Lake Fort Smith State Park: An Ozark Mountain Retreat

Lake Fort Smith State Park, a 260-acre haven in the Boston Mountains, is a gateway to natural diversity and outdoor adventure. The park's story began in the 1930s as a Fort Smith city park and later became the Mountainburg Recreational Facility, constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). In 1967, it was adopted into the Arkansas State Park system.The park was relocated in 2008 to its current location, four miles north of the original site, after Lake Fort Smith and Lake Shepherd Springs were combined to form a 1,390-acre reservoir. The park's design reflects the rustic architectural style of the WPA era, with native stonework and wooden beams.Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including camping in 30 campsites, staying in one of the ten cabins, or group lodging. The park also features a swimming pool, a marina with boat rentals, and a visitor center with exhibits on the area's history. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Ozark Highlands Trail, which begins at the park and stretches for 165 miles through the Ozark Mountains.While swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing are not allowed in the lake, the park offers a swimming pool with a splash pad. The marina provides rentals for kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and fishing boats. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the lake, which is home to various fish species.