As you are planning to make a trip down to Bull Shoals, Arkansas, one of the best ways to make the most of this experience is with an RV rental. There are quite a few different kinds of RVs that you can find, ranging from small and simple for a couple’s retreat to large and luxurious to fit the whole family. Most of the RVs you will find, known as travel trailers or fifth-wheels, are designed to attach to your vehicle, though there are a few Class A motorhome-styled RVs that you can rent as well. The majority of the available RVs are designed to sleep four to six people, and the average price is $100 to $120 per night.
Several vacation destinations in this area are well worth the trip. East of Arkansas is Memphis, Tennessee. Well-known across the country for its cultural and musical influences, food, and attractions, Memphis makes a good place to stay for a day or several. Many museums and buildings are dedicated to the country, rock 'n' roll, soul, and blues artists who built their fame here.
To the north, you will find Springfield, Missouri. This city is home to many scientific attractions and destinations for people interested in all forms of science. There is a nationally famous zoo, the Dickerson Park Zoo, and there are caves with trams running through them so people of all ages can view their wonders.
To the south, you will find Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. Being the state capital, it has many historical attractions to visit during your stay here. Since it's on the Arkansas River, you'll also have plenty of opportunities for scenic views.
Founded in 1954 on the northern cusp of Arkansas, this small town was born to two real estate developers who saw the Bull Shoals Dam being constructed between 1947 and 1951. It became one of the largest dams in the nation at the time.
The small city, with fewer than 2,000 people, is built on land surrounded on three sides by a manmade lake of the same name. This allows for gorgeous views, plenty of waterfront activities, and most of all, quaint local shops to support as you walk along the beaches.
One of the most prominent areas of this small town is the lake itself. There are several designated fishing areas where you can catch a fresh dinner and just as many designated boat launch areas if you wish to head onto the lake. Some of these areas offer boat rentals if you do not have one of your own.
Branson, Missouri - This city brands itself as a family vacation destination. The home of Dolly Parton's dinner theater, it boasts many venues for live music of various genres as well as attractions like museums, go-karts, ziplines, and amusement parks.
50+ Restaurants
30+ Gas Stations
1 Rest Area
10 RV-Friendly Campgrounds
6 RV Parks
3 State Parks
Mountain Home, Arkansas - This small city is just off Norfork Lake near the Missouri border. You can enjoy shopping, dining and simply relaxing, and there are a handful of resorts where you can stay. Golf, fishing, hunting, and kayaking are popular activities.
30+ Restaurants
15+ Gas Stations
9 RV-Friendly Campgrounds
10 RV Parks
2 State Parks
Harrison, Arkansas - To the southwest, you will find Harrison, Arkansas, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks and known as one of the "Best Small Towns in America." Its lakes, streams, and mountains offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking.
40+ Restaurants
20+ Gas Stations
4 RV-Friendly Campground
7 RV Parks
1 National Park
While there may not be many national parks located a stone’s throw from Bull Shoals, there are some farther out that are worth the drive.
Hot Springs National Park is one of the few natural hot springs that can be found in eastern North America as well as one of the nation’s oldest, predating Yellowstone by over 40 years. Built around the town of the same name, this national park is sometimes considered to be the American Spa, thanks to the thermal waters and the numerous area spas built around the hot springs.
Going in the other direction, Gateway Arch National Park houses the iconic arch that gave the park its name. This national park was originally called the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, but over time, people took to calling the park after its distinctive archway and the name has been officially changed. Towering over 630 feet above the Mississippi River, this archway marks the beginning of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Back in Arkansas, another national park you may want to visit is the Buffalo National River. It was the first national river to be designated in the United States, and the river itself runs for 153 miles. The lower 135 miles of the river are managed by the National Park Service to ensure that wildlife remains protected and the area retains its beauty. There are countless campsites, paddleboat opportunities, pavilions, and historical buildings to explore when you pay a visit to this river. It is about 45 minutes south of Bull Shoals.
There are quite a few state parks that are worth exploring during your stay near Bull Shoals, with each of them offering a different experience to remember your trip by. Three to check out are Mount Nebo State Park, Lake Charles State Park, and Withrow Springs State Park.
Stopping at the foot of Mount Nebo, Mount Nebo State Park encompasses the entirety of the massive mountain as well as the restored buildings of the 1930s that remain on the land. There are cabins, pavilions, bridges, and several hiking and biking trails.
Located only 90 minutes away from Memphis, Tennessee, Lake Charles State Park offers a massive, 645-acre lake where you can enjoy fishing, water sports, and relaxing during the hot Arkansas summers.
If you are interested in seeing natural falls, springs, and other beautiful water formations that nature has created, Withrow Springs State Park may be one of the best places for you to investigate. The stream that passes through this park is considered to be a Class I stream, meaning it has high-quality fish and offers a comfortable habitat for migrating fish.
There are quite a few landmarks and monuments nearby that are also worth a visit. A few of these are located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which is about 90 miles west of Bull Shoals. These include Christ of the Ozarks, which is a 65-foot statue of Jesus overlooking the landscape, similar to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Another landmark that is worth visiting is the Cosmic Cavern just outside Berryville, Arkansas. This cave is known as the most beautifully decorated one in Arkansas. It is also the warmest cave in all of the Ozarks, with its high humidity and year-round temperature of about 64 degrees. It is Arkansas’ largest privately owned cave system.
If you are interested in some of the upcoming events to plan your trip around, you will be pleased to know that there are several to choose from.
Light Up Parade - At the beginning of December, everyone from businesses to families will gather around for a holiday-themed parade, ending in the center of town where a massive tree is decorated in lights.
Colorama Fall Festival - In late October, there are haunted tours around the natural cave and cavern system of Bull Shoals.
Theater of the Arts - Throughout the year, the Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts offers live music from both local bands and people touring the area.
Imbolc (St. Brigit’s Day) - Just south of Bull Shoals, in Flippin, there is an annual celebration of Imbolc, also known as St. Brigit’s Day. This is a traditional Gaelic festival centered around celebrating the beginning of spring, often held at the end of January, and for Christians, it is the feast day of Saint Brigit.
Since it is just a stone’s throw from the Ozarks, it would make sense that Bull Shoals has quite a few opportunities for outdoor excursions.
Bull Shoals Caverns - While they are closed during the winter months, these limestone caverns are worth exploring in season and are estimated to be about 350 million years old. They were carved out as water slowly eroded the area.
Bull Shoals White River State Park - Just outside Bull Shoals is the Bull Shoals White River State Park, boasting ample fishing opportunities as well as riverside hikes and biking paths.
White River Activities - All along the White River just south of Bull Shoals, there are fishing opportunities as well as hiking paths along the waterfront.
Norfolk Lake - To the east of Bull Shoals Lake is Norfolk Lake, another manmade lake. It offers opportunities to go boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.
Leatherwood Wilderness - With just under 17,000 acres of wilderness area, this is the largest wilderness area in Arkansas, also encompassing part of the Buffalo National River. Here, you can find opportunities to hike, watch birds, fish, hunt, and dive.
Since this is a popular destination for people to relax and vacation, there are several places where you can stay with an RV near Bull Shoals. A good example is in Harrison, Arkansas, where there are many opportunities to travel to the numerous nearby attractions.
Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park offers a comfortable place to stay in the Ozarks. It is well-maintained, clean, and pet friendly, while also being located in an area that is secluded from loud city life. It offers areas for children to play as well as fire rings at each site. They offer both 30- and 50-amp hookups as well as full hookup options. There are sites that allow for both backing in and pulling through. Amenities include showers, laundry rooms, and Wi-Fi.
Another option to consider is the Dogwood Springs Campground. Much like the previous campground, it offers the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains as a backdrop, and along with that come chances to go hiking, canoeing, and exploring the caverns underneath. There are 20 RV sites, a swimming pool, a pavilion, picnic tables, fire rings, and hot showers. At these sites, there are full hookup options with 30- and 50-amp hookups, cable TV, WiFi, and an on-site convenience store. You can bring your pets along.
Near the Buffalo National River, you can stay on the riverfront at Gilbert RV Campground. This is one of the few RV campgrounds that also provide rental gear for tubing along the river. In addition to this, their amenities include a convenience store, camping and river gear, bathhouses, picnic tables, grills, firepits, dump stations, and comfortable showers. They have 17 RV sites with full hookup options and 30- and 50-amp hookups. WiFi may be spotty in some places. Pets are allowed.
With Bull Shoals nestled into a small, quaint area, it's a challenge to find RV dump stations within a reasonable distance. However, since it's close to the border of Missouri and some of the major cities located there, you will be able to find some places to keep your RV serviced.
About 70 miles to the northeast of Bull Shoals, you will find the Legit West Plains Motor Speedway. This site is only open during their racing season, which runs from April to October. They are located just off US Highway 63. They also offer restrooms and a shower area.
Also in this area is the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, which is only about 5 miles away from the above site. They are open on weekdays and close at 4 p.m. The site not only serves as a dump station for your RV, but also as a welcome center and a store devoted to Laura Wilder and her book series “Little House on the Prairie,” which became a hit TV series of the same name. If you're a fan, you may find souvenirs here.
In the opposite direction, about 74 miles west of Bull Shoals, you will find the Branson Stagecoach RV Park. It is ADA accessible and open all year. They offer their dump station to the public, meaning that even if you aren’t staying there, you can make use of it. In addition to a dump station, they offer water.
There are a couple of places where you can store your RV while you are spending time in the region. One of the best areas to consider is Harrison, Arkansas, which is about 40 miles west of Bull Shoals.
If you have a particularly large motorhome, you should consider what Harrison Mini Storage offers. They have storage units that reach 14 feet by 30 feet in size, a fenced perimeter, and computerized security gates.
If you are looking for easy and convenient online payment options, there is Goblin Drive Self Storage. This storage facility offers units that are 10 feet by 20 feet for $80 per month and units that are 10 feet by 30 feet for $107 per month.
If you are interested in something that is quick and affordable, you will want to consider Loc-N-Roll. While they do offer 10 feet by 20 feet units for $65 per month, they also offer outdoor parking for $20 per month. Their outdoor parking spaces are limited to 12 total.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Bull Shoals, AR, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Bull Shoals?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Bull Shoals from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Bull Shoals?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.