rivers and streams, you can fish, float or fly on a wakeboard. Camping, hiking or trailriding -- with horse or bike -- is a perfect way to spend a beautiful afternoon. Hobbs State Park is the only park in the state system that allows hunting.

Come explore all we have to offer in Northwest Arkasnas or visit the state's tourism website for many more Natural State activities.

Buffalo National River
The Buffalo became America's first federally protected stream in 1972. For generations before, it had been proclaimed as one of the nation's greatest natural treasures. The free-flowing Buffalo National River meanders through the heart of the Ozarks for 150 miles before joining the White River south of Mountain Home. Natural wilderness, towering limestone bluffs, canoe outfitters, campsites, hiking trails, three wilderness areas, and cabin rentals are popular and available. Gravel bar camping is permitted and the park is also the home of the state's only elk herd in Arkansas.

Devil's Den State Park
Lee Creek Valley, a picturesque setting in northwest Arkansas's Ozarks Mountains, was selected as a park site in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps used native materials to craft the park's CCC/Rustic style wood and stone structures including an impressive native stone dam that spans Lee Creek in the heart of the park forming peaceful 8-acre Lake Devil. Rental canoes, tandem kayaks, pedal boats and water bikes are available at the park.Hiking, backpacking, and mountain bike trails lead to backcountry areas of Devil's Den State Park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Seventeen fully-equipped cabins, available throughout the year, feature kitchens and fireplaces. A park cafe and swimming pool (both open in summer only) overlook the lake. The park is located southwest of Springdale, eight miles south of Fayetteville on I-540 to Exit #53 (West Fork), then go 17 miles southwest on Ark. 170.

Hobbs State Park
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area covers 11,750 acres along the southern shores of Beaver Lake. Plateaus, ridges, valleys and streams featuring an upland forest of pine, oak and hickory combine with many water features including disappearing streams, springs and seeps have carved the many hollows in this fragile limestone landscape.The park is located northeast of Springdale, 10 miles east of Rogers on Ark. 12, which bisects the park property. Currently available to the public are four hiking trails including a 1/4-mile, barrier-free historical trail and 16-mile multi-use trail; an all-weather public firing range; regulated seasonal hunting; undeveloped access to Beaver Lake; and interpretive programs. Hobbs is Arkansas's only state park where hunting is allowed.

Withrow Springs State Park
In the heart of the renowned Ozark Mountains and cradled by the bluffs of the War Eagle Creek, Withrow Springs State Park is a peaceful setting for relaxing camping and leisurely floats along this scenic mountain stream. Take in the natural beauty of the surrounding Ozark scenery and enjoy float fishing for catfish, bream, perch, or bass. Withrow Springs offers campign, hiking, swimming, tennis as well as picnic sites, pavilions, a gift shop, and baseball and softball field. Canoes can be rented at the park and park staff provide shuttle service for floaters. Withrow Springs State Park is east of Springdale, located five miles north of Huntsville on Ark. 23.