Lake Fort Smith State Park

Deeply nestled in a wooded valley in the heart of the majestic Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas is Lake Fort Smith State Park. Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, the park is backed by two lakes, Fort Smith and Shepherd Springs. These lakes form the water supply for the surrounding area and the City of Fort Smith (25 miles south). Originally developed as a city recreational area by Fort Smith in the 1930s, the area became a state park in 1966.

Visitors to this part of Arkansas find the region ever-changing. From the splendor of blooming dogwoods and redbuds in spring to the blaze of bright oranges, reds and yellows in fall, the mountains are always alive. A few moments of quiet observation in the early dawn or dusk can reveal the sounds and sights of the bountiful wildlife which live here. The people of this sparsely populated region reflect the reverence they feel and traditions they hold for this country in their life-styles and handicrafts.

Facilities

Group Lodging - Located on a hillside overlooking the falls is a group area which can accommodate up to 110 persons. This modern facility is heated and air conditioned and offers fully tiled showers. A separate kitchen and dining hall with all the necessary utensils, including walk-in cooler and ice-maker, complete the group facility. The kitchen/dining hall may be rented on a daily basis separate from the group dormitory. Reservations for this popular facility should be made early by calling or writing the park.

Cabins - Six fully equipped housekeeping cabins, located near the group lodge area, offer linens and kitchen utensils, plus they are heated and cooled for year-round comfort. Enjoy sitting outside the door listening to the sound of water rushing over the falls in the spring, or relaxing in front of a roaring fire while watching the snow fall in winter. Please, no pets in the lodging facilities!

Camping - Though limited in number, the campsites at Lake Fort Smith offer both electrical hook-ups and water. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring for outdoor cooking enjoyment. Rest rooms are located in the campground and a modern bathhouse is located in the Visitor Center adjacent to the swimming pool.

Note: No camping is allowed beside the lake! Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. No dump station available.

Picnicking - Numerous picnic sites are scattered throughout the tree-shaded park. Each site has a table and barbeque grill with water hydrants close by. A group pavilion can be reserved for a modest fee (deposit required) for special functions such as family reunions or group outings.

Hiking and Backpacking - The park is the western terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail (O.H.T.) which offers hiking and backpacking as scenic and challenging as found anywhere in the country. This 180-mile trail, which passes through the heart of the Ozark Mountains, will some day reach as far as St. Louis, Missouri. Evans Point Loop is perfect for people who want to hike part of the O.H.T. but don't want to spend the night on the trail. This 7-mile trail follows the O.H.T. path on the south side of Lake Fort Smith. Circling the lake, this trail will provide you with a scenic day-long experience. Ask about maps and brochures at the visitor center.

Interpretive Services

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, an interpreter provides a variety of programs to park visitors, including trail walks, demonstrations, and evening movies or slide shows. Organized groups may request special programs in advance.

Fishing - Rental fishing boats, motors and canoes may be obtained at the Visitor Center. A free launch ramp offers easy access for avid anglers to Lake Fort Smith. Lake Shepherd Springs also offers excellent fishing opportunities. Because these lakes are water supply sources, no water contact sports are allowed.

Swimming/Tennis - The park offers a beautiful Olympic-size swimming pool with separate diving well and fenced-in wading pool. Modern change rooms and bathhouse are located in the same structure as the Visitor Center. Two tennis courts and assorted playground equipment round out the wide variety of facilities available for use by the entire family. Tennis racquets and volleyball set are available for rental.

Other Facilities - The park Visitor Center offers an array of gift items. Vending machines provide a variety of snacks. Located within thirteen miles are numerous conveniences, including a full-service restaurant, grocery store, propane, service stations, gift and craft shops and drug stores. Complete medical facilities are available in Van Buren, about 18 miles away.

NOTE: Reservations for the group facility, cabins, or pavilion can be made by calling or writing the park.

Location

From l-40, take Exit 13 at Alma and travel 12 miles north on US 71 to just north of Mountainburg; OR, from Fayetteville, take US 71 south 35 miles to just north of Mountainburg. (Watch highway signs on US 71 for turnoff.)

For further information on park hours, fees, and services, contact:

Lake Fort Smith State Park
PO Box 4
Mountainburg, AR 72946
Telephone: (501) 369-2469
For cabin reservations ONLY call 1-800-264-2435

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.