Overview
The Ozark National Forest is in Arkansas. It is home to 23 developed campgrounds, and includes nine swimming areas, 395 mi of hiking trails, and 370 mi of streams for fishing.
1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Little Rock)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HRO Boone County Airport, Harrison — 41 mi away. Directions
- BKG Branson Airport, Branson — 59 mi away. Directions
- TUL Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa — 143 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Headquarters
History
The forest was created in 1908 by proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt. The forest is home to over 500 species of trees and woody plants. Hardwoods, predominantly oak and hickory, comprise the majority of the forest. The forest contains five designated wilderness areas and several Wildlife Management Areas.
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
By car
By plane
- Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), One Airport Blvd. Suite 100, Bentonville, Arkansas, +1 479 205-1000, Fax: +1 479 205-1001. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport provides commercial flights from a variety of carriers.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Little Rock. It is served by all major airlines. Southwest Airlines is the airport's largest carrier with service to seven destinations. The airport has a single, 12-gate terminal building.
See
- White Rock Mountain
Do
- Hiking on over 395 miles of trails.
- Mountain biking.
- Fishing.
- Hunting.
- Picnicking at dozens of picnic grounds.
- Swimming.
- Canoeing.
In winter:
- Hiking
Sleep
Lodging
Campgrounds
Many campgrounds in the forest.
Sylamore Ranger District
Stay Blanchard Springs Campground
Backcountry
Camping in the forest
- Deer camps are free camping.
Stay safe
For any emergency dial 911 from any phone.
Wildlife
White tail deer and wild turkey.
Weather
Arkanas has hot, humid weather in the summers.
Go next
Arkansas or the Ozarks (Arkansas) are good next stops.
Nearby
Clarksville
City / town · 17 mi away
Jasper
City / town · 24 mi away
Altus
City / town · 6 listings · 27 mi away
Ozark
City / town · 28 mi away
Russellville
City / town · 5 listings · 33 mi away
Huntsville
City / town · 2 listings · 33 mi away
Paris
City / town · 6 listings · 34 mi away
Harrison
City / town · 5 listings · 40 mi away
My experience
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