Outdoors
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Bentonville, closest first.
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
Prairie Creek Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Hickory Creek Park sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Horseshoe Bend Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was a turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,400-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds.
War Eagle Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Rocky Branch Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Lost Bridge South Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Lost Bridge North Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Indian Creek Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites with an abundance of recreational activities.
Lake Wedington beckons visitors of many types, those who come to relax and fish all day, those who come to speed along on bike paths or cruise on a boat, and those who want to stay in a cabin as a lakeside home-away-from-home.
Starkey Campground sits along the vast shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Beaver Lake is a nature lover's delight during all seasons.
Dam Site River Campground sits on the shores of the White River, just below Beaver Dam and Lake in the Ozark Mountains. The campground features spacious and sunny campsites and an abundance of recreational activities.
Eagle Rock is a spacious and grassy campground located on the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri countryside. Eagle Rock is conveniently located right off Highway 86, 3 miles south of Eagle Rock, MO.
Big M is a spacious and grassy campground that sits along the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri countryside.
Viola sits along the Kings River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri countryside. Boaters and water sports enthusiasts are particularly drawn to Viola for its easy access to the clear blue waters of Table Rock Lake.
Shell Knob Recreation Site is situated along a bluff overlooking the White River arm of beautiful Table Rock Lake, in an unincorporated portion of Shell Knob. It is a great location to relax and enjoy being away from it all.
Winding through the valleys of the Ozark Mountains, from Branson, Missouri to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Table Rock Lake is a paradise for boaters, scuba divers, campers and fishermen alike.
Fort Gibson Lake is located on the Grand (Neosho) River about 5 miles northwest of historic Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, from which it draws its name. It is about 7.7 miles above the confluence of the Grand (Neosho) and Arkansas Rivers.
Ozark Lake extends 36 miles along the Arkansas River. The shoreline of the lake varies from steep bluffs and tree-lined banks to open farm lands and level fields. Many outdoor activities offer excellent recreational opportunities.
Recreation opportunities abound in the Lake Tenkiller area. Nestled in the Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma, this body of water is known as "Oklahoma's Clear Water Wonderland" and its reputation is well deserved.
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 as an overlay project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Robert S. Kerr Reservoir.
Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam is located along the Arkansas River Navigation System. The lake area is beautiful any time of the year.
Webbers Falls Lock and Dam is located at navigation mile 368.9 about 5 miles northwest of the town of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma.
Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.
Bull Shoals Lake, located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, is popular year-round as each season unfolds a new panorama. Summer contrasts lush green hardwoods and cedar glades against towering rocky bluffs and unusual rock formations.
to Kansas' "Little Ozarks"! Located 5 miles east of Cherryvale, Kansas. Five beautiful park areas are offered by the Corps of Engineers for camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Bentonville. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Prairie Creek (Ar) (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 10 miles east of Bentonville as the crow flies. Next are Hickory Creek Park (AR) (13 mi) and Horseshoe Bend (Beaver Lake) (13 mi).
Based on Bentonville’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.