You will love exploring Ozark and St. Francis National Forests in central and northwestern Arkansas. The Ozark Forest covers more than 1 million acres while the St. Francis National Forest covers 20,000 acres. St. Francis is the only national forest offering Mississippi River access. It is also one of the very few national forests to provide visitors with a chance to go caving. Mt. Magazine State Park is in St. Francis National Forest. In addition to caving, you can find many fun things to do in these national forests managed as one unit, including swimming, fishing, scenic driving, and hiking.
Camping in Ozark and St. Francis National Forests
You will find many fun things to do at Ozark and St. Francis National Forests, so bring your RV to one of the 24 campgrounds in these locations or another campground in the area. If you do not have an RV, experience the joys of RV living by renting one on RVshare.com.
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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
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
Be sure to include a trip to the Ozark and St. Francis National Forests in your travel plans very soon. The federal government left Ozark National Forest as a wilderness area, which can be a great way to see what the state looked like when surveyors were sent out from near this location to survey the Louisiana Purchase. There is lots to do at St. Francis National Forest, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and seeing plants and wildlife. The best way to make this trip is in an RV. If you do not have one, rent one from RVshare.
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.
