Naturally Fun: Lakes, Rivers & Parks

Spending a hot summer day by a cool river or sparkling lake, or at any of our state and national parks is the perfect summer getaway for you and your family. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding — these naturally fun destinations provide the best that Mother Nature has to offer!

LAKES & RIVERS

Beaver Lake Located in the Ozark Highlands with prime access points to Rogers, Springdale and Eureka Springs, Beaver Lake is NWA’s largest lake, and prized by boaters, water sports enthusiasts, anglers, hikers, campers and birdwatchers, alike. Campgrounds, resorts, marinas, restaurants and outfitters are plentiful, too.

Lake Wedington Surrounded by lavish hardwood forest, and a 400+acre recreation area, the 102-acre Lake Wedington in Fayetteville is regularly stocked with fish. Amenities include a swim beach, air-conditioned cabins, playgrounds, volleyball courts, trails, a boat ramp and horseshoes.

Bella Vista Lakes The seven stunning lakes of NWA’s most northern city offer some of the finest fishing, boating and outdoor recreation around. Use of the lakes and facilities is available to all Bella Vista Village property owners and their guests.

White River The White River is internationally famous for trout fishing. Below Beaver Dam, near Eureka Springs, and flowing through the mountainous regions of the Ozarks, it’s a prime cold-water fishery with first-rate guides and outfitters available.

Kings River A top pick for canoeists and kayakers, the Kings River near Huntsville provides about 50 miles of easy floating water. Deep pools also yield first-rate fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish and rock bass.

Illinois River The spring-fed, scenic-designated river starts in NWA and streams into northeast Oklahoma. Near the state border, the Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a Class II play spot for kayakers year-round. Canoe and kayak outfitters, campsites, hiking and horseback riding trails and cabin rentals are also available.

Holiday Island Marina & Campgrounds Nestled amidst trees and brilliant rock formations, the Holiday Island campground overlooks the impressive Table Rock Lake straddling the Arkansas and Missouri border. More than two dozen campsites provide full service hookups, shower amenities, a pavilion and horseshoe pits.

STATE & NATIONAL PARKS

• Devil’s Den State Park Touting 2,500 unspoiled acres adjoining the Ozark National Forest, Devil’s Den is a favorite for camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

• Withrow Springs State Park  Near Huntsville, this park has trails with views of and access to War Eagle Creek, where fishing for catfish, bream and bass is popular. Canoeing is another prized pastime, and shuttle service for canoe rentals is also available.

• Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area This massive park with more than 12,000 acres has 35 miles of hiking trails that include ADA routes, a 17,500-square-foot visitor center with interactive exhibits, and a wildlife viewing area.

• Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park The site of the last major Civil War battle in Northwest Arkansas on Dec. 7, 1862, this park has a museum, a visitor center, the one-mile Battlefield Trail and a five-mile driving tour.

• Pea Ridge National Military Park The site of the Battle of Pea Ridge on March 7-8, 1862, this park has one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the country. Spanning 4,300 acres, it includes a visitor center and museum, a driving tour, and about 2.5 miles of the Trail of Tears.