Overview
Mammoth Spring is in the Ozarks region of Arkansas.
4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- JBR Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Jonesboro — 68 mi away. Directions
- HRO Boone County Airport, Harrison — 91 mi away. Directions
- MEM Frederick W. Smith International Airport, Memphis — 133 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most visitors arrive by car on U.S. Hwy 63, from Hardy, Arkansas or Thayer, Missouri. State Highway 9 from Salem, Arkansas also gains access.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
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Food for you
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Get in
Most visitors arrive by car on U.S. Hwy 63, from Hardy, Arkansas or Thayer, Missouri. State Highway 9 from Salem, Arkansas also gains access.
Small airports are located in nearby Thayer, Missouri and Cherokee Village, Arkansas.
See
- Mammoth Spring located in Mammoth Spring State Park is one of the word's largest freshwater springs and one of the most easily accessible. The spring and waterfall are a great place to stop and stretch your legs or take a much needed rest while traveling.
- Spring River is one of the most popular float streams in the state due to its constant water levels and temperatures.
Do
- Visit Mammoth Spring State Park has a walking trail, playground, picnic tables and pavilions and a tourist information center.
- Paddle, raft, or tube the spring-fed Spring River.
- Fishing for trout, walleye, or smallmouth bass on the cool Spring River.
- Stay at a campground along the Spring River.
- Shop for antiques.
Buy
Groceries, gas, and necessities are not available in Mammoth Spring, but available just over the state line in Thayer, Missouri.
Several antique stores and flea markets are located in Mammoth Spring.
Eat
Eat Fred's Fish House
One of the region's most famous restaurants known for excellent catfish and hushpuppiles. The Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain dined at Fred's during his episode featuring the Ozarks.
Eat Wood's Riverbend Restaurant
Is located on the grounds of the former Nettleton Hotel, is a popular restaurant overlooking the Spring River and mill dam waterfall at Mammoth Spring State Park
Eat Spring Dipper
Best ice cream anywhere!
Drink
- Mammoth Spring is located in a dry county. Alcoholic beverages for outdoor recreation or camping must be purchased in nearby Thayer, Missouri or Hardy, Arkansas. Plan ahead.
Drink The Beverage Shoppe
Locally owned package store providing all your float trip and hunting camp needs.
Sleep
Campgrounds, Canoe Rentals, and Fishing Guides
- Many Islands Canoe Rental, 2988 Many Islands Rd. Fishing and floating and camping. +1 870-856-3451
- Riverside Resort, 901 Riverside Dr. Cabins; kayak, canoe, and raft rentals. +1 870-625-7501
- Spring River Oaks, 1868 River Oaks Trail. Cabins, canoe rental, good venue for watching trains. +1 870-856-3885
Nearby
Thayer
City / town · 5 listings · 2 mi away
Hardy
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Alton
City / town · 9 listings · 16 mi away
Mountain View
City / town · 3 listings · 16 mi away
West Plains
City / town · 25 mi away
Pocahontas
City / town · 4 listings · 35 mi away
Van Buren
City / town · 5 listings · 46 mi away
Eminence
City / town · 46 mi away
My experience
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