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.
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.
How do I properly navigate and park a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Bull Shoals, AR?
When navigating and parking a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces, it's important to take your time and plan your route beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the motorhome and the height and width restrictions of the roads you'll be traveling on. When it comes to parking, look for designated spots or parking garages that can accommodate the size of your RV. Always pay attention to signage and be aware of any towing restrictions in the area.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Bull Shoals, AR?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight and height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Bull Shoals, AR. Many bridges and overpasses have low clearance levels that may not accommodate the height of your RV. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your vehicle and ensure that you're not exceeding any weight limits on the roads you're traveling.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class C RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if any leveling equipment is necessary. If so, they will walk you through how to set it up safely.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class C motorhome rental during my rental period?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental. Many RVs have storage compartments or racks that can be used to store bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Check with the RV owner to see what storage options are available and how much weight they can accommodate.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class C motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class C motorhome rentals are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel usage. To minimize fuel costs, try to stick to slower speeds and avoid idling or rapid acceleration. Planning out your route ahead of time can also help you save fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or backtracking.
Can I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class C motorhome rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Yes, you can bring your own entertainment equipment or appliances to use with the Class C motorhome rental. However, be sure to check with the RV owner beforehand to ensure that the RV is equipped with the necessary outlets or connections to use your equipment. Additionally, be aware of any safety hazards, such as using portable grills near the RV, and take appropriate precautions.
Are any particular features or amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Bull Shoals, AR?
The features and amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals can vary depending on the make and model of the RV. Some common features that may be available in Class C motorhome rentals include kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and additional sleeping areas. Check with the RV owner to see what features and amenities are included in their particular rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class C motorhome rental, and do I need to know any specific maintenance or cleaning considerations?
The RV owner will familiarize you with how to use the facilities. Take note of where the water and electrical hookups are located, and make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the RV owner. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, be sure to follow proper procedures for disposing of waste and using cleaning products that won't damage the RV's plumbing or fixtures.
