Lake Fort Smith | Arkansas State Parks

Best parks for a family getaway

Arkansas State Parks are perfect for your family getaway. With activities for everyone and every age, you’ll have plenty to do at any one of our state parks. Check out our list for some ideas on parks you should visit.

Family canoeing at Cane Creek and touching the lilly pads

7 Staycations at Arkansas State Parks

Apr 2021

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore, birds chirping from tall pine trees, maybe even a boat motor quietly starting its day to bring joy to families spending the weekend away from it all. That’s the kind of wake-up you’ll receive when you staycation at an Arkansas State Park. We’ve chosen seven better-than-a-hotel locales you’re guaranteed to fall...

Paddleboarding at DeGray Lake State Park

Tiny Tough Skinks: 3 Tips for Nature Observers

Aug 2020

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Heather Johnson

The varied and rugged terrain of the Ozarks at Lake Fort Smith State Park in northwest Arkansas offers suitable homes for many different types of animals. Large animals like black bears, deer, and bobcats thrive in this mountainous region. The commonly known larger animals often take the spotlight away from the smaller creatures who also dwell in the area, but the smallest...

Promethea Silkmoth Video

May 2020

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Heather Johnson

Lake Fort Smith State Park in western Arkansas offers a variety of habitats for many different wild creatures. The forest here is a perfect home for the extraordinarily large promethea silkmoth, Callosamia promethea. At nearly four inches, the adults’ wings exhibit extraordinary camouflage to avoid predators.

Video: Stream at Lake Fort Smith State Park

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

As the spring rain settles in on the Boston Mountains of Lake Fort Smith State Park, the rainwater finds the quickest routes down the mountainsides to form hundreds of bubbling, temporary streams. The flowing waters breathe life into the forest by providing new water sources for plants and animals and providing habitat for aquatic insects and amphibians. The gentle streams...

Living Hillsides Virtual Hike

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

Lake Fort Smith State Park is a beautiful oasis nestled in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. The lake is pristine and teeming with life, but this outstanding water reservoir would not be as special as it is without its surrounding hillsides. These living, tree-covered hillsides protect the lake from erosion and deep within the forest are many hidden treasures.

New Year’s Resolution: Visit an Arkansas State Park Every Month

Jan 2019

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

New year, new you? Challenge yourself to visit a different Arkansas state park every month. These beautiful places are open for adventure and learning with something for absolutely everyone in your family and friend group. You can bike a trail, discover the history behind Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, go horseback riding or find a quaint cabin or lodge for a...

Sunrise at Stouts Point at Petit Jean State Park

Lake Fort Smith State Park

15458 Sheperd Springs Road

Mountainburg, AR 72946-0004

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5 State Parks Off the Beaten Path

Jan 2017

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Robin Gabe

Whether you’re looking to hike a trail, journey through history, muddy up your mountain bike, or just get away for the weekend, there is an Arkansas State Park waiting for you.

More Fun at Lake Fort Smith State Park

Mar 2016

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

Who doesn’t enjoy an evening by the fire, nestled in a cabin, in the woods, near a lake? Made all the more special as you feel your muscles relax after a day of hiking, kayaking and fishing.

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