Those who love outdoor adventure will find plenty of opportunities to get lost in the great outdoors near Bentonville, Arkansas. Bentonville is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and has a thriving tourism industry. People come to the area to explore its miles and miles of hiking trails, waterways, and multiple camping opportunities. During the months of May, September, and October, people also flock to the area to attend craft fairs where they can buy goods from local artisans, such as small-batch soap, jewelry, and more. A quick trip to nearby Eureka Springs should also be on your must-do list.
Bentonville's current population as of the 2020 census is 56,734, which is a far cry from its population of 30 when it was founded in 1838. When Bentonville incorporated it into a town in 1905, its population was 2,653, and it was considered a second-class city. Although tourism plays a huge role in its economic wealth, back in 1901, the city's economic growth was supported by its agricultural endeavors, particularly its abundance of fruit-bearing apple trees.
Today, the city's considered one of the fastest-growing in the state. In 2011, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened and continues to attract visitors worldwide. The museum has numerous outdoor gardens to explore, five miles of hiking trails, and world-class architecture and American art exhibits. A trip to the museum is well worth a half-day. When in Bentonville, make time to visit the Walmart Museum and learn more about the history of its founders, the Waltons, and how Walmart became the global giant it is today.
Campgrounds Near Bentonville, Arkanasa
Just 25 miles south of Bentonville is the Lazy B RV Park. You won't be without creature comforts at this park with its full hookups, cable television, heated pools, and internet services. Each RV spot is 25 feet wide and 70 feet long. Another great perk of staying at this campground is that it is free to use the dump station. If you're looking for something to do, you'll find plenty of nearby activities, such as a casino and golfing, and it's less than 10 miles from the campground to the popular Wilderness Hills Safari adventure.
Campers love Lake Wedington Campground near Fayetteville, Arkansas, because of its 102-acre lake and plentiful water activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and even swimming. As far as amenities go for RVers, the campsites are rather primitive, so don't expect full hookups. However, the campground does have a dump station and hot showers. When you stay at Lake Wedington Campground, it's about experiencing nature.
Eureka Springs KOA is 60 miles west of Bentonville and has full hookups and pull-through sites. Your furry family members are welcome at the campground. Visitors to this campground love its proximity to all of northwest Arkansas's many attractions. The campground has plenty of amenities for the entire family, such as swimming in the KOA's enormous pool, spending time with furry friends at the dog park, or enjoying a friendly basketball game on the campground's court. There's even a children's playground.
State Parks Near Bentonville, Arkansas
Natural Falls State Park is a 120-acre Oklahoma state park near the Arkansas border. Although you might not think Oklahoma has waterfalls, this park is home to a 77-foot waterfall that locals call Dripping Springs Falls. The Ozark Highlands park opened to the public in 1997 and continues to welcome more than 100,000 visitors yearly. Visitors come to the park to see the falls, fish for trout and bass, hike through forested bluffs, and enjoy the hilly terrain that overlooks the magnificent prairies. It's the perfect relaxing park and is only 38 miles southwest of Bentonville.
Withrow Springs State Park is 48 miles southeast of Bentonville in Huntsville, Arkansas. It's nestled in the Ozark Mountains and attracts countless visitors each year who want to explore the expansive mountain range. With over 786 acres of forest, there's always something for outdoor enthusiasts to explore in this public recreation area. Many visitors hike through the Ozark National Forest on the two-mile War Eagle Trail. If you're into kayaking or canoeing, check out the scenic river and plan a stop to explore the rock cave.
Honey Creek State Park is in Grove, Oklahoma, and 48 miles northwest of Bentonville. It's also called Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park. People visit this state park for its countless waterfront attractions. Several boating docks make it convenient to put in on the lake. The lake is excellent for all water activities, such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and more. The park is conveniently located near the Missouri and Arkansas borders, making it a great place to stop if you're camping in Neosho, Missouri, or Bella Vista, Arkansas.
National Sites Near Bentonville, Arkansas
Learn about the civil rights movement when you visit the Little Rock Central National historic site. At this high school, in the fall of 1959, nine African American students made history as they became the first to attend a white school as part of the desegregation act. These students were known as the Little Rock Nine. On that day in 1957, the students were accompanied into the school by not only the Little Rock police but by 20 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. A visit to this national historic site gives more information about what happened that day and how those events affected the civil rights movement in Little Rock and across America.
If you're visiting Bentonville, make your way to The Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. Over a million visitors visit this region annually to explore these waters and learn more about its history. Whether you paddle board or kayak along the river's gentle currents, you'll enjoy the scenery as the river meanders through the Ozark Mountains. While on the river, keep a look out for Native American caves that were occupied over 7,000 years ago, and make sure to look for the homesteader cabins of the 1900s.
The George Washington Carver National Historic Site is the first national monument recognizing the achievements of an African American individual. The monument is located near Diamond, Missouri, about 60 miles north of Bentonville. You'll walk a short trail to see the large bust that comprises the monument. At the visitor's center, there are films and interactive exhibits where you can learn more about Carver's life as a young boy and his achievements as an educator and humanitarian.
National Forests Near Bentonville, Arkansas
The Ozark and St. Francis National Forests in central and northwestern Arkansas offer nature lovers the opportunity to explore over 20,000 acres of national forest. There are plenty of opportunities to put on your hiking boots and explore trails of all lengths, such as the 13.75-mile North Sycamore Creek Trail or the 1.2-mile Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail. In addition to hiking, many visitors come to these national forests to go caving. Even if you're not much for exploring on foot or in caves, plenty of scenic drives showcase the forests' natural beauty.
The Mark Twain National Forest is vast and covers 3,068,800 acres throughout Southern Missouri. However, this park is unique because it's not spread out contiguously. The forest is divided into sections from one side of the state to the other. The national forest lies in the Ozark Mountain Range and consists of public and private lands. One of the most popular areas in the Mark Twain National Forest is the 12.3-mile Taum Sauk Trail that runs from Taum Sauk State Park to Johnson's Shut-in State Park. This rugged, hard-rated trail follows parts of the Ozark Trail that runs from Arkansas to Missouri.
If you want to visit one of the South's oldest national forests, head to Ouachita National Forest. The forest is located in the Ouachita Mountains and offers adventures and the best views of the mountain ranges at over 2,500 feet. Although the forest is primarily located in Arkansas, it also stretches into Oklahoma. With over 1.6 million acres and mild year-round weather, you can always enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more.
