An RV Adventure Through Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

Historic Bathhouse Row

There’s no better place to experience what makes Hot Springs National Park so special than Historic Bathhouse Row. This group of eight bathhouses spanning architectural styles once housed independent businesses competing for visitors seeking solace in the healing waters. Today, the structures still offer a variety of services, including spas, saunas, a visitor center, and a brewery.

Oaklawn Hot Springs

For those who crave a faster pace in addition to spa treatments, Oaklawn Hot Springs can satisfy both impulses. A hub of Thoroughbred horse racing since 1904, today, Oaklawn is a hotel, spa, racetrack, and casino, best known as the home of the Racing Festival of the South, which culminates annually in April with the Arkansas Derby.

Lake Hamilton

If you prefer water sports to soaking in a sauna, head to Lake Hamilton. The nearly 7,500-acre manmade lake is a destination for boat expeditions, lakeside dining, shopping, and more. Those uncomfortable at the helm can take a pontoon or duck boat tour; but if you prefer to steer the ship, boat rentals are available at many of the lake’s marinas.

The Ouachitas

Ron Coleman Mining

Families with children—or just those who are young at heart—will dig Ron Coleman Mining. With mine tours, crystal digs, and ziplining, there is something for everyone at one of Arkansas’ most abundant quartz mines.

Ouachita National Forest

Spanning western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest comprises more than 1.5 million acres. The oldest national forest in the southern U.S. has myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation including scenic hiking and bridle trails, and water activities.

Arkansas River Valley

Mount Bethel Winery

This family-owned winery has been crafting libations from their vineyards in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains for generations. Located in Altus, Mount Bethel Winery offers tours and tastings of their wide variety including reds, whites, and ports in addition to wine made from plums, blackberries, and other fruits.

Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway (AKA Arkansas’ Grand Canyon)

It doesn’t take long to see why Scenic 7 Byway—Arkansas’ first road to be designated as such—is known as one of the best drives in the U.S. The 290-mile, north-south route takes you through varied landscapes with breathtaking views, including two mountain ranges (the Ozarks and the Ouachitas), Lake Hamilton, and Hot Springs National Park.

Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

Nature lovers will be in heaven at the 170-acre Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. Learn about the flora and fauna that call The Natural State home in one of many educational exhibits offered at the center. Then, put your knowledge to use at the archery range, fish hatchery, or on one of the many hiking or driving trails located within the grounds.

Northwest Arkansas

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Founded by Walmart heir Alice Walton in 2011, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art comprises artwork spanning 500 years of American history. In addition to free admission and a building designed by famous architect Moshe Safdie to compliment its natural surroundings, Crystal Bridges also features walking trails dotted with sculptures and a cafe, gift shop, and world-class library.

Beaver Lake

This manmade reservoir provides not only drinking water, but myriad recreation activities. Known for its bass fishing tournaments, the lake is a perfect place for picnics, water sports, and swimming.

Buffalo National River

The 153-mile-long Buffalo River, located in northern Arkansas, was designated as a national river in 1972 (the first in the U.S.). During the day, visitors can kayak on the river or hike more than 95,000 acres that surround the water. When night falls, the attractions shift upward; sprawl out under the stars to see why Buffalo National River was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

There is no bad season to drive the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. Beginning in the southeast corner of Ozark National Forest, the 19-mile drive may be short in distance but it’s chock full of twists, turns, dense tree tunnels, and views so scenic they must be seen to be believed.

Eureka Springs

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! No, you don’t have to follow the Yellow Brick Road to see these exotic animals; at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, visitors can take a tour of this 459-acre park, whose mission is to end the exotic animal trade and render the need for refuges obsolete. But until then, this living museum provides big cats and bears a safe place to thrive, and programs for education and conservation.

Withrow Springs State Park

Enjoy the beauty of Withrow Springs State Park on both water and land by fishing, birding, or hiking. The .75-mile Dogwood Nature Trail can be completed in about an hour with moderate difficulty, but make sure to leave time to stop and smell the flowers: in addition to dogwood trees which flower beautifully in the spring, the park is home to the rare trillium viridescens, also known as the Ozark trillium.

Arkansas Delta

Downtown Jonesboro

Explore Arkansas’ fifth-most populous city for a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options in the northeastern corner of the state. Every season brings new reasons to visit historic downtown Jonesboro, including a fall festival, a Christmas parade, and a year-round artwalk.

Big Lake Wildlife Management Area and National Refuge

Established more than a century ago, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the protected home of more than 200 species of birds, and small mammals such as raccoons, bobcats, and armadillos. Comprising more than 11,000 acres, this refuge—one of the oldest in the U.S.—is open to the public year-round.

Delta Dirt Distillery

Take a break from all of your outdoor exploration and treat yourself to a cold one at Delta Dirt Distillery located in Helena. Owned by the Williams family, who have farmed the land for generations, this craft distillery serves spirits made from locally-grown produce including their signature Sweet Blend Vodka made from potatoes and corn. 

St. Francis National Forest

Established in 1960, the 22,000-acre St. Francis National Forest is best known for its fishing opportunities spread across several lakes. Together with the Ozark National Forest, the land is home to old-growth oak trees and hiking trails, and accessible by several scenic byways including Scenic 7.

Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway

You’ll find more than just scenic views on the 212-mile-long Crowley’s Ridge Parkway; this national scenic byway crosses national forests, the Mississippi River, Civil War battlefields, and seven state parks.

Little Rock

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

With more than 14,000 objects in its permanent collection, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts began in 1914 with the founding of the Fine Arts Club. First housed in a circa-1930s Art Deco WPA building, the museum has expanded several times over the last century. Today, the original facade has been preserved inside the museum alongside artwork covering more than 800 years, with a focus on artists from the American South.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Located just west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain is the centerpiece of this eponymous state park. With 33 miles of hiking and biking trails, several rivers, and an arboretum, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the perfect place to picnic, kayak, or paddleboard.

Rock Town River Outfitters

A visit to The Natural State might require a kayak, paddleboard, or mountain bike—and Rock Town River Outfitters has you covered. Visit one of their three locations for rentals and tours, including a fly tying class for beginners, where nascent fly fishers can learn the ins and outs of this unique sport, as well as create their own hand-tied lure.