Recreation in the South Shore

Recreation in the South Shore area revolves around water and the outdoors.

The White River, which forms Bull Shoals Lake, flows from the base of Bull Shoals dam. It is especially famous for its rainbow trout fishing. Many outfitters in the area provide guide service and rent boats and equipment.

The North Fork River was the first area river dammed in the early 1940s and forms Lake Norfork. It flows for only about four miles from the base of Norfork Dam before it enters the White River at Norfork. The confluence of the rivers was probably one of the reasons for the early settlement of the immediate area.

While fishing is what most folks like to do around these bodies of water, floating any of the rivers just to enjoy the scenery and observe the wildlife that can be seen is an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. Access points are numerous and the scenery is spectacular.

Current lake levels and power generation activity at both Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake are available from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at (870) 431-5311. Information is updated hourly, and 10 callers may hear the recording at the same time. Additional information is available from the Corps of Engineers office, (870) 425-2700.

In addition to the area rivers which have been dammed to form our lakes, the area is home to the nation's first wilderness river, the Buffalo National River. Many outfitters have canoes available to rent on the Buffalo, but don't rule out bringing your own inner tubes in late May or June -- floating in a tube is much less work than paddling a canoe! If you decide at the last minute to try a tube float, special large tubes are available for rent.

Water Activities on Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Norfork
Swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating, power skis

Camping

• Bull Shoals Lake
  
• Lake Norfork
  
• Buffalo National River Park
  

Fishing

• Bull Shoals Lake
  
• White River
  
• Buffalo River
  
• Crooked Creek
  
• Lake Norfork
  
• North Fork River
  
• Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Fishing Regulations
  
• Fish Limits
  
• Fishing Licenses - Arkansas
  
• Fishing Licenses - Missouri
  

Canoeing

• Buffalo National River

Hiking

• David's Trail
  
• Trails of the Buffalo National River Park

Golf

• Twin Lakes Golf Course 870-425-2028
• Big Creek Country Club 870-425-8815
• Rivercliff Golf Course 870-445-4800
• Diamond Hills Country Club 870-422-7613
• Harrison Country Club 870-741-2443

Sightseeing and Other Attractions

Throughout the South Shore of Bull Shoals Lake
and the Ozark Mountain Region

• Blanchard Springs Caverns
  
• Bull Shoals Caverns
  
• Bull Shoals Dam tour (Memorial Day to Labor Day - Free)
  
• Eagle Awareness Week (January) - Bull Shoals State Park
  
• Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza over Bull Shoals Lake
• Fourth of July Eve Fireworks over Lake Norfork
  
• Handicapped Fishing Access Area at Norfork
  
• Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off - Bull Shoals - September
  
• Mountain Village 1890 historical theme park
  
• Norfork National Fish Hatchery
  
• Ozark Folk Center
• Ozark Vacations
• Rivercliff Golf Course
• Top O' The Ozarks Tower lookout tower
  
• White River Days - Lakeview - September
  
• Wildlife - deer, squirrel, rabbit, duck, quail, turkey

Branson Activities

Branson, Missouri, one of America's top vacation destinations, is less than a two-hour drive from any place in the South Shore area. 

Musical shows
Comedy shows
Theme parks
Ride the Ducks
IMAX theater complex
Branson Scenic Railway
Riverboat shows

BransonShows.com - Offering show and attraction tickets, ready-made vacation packages and customized packages for Branson, Missouri.