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Lake Fort Smith State Park, Ozark Mountains Travel Guide

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Explore the Ozark Mountains at Lake Fort Smith State Park: hiking, boating, history, and stunning natural beauty await!

Nestled in the Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks, Lake Fort Smith State Park offers a scenic retreat with a blend of outdoor activities and historical exploration. The park features a 1,400-acre lake perfect for fishing and kayaking, along with hiking trails, a swimming pool, and a visitor center showcasing the area's rich history.

A brief summary to Lake Fort Smith State Park

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Fort Smith State Park.

  • Swimming is not allowed in Lake Fort Smith, but the park has a large swimming pool with water slides open during the summer.
  • The park serves as the western terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail, offering access to a 165-mile hiking experience.
  • Visit the visitor center to learn about the area's history and see exhibits, including a replica pioneer log cabin.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Lake Fort Smith State Park is located off Scenic Highway 71, about 8 miles north of Mountainburg, AR. From I-540, take Exit 29 to Mountainburg and follow the signs. Alternatively, take the Chester exit and follow signs to Highway 71, turning north. The park entrance is a short distance on the right. There is ample parking at the visitor center, marina, and playground areas. There is no fee to enter Arkansas State Parks.

Discover more about Lake Fort Smith State Park

Lake Fort Smith State Park, cradled within the Boston Mountains, is a gateway to the natural beauty and history of the Ozarks. Originally developed in the 1930s as a city park and later a WPA project, it became an Arkansas State Park in 1967. The park was rebuilt and reopened in 2008 in a new location after the original site was flooded by an expanded reservoir.Today, the 260-acre park offers a diverse range of activities. Anglers and boaters can explore the 1,400-acre Lake Fort Smith via the marina, which offers rentals for fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats. Hiking enthusiasts can explore several trails, including the western terminus of the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. The park also has a swimming pool with water slides and a splash pad, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.The visitor center features exhibits on the area's history, including a replica pioneer log cabin and covered wagon. Park interpreters lead guided hikes and lake tours throughout the year. For overnight stays, the park provides campsites and cabins with various amenities.

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