Lake Fort Smith State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located in the beautiful Ozark Highlands, this park offers a wide range of activities to suit all interests. From camping and hiking to swimming and water sports, there’s plenty to keep even the most active, busy. Nature lovers can explore the trails along the lake or take in the stunning views of the Ozark Highlands Trail. History buffs can learn about the area’s rich past with its many historical sites scattered throughout the park. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled day or a relaxing weekend away, Lake Fort Smith State Park has something to offer everyone!
This is a beautiful park, along Lake Fort Smith outside of Mountainburg, Arkansas. Their campsites may be some of the best that we have ever used. They are paved, perfectly level and spacious, including an area for pitching a tent or screen room. The park’s site is the western terminus of the 240-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, so if you enjoy hiking, this is a great stay for you. The park offers 30 campsites, 10 cabins, a swimming pool, marina with boat rentals, pavilion, picnic sites, and group facilities.. The visitors center offers interesting information about the area and park interpreters lead guests on nature hikes and lake tours year-round.
A little more about the campsites – can you tell we were impressed? The sites are built up, paved perfectly level and provide a fire pit, picnic table, lantern hook, and steps down to an additional area that can be used for a tent or screen house, The grounds are impeccably kept and it is obvious that they take great pride in this gem in the woods. As there are not an abundance of sites, you will want to book early or during the week, if possible. Amenities here are certainly not lacking for a peaceful stay.
Campfire Recap
It was a warm and humid day in June that we decided to walk to the nearby trailhead and hike along the Ozark Highlands Trail. We didn’t hike more than about 7 miles on this jaunt, which is a fraction of what is available. The trail was well marked with colored ribbons or tags on the trees along the path that corresponded with the trail maps. It was a beautiful walk while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of nature and we took our time along the narrow route.
After about 6 miles and as we neared the campground, Di hopped down off of a log, that was blocking the trail, and turned her ankle. Thankfully, it wasn’t so bad that she needed medical attention and after resting for 10 minutes or so, we were able to continue on and make it back to the camper.
We still recall how lucky we were to have completed the day without more trouble. Even though we were confident in our physical ability and the trails were well marked, we learned some important lessons that day. We had eaten healthy that morning, doused ourselves in bug spray and sunscreen, and filled our backpack bladders with water and ice.
What we didn’t anticipate was how quickly you find yourself a long distance from camp without emergency supplies. While we were never in grave danger, we did make mental notes for future hikes: bring extra food and more water than you think you will need, a first aid kit with a cold compress, a compass, and to invest in some quality hiking boots.
After tending to the ankle, a long soak in the park swimming pool was just what the doctor ordered. The water was cool, the facility was well-maintained, and the crowd was light. Since we had our evening meal in the crockpot back in the camper, we stayed as long as we could to enjoy the relaxing float and amazing views.
Lake Fort Smith State Park was a great experience and one that we hope to explore again, this time with more preparation for our excursions and additional days to enjoy in this beautiful area of the country.
Seasonings
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure that some of them are dirt. – John Muir
So What Is Available?
Click this link to find more information about Lake Fort Smith State Park.
| Spacious Campsites | X |
| Shade | X |
| Picnic Table | X |
| Electric Hookups | X |
| Paved Pads | X |
| Full Hookups | X |
| Fire Pit | X |
| Fresh Water | X |
| Shower House | X |
| Laundry | |
| Dump Station | X |
| Cabins | X |
| Lake | X |
| Stream | |
| Hiking Path | X |
| Bike Path | X |
| Playground | X |
| Swim Beach | X |
| Swimming Pool | X |
| Watersport Rental | X |
| Disc Golf | |
| Geocaching | |
| Historical Site | X |
| Festivals | |
| Guided Tours | X |
| Information/Vistors’ Center | X |
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