Arkansas Parks & Tourism

In the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, visitors discover one of the finest fishing and boating lakes in the nation - Bull Shoals. A dam placed across the White River in 1951 formed this 45,440-acre lake, whose 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline stretch between southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

At the southern edge of the lake, just below the dam, is 732-acre Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Bull Shoals Lake and the White River together form a “fisherman’s paradise.” In addition to “lunker” bass, crappie and bream in the lake, the clear cold water of the river tempts both bank and float fishermen with its nationally-known fighting rainbow and brown trout.

But this area of the state offers even more than boating and fishing. Winding roads twist through the rugged mountains of the Ozarks where wild rushing streams and rivers, gushing springs and scenic trails can be found. From the dogwoods in spring to the glow of burnt orange leaves in fall, the beauty of this country captivates artists, photographers and scenery conscious observers all year long.

Area Attractions

Located little more than a leisurely hour’s drive south of Bull Shoals-White River State Park is the famous Ozark Folk Center State Park, home of Ozark Mountain life, tradition and handicrafts. Just a few miles from the Folk Center is Blanchard Springs Caverns, run by the U.S. Forest Service. Tours of this magnificent “living” cave, where an underground river endlessly flows, are offered on a daily basis. Canoeists can find the nation’s first National River, the beautiful, bluff-lined Buffalo National River a short drive away.

Facilities

Camping

The park offers a variety of year-round camping experiences for visitors. For those who wish a “primitive” experience, there are twenty tent sites near the river. Rent-A-Camp packages are available at the Visitor Center for people who wish to try camping but don’t have their own equipment. This moderately priced package includes a tent, two cots, camp stove, cooler, and light. There are two Rent-An-RVs available in the park. The 31' trailers will accommodate a maximum of eight people. For specific information, call the park. Campers wishing water and electrical hookups will find 85 campsites spread along the river bank. Modern bathhouses and a sanitary trailer dump station are conveniently located for all park visitors. The cold waters of the river provide natural “air conditioned” comfort even on August’s warmer nights.

Note: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a campsite. Campers must have their camping unit with them at the time of registration. All sites are reservable and may be reserved up to one year in advance.

Picnicking

A tree-shaded picnic area is located in the park above the dam on the lake. Playgrounds and pavilions are located in the picnic area and in the campground.

Trout Dock/Store

The trout dock provides up-to-the-minute fishing information, bait, tackle, snacks, ice, souvenirs and general merchandise. You can rent a canoe or boat and motor and enjoy the sparkling clear waters of the White River. Rainbow and brown trout are abundant and until you’ve experienced “hooking a lunker” you haven’t fished. Come join us for an exciting, unique adventure on the White River.

Other Facilities

The park offers 2.5 miles of scenic hiking trails: one meanders near the lake, the other traverses the heavily wooded hills below the dam. Group pavilions can be reserved by calling the park and must be reserved before being used (fee required).

Local Services

Shopping, service stations, restaurants, swimming areas and a hospital are only a few minutes’ drive away.

Interpretive Services

Programs

From April - October interpretive services offers programs including guided trail walks,
demonstrations and evening activities. Other activities available include trout fishing workshops, lake cruises, canoe and john boat floats and special events which are scheduled throughout the seasons. Groups may request special programs to meet specific interests year-round. Call the park to schedule such activities.

Location

From U.S. 62 at Flippin, take State Highway 178 just 10 miles north to the park just below Bull Shoals Dam; OR, travel 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 and then go 8 miles west on State Hwy. 178 to the park.

For further information on park hours or fees, contact:

Bull Shoals-White River State Park
129 Bull Shoals Park
Lakeview, AR 72642
Telephone: (870) 431-5521
Dock: (870) 431-5557
Fax: (870) 431-4511
e-mail: bullshoalswhiteriver@arkansas.com

Volunteer Opportunities

Bull Shoals-White River State Park, a place of memories and fun times. Give something back by becoming a park volunteer. Want to share your special skills with us? We are looking for special people willing to share their time. Please inquire at the park visitor center.

For further information on Arkansas’s other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191
www.ArkansasStateParks.com

Arkansas State Parks 2005

2006 Park Rates

Bull Shoals-White River State Park
129 Bull Shoals Park • Lakeview, Arkansas 72642
(870) 431-5521 • Fax (870) 431-4511
email: bullshoalswhiteriver@arkansas.com