The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests span 1.2 million acres across Arkansas, showcasing some of the state's most scenic landscapes. Known for its diverse outdoor activities, the forest offers hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and water adventures. Visitors can explore unique attractions like Blanchard Springs Caverns and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities amidst beautiful natural settings.
Camping in Ozark and St. Francis National Forests
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests provides a range of camping options for every type of camper. For those who prefer a more rugged experience, primitive camping is allowed nearly anywhere, unless restricted by signs or near wildlife food plots. Many traditional campsites can be found along roadsides, trails, mountaintops, or near streams.
RV Campgrounds for Camping in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Private Campgrounds Near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
If you wish to camp near the forest, check the top campgrounds in Arkansas. You can explore campgrounds in Russellville and Fort Smith for camping near the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
Campgrounds for Fishing and Water Activities
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Beech Point Campground
Beech Point Campground is at Mississippi River State Park within Saint Francis National Forest. Enjoy easy access to seven bodies of water within this park that usually offer outstanding fishing. Rates start at about $12 per night at this campground sitting on top of Crowley's Ridge.
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Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area provides easy access to Mirror Lake, where the rainbow trout fishing is often outstanding. Blanchard Springs Caverns is near this campground. Enjoy beautiful hikes where you can see a waterfall gushing out of a hillside at this campground, where rates start at about $10 per night.
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Cove Lake Recreation Area
Rent a boat to play on Cove Lake when staying at Cove Lake Recreation Area. The lake is also a great place to go for a swim. Rates start at about $15 per night.
Water hookup: Seasonal
Electrical hookup: Seasonal
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Lake, swimming beach, boat rental
Ozark and St. Francis National Forests Hiking Trails
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests has a diverse range of hiking trails that offer views of serene lakes, waterfalls, and woods.
Most Scenic Trails
Horse Trails for Equestrians
Easy Hiking Trails for Beginners
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Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail
This hike near Deer, Arkansas, runs by two waterfalls and a cave as it follows a babbling brook before reaching a natural stone bridge. This loop trail starting near the picnic area in the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area runs across several switchbacks, and you can hike through the cave.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
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North Sycamore Creek Trail
The North Sycamore Creek Trail runs along creeks before it climbs to ridges with magnificent views of the entire area. While the main trail is 13.75 miles long, there is a well-maintained 10-mile extension. The original trail runs through the Blanchard Springs, Gunner Pool, and Barkshed day-use areas.
Length: 13.75 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Huckleberry Mountain Trail
Huckleberry Mountain Trail is a loop trail initially designed for horses. It meanders along the Shoal Creek. While this trail crosses several graveled old logging roads, parts of it are very remote. It also runs through several campgrounds, including Horse Camp, The Old Walnut Tree Camp, The Huckleberry Camp, and Quarry Camp.
Length: 18.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Pedestal Rock Trail
This trail is at the top of the Illinois Bayou River Drainage. It is a fabulous place for a family-and-pet-friendly hike because you can see many layers of rock left over thousands of years by the river. Unique rock formations called pedestals line this route.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Buzzard Roost Trail
The Buzzard Roost Trail near Pelsor, Arkansas, follows a four-wheeler road through the Ozark Forest. The beginning of this trail is flat and runs along a ridge with stunning scenery. Then, it runs down a hill to a small pond. You will end at an area with many round rocks to explore, a natural stone bridge, and narrow passageways to wander.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Ozark and St. Francis National Forests
Things to Do at Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Here are some of the activities and things to do in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
Multiple lakes, such as Bear Creek Lake, Cove Lake, Lake Wedington, and Spring Lake, have designated swimming areas. Be sure to check the official website for any restrictions or warnings, particularly related to flooding or seasonal changes.
Sam's Throne, located in the Big Piney Ranger District near Mt. Judea, is a premier rock-climbing destination. Perched atop Judea Mountain, it overlooks the stunning Big Creek Valley, offering both challenging climbs and breathtaking views.
Fishing opportunities abound in the forest. Lake and pond fishing can be enjoyed at Horsehead Lake, Lake Wedington, Shores Lake Recreation Areas, and many other areas. River and stream fishing is also available, making the area a haven for anglers.
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are home to diverse wildlife, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and photographers to observe animals in their natural habitats.
Cyclists can enjoy the Syllamo Bike Trail, a popular choice for road cycling enthusiasts. For mountain biking, the forest offers trails at Buckhorn Trail, Huckleberry Mountain, and Lake Wedington Recreation Area, providing options for riders of all skill levels.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Oak and hickory trees are the primary types of trees you will see in the Ozark Forest. There are over 500 types of plants growing in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. You can discover many plants thriving along the six wild and scenic rivers.
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Fishing
There are many places to go fishing in the Ozark and St. Francis National Forests. Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area has over 30 miles of shoreline to fish from, where the bass are often biting. This location is also a fabulous place to fish from a tube or a boat. Mirror Lake is enclosed by two historic dams and stocked with rainbow trout. State officials periodically stock the upper and lower lakes in the Brook Creek Recreation Area with bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. The Upper Buffalo River can be a great place to fish for bass and sunfish for those looking for a wilderness fishing experience.
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Geocaching
While there are no official geocaches in the Ozark and St. Francis National Forests, there are several nearby in the Bentonville and Rogers area. You can also find a geocache on the Old Railroad Trail and along the Big Spring Nature Trail near Gilbert, Arkansas.
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Nature Watching
It is often easier to go nature watching and bird watching at St. Francis National Forest because of the wilderness atmosphere found at Ozark National Forest. You can see deer and wild turkeys in most areas of these forests. There are several scenic byways, which can be great places to see nature. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway runs 35 miles from the Boston Mountains to the Buffalo National River. This route is beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
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Stargazing
The Tyler Bend area in the Ozark National Forest is an excellent place to go stargazing. This area has applied to be an International Dark Sky location.
How to get to Ozark and St. Francis National Forests
Address: Ozark National Forest Russellville, Arkansas 72801 St. Francis National Forest 2675 Arkansas 44 East, Marianna, Arkansas 72360
Fee: Entry fee $0
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozark and St. Francis National Forests
Is there a fee to get into Ozark and St. Francis National Forests?
No, there is no fee to get into Ozark-St. Francisco National Forests. However, there are recreation sites in the forest that do charge fees for certain activities.
Is Ozark and St. Francis National Forests open all year round?
Yes, the Ozark-St. Francisco National Forests are open year-round. It can snow a little in winter, but there are plenty of activities including hiking and biking that visitors can do anytime of year!
How many hiking trails does Ozark and St. Francis National Forests have?
There are about 300 miles of trails through the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Visitors will find hiking trails for every level of hiker, leading to beautiful views of the forest, surrounding lakes, and other natural wonders.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Ozark and St. Francis National Forests?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. The Mulberry River is a popular place for all kinds of water activities. There are also several lakes that are perfect for paddling.
What type of wildlife lives in Ozark and St. Francis National Forests?
Wildlife in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests include whitetail deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and bears. There is a variety of fish who live in the lakes and streams of the forest, plus birds and reptiles that call the forest home.
