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Recreation

The 1.2-million acre Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offer endless opportunities for adventure. As one of America's most scenic and picturesque areas, the Ozark-St. Francis provides a lot of the "natural" in the Natural State of Arkansas.

A variety of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities await you on the forests. Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, floating, kayaking, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, four-wheeler riding and taking pictures are just some of the activities people enjoy while visiting the forests. Each of the recreation areas, trails, wilderness areas or wild and scenic rivers provides unique opportunities to observe nature and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities from cavern tours to hunting black bear and white-tail deer. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have something for everyone and are on the way to almost everywhere in Arkansas!

 

**NEW June 1, 2026** The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service are reviewing the Executive Order, entitled "Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands" issued May 29, 2026, that may affect travel management on National Forest System lands. Any changes to public access, road management or recreational opportunities will be communicated through official Forest Service channels. At this time, there are no changes to existing road, trail or off-highway vehicle (OHV) designations."

Current Fees and Schedules

Another view of a CCC shelter at Bayou Bluff

Find information on recreation area fees, yearly schedule, and reservation information.

Fees and Schedules

Recreation.gov "Scan & Pay" Available

Card picture Recreation Whitaker Point

Visitors are now able to find several recreation sites online at Recreation.gov and through the Recreation.gov mobile app where they will be able to purchase day-use passes. It is important to download the app or purchase online in advance, since cellular reception on the Forest may be unreliable. After the app is installed, visitors will be able to make payments regardless of reception. The Recreation.gov mobile app is available to the public for free download on iOS and Android devices: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app.

*Fee Tubes will still be on-site for cash and check payments.

Download the App

Recreation

Showing: 1 - 10 of 60 results

Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Picnicking
Among the many natural features of the Ozark Natural Forest is the huge stone arch that forms a natural bridge at Alum Cove National Recreation Trail. The natural arch is all that remains of what was…

Austin Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
The Austin Trailhead provides access to the Brock Creek Multi-Use Trail System.

Barkshed Recreation Area
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Fishing Hiking Water Activities
Barkshed is a primitive camp near a clear mountain stream. It was the old "Barkshed Forest Camp" and was the show-off place for visitors to the forest. The picnic pavilion at the top of the hill was…

Bayou Bluff
Site Open
Fishing Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives Water Activities Picnicking
Located near the Illinois Bayou, the area exhibits picturesque bluffs and breathtaking scenery. Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and…

Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
Water Activities Fishing Hiking Picnicking
The Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area is managed by the Mississippi River State Park. Please call the Mississippi River State Park - Marianna Office with questions at 870-295-4040.The 625-acre Bear…

Big Piney Creek
Water Activities
The Big Piney Creek is designated as a National Wild & Scenic River that begins near the community of Fallsville and flows east and south for 57 miles to its junction with the Arkansas River. The…

Big Piney Ranger District
Biking Fishing Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking Scenic Drives Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Hunting/Shooting Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Big Piney Ranger District is the largest district on the Ozark-St Francis National Forest, encompassing approximately 496,000 acres. The district boundaries include parts of Van Buren, Conway,…

Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
Site Open
Seventeen individual campsites and two group sites available. Water available. Sewage dump station available. Sites suitable for smaller RV's and tents. No electricity or other hook ups. 

Blanchard Springs Caverns
Site Open
Climbing and Caving
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere.  Visitors enter a "living" cave where glistening formations like stalactites, stalagmites,…

Blanchard Springs Day-Use Area
Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Biking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning Fishing
Blanchard Springs Day-Use Area is part of the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.  The area has picturesque rock bluffs, beautiful crystal clear streams and hiking available in the wooded…
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