Explore 7 Secret Places In Arkansas For Outdoor Recreation

Are you looking for some hidden gems in Arkansas? You will find valuable travel advice here. Some of the state’s best natural treasures are situated on or close to the Arkansas River and Buffalo National River.

Whether you’re interested in finding Arkansas’s waterfall paradise or discovering a natural bridge formation, you will surely enjoy your excursions in this beautiful state.

1) Hot Springs National Park

Covering 5,550 acres in the heart of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is an amazing sanctuary for outdoor lovers. Managed by the National Park Service, the park offers lots of fun recreational activities in fair weather.

When exploring one of the top Arkansas hidden gems, you will admire the local natural beauty. Whether you’re walking off the beaten path or on paved trails with urban amenities, you’ll find lots of activities and sightseeing opportunities at this historic national park:

• 26 miles of hiking trails through lush forest

• Historic Bathhouse Row built in the early 20th century

• Golpha Gorge Campground

• Ancient hot springs and thermal fountains

2) Crater Of Diamonds State Park

Established in 1972, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is truly a hidden gem in the state of Arkansas. As the name suggests, this public park has been a major hub for diamond mining throughout the generations.

To a certain extent, the wealth of Little Rock, AR has been partially built by the precious stones that were naturally found at the park. The unique landscape also sparked the establishment of boom towns throughout the entire state.

Some of the most prominent diamonds that were discovered at the park were rated at more than 10 carats. More than 33,000 total diamonds have been officially extracted from the grounds of this park.

• Located near the quaint city of Murfreesboro

• Dozens of AAA camping sites with premium amenities

• Historic Mauney House and Mine

• Diamond Discovery Center with exhibits

• Diamond Springs Water Park open in the summer

• Information center with gift shop

3) Mammoth Spring State Park

When looking for some fun activities off the beaten path in Arkansas, you should explore Mammoth Spring State Park. This 62.5-acre park sits on the border with Missouri.

You’ll find urban facilities and some rustic landscapes at this popular state park that’s a true haven for outdoor recreation. The park also celebrates the history of local rail and mining industries.

• Fishing and other water activities on the Spring River

• Arkansas Missouri Power Company Muesum

• Welcome center with interpretive exhibits and gift shop

• 10-acre lake with urban trails and facilities

• Historic 19th-century Frisco Railway train depot

4) Devil’s Den State Park

Originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Devil’s Den State Park is one of the best Arkansas hidden gems. You’ll admire the manmade creativity and natural beauty of this park that’s nested in the gorgeous Lee Creek Valley.

• Rock formations, caverns, and rock dam

• 8-acre lake with stocked fish

• More than 130 camping sites

• 17 cabins for rustic lodging

• Cascading waterfalls

• Hiking on Fossil Flats Trail and Devil’s Racetrack Trail

5) Ouachita National Forest

Occupying nearly 1.8 million acres, Ouachita National Forest is one of the largest protected areas in the state of Arkansas. You can easily find plenty of trails and other recreational opportunities in the scenic woods of this landscape that’s managed by the Forest Service.

• Trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road driving

• A short drive from the urban core of Little Rock

• Elevations of more than 2,500 feet

• Accessible from the scenic Talimena Scenic Drive

6) Ozark National Forest

If you’re looking for some of the most scenic woods in Arkansas, you should head to the Ozark National Forest. Covering more than 1 million acres, this forest is home to hundreds of miles of trails.

The Ozark Highlands Trail will lead you to some of the most beautiful settings in this national forest. Hunting, fishing, off-road driving, and camping are readily available at this enormous national treasure.

• Close to Little Rock and other communities in central or northwestern AR

• Covers more than a dozen counties

• Leatherwood, Richland Creek, and other wilderness areas

• Black bears, white-tailed deer, and other large animals

7) Mount Magazine State Park

Located in Logan County, Mount Magazine State Park offers some of the most unique lodging opportunities in Arkansas. This park is named after a mountain that rises more than 2,700 feet above sea level.

You can spend an amazing vacation at the iconic Lodge at Mount Magazine, which has dozens of comfortable rooms. Some other amenities at this hotel include the Skycrest Restaurant and more than a dozen campsites.

Play And Stay At Eureka Springs Adventure Park

As a small town, Eureka Springs offers historic charm and some urban excitement. This community in northwestern Arkansas has a vibrant downtown with unique shops, authentic restaurants, local breweries, art galleries, and entertainment venues. This town is also just minutes away from Beaver Lake, which offers an abundance of recreational pleasures for the whole family.

Our adventure park is the ultimate destination for outdoor fun in the northwest region of Arkansas. You can enjoy rides on all-terrain vehicles on our off-road trails. We also offer premium camping grounds for short-term and long-term lodging with campers, RVs, and motorhomes.

If you’re looking for some off-road activities and camping in a small Arkansas town, check out the lodging options and tours at Eureka Springs Adventure Park. Book your adventures and camping with us today!