LAKE FORT SMITH STATE PARK
Nestled in a scenic valley of the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozark Mountains, this state park offers outdoor adventures including camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and nature study. For backpackers, the park serves as the western terminus of the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail.
Located on the western side of 1,400-acre Lake Fort Smith, this state park features all new facilities including campsites [20 Class AAA and 10 Class B], a group lodge with kitchenette that can accommodate up to 32 persons (16 in each wing), picnic sites, a pavilion, 2,660-square-foot swimming pool with adjacent wading pool and a splash pad, marina with boat rentals, double lane boat launch ramp, hiking trails, playground, and an 8,000-square-foot visitor center with exhibits, meeting/classroom, and an outdoor patio featuring a native stone, wood-burning fireplace and a view towards the lake.
Anglers can enjoy shoreline and boat fishing, targeting species like largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bream, and trout. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 or older. The park offers a marina with boat rentals available to visitors seeking on-water experiences.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is located near Alma, Fort Smith and Ozark
Lake Fort Smith State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables and grills overlooking the lake and Ozark Mountains. Visitors can enjoy group pavilions for larger gatherings, available by reservation. The park also features playgrounds nearby, perfect for family picnics with children. Hiking trails offer a chance to explore nature before or after dining al fresco.
Ozark Highlands Trail - Western Terminus (National Recreation Trail)
Length: 5.5 - 165 Difficulty: Easy
Description: On May 21, 2008 the first 5.5 miles of the 165-mile Ozark Highland Trail was re-opened at Lake Fort Smith State Park. This newly constructed trail skirts the shoreline of Lake Fort Smith along the western and northern sides and reconnects at Jack Creek. Lake Fort Smith State Park will once again be the western terminus of the Ozark Highland Trail. This trailhead begins at the visitor center of the newly opened park. This backpacking trail, heralded as one of the most scenic in the nation, begins by skirting Lake Fort Smith, and then enters the Ozark National Forest where it takes the hiker across hills and hollows, crevices, bluffs, and past numerous waterfalls.
Location: Eight miles north of Mountainburg on U.S. 71. Trail begins at the visitor center
Offers diverse birding opportunities along trails, forests, and shores. Species include warblers, vireos, tanagers, and woodpeckers. The park features guided tours and educational programs for enthusiasts. Bird checklists are available to track sightings of local avian populations throughout the seasons. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains providing a habitat rich with biodiversity ideal for birdwatching activities year-round.
The park is located eight miles north of Mountainburg on U.S. 71, or take Exit #29 off I-540 at Mountainburg.
It is a wonderful place to take your family, grandchildren. We have camped there many times. Full hookups, water, sewer, etc...The pool is wonderful, the children can play on playground equipment at the picnic area if desired or hike or there are lots of educational things planned at the Welcome Center. The best showers/restrooms and very clean. Hard to beat this beautiful place. My grandchildren never want to leave.
We LOVE Lake Ft. Smith. The pool is wonderful, but it would be nice if guests staying in the park were given a discount. All of the park is extremely clean. Full hook-ups and paved sites are great. Lots to do.
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