Beaver Lake
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Beaver Lake is a nature lover's delight during all seasons.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Bentonville
Day-use and picnic areas near Bentonville on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Within 30 miles (2)
Eagle Rock
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.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Photography
30 to 75 miles (13)
Big M
Big M is a spacious and grassy campground that sits along the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the Missouri countryside.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Photography
- Picnicking
Viola
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.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
Shell Knob Rec Site Pavilion
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.
- Camping
- Hiking
- History
- Observation Site
- Picnicking
George Washington Carver National Monument
The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm.
- History
- Picnicking
Table Rock Lake
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.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fort Gibson Lake
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.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
Ozark Lake
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.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake extends 26 miles along the Arkansas River, about half in Arkansas and half in Oklahoma.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Tenkiller Ferry Lake
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.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Arkansas River - Chouteau Lock and Dam
Named for Col. Auguste P. Chouteau, whose father built a shipyard on the river bank to build keelboats for the fur trade.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Arkansas River - W.D. Mayo Pool
Nearby Indian mounds date from 700-1500 A.D.
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Arkansas River - Newt Graham Pool
The Port of Catoosa, terminal point of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, is nearby.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 as an overlay project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Robert S. Kerr Reservoir.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
75 miles and farther (8)
Arkansas River - Robert S. Kerr Pool
Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam is located along the Arkansas River Navigation System. The lake area is beautiful any time of the year.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Arkansas River - Webbers Falls Pool
Webbers Falls Lock and Dam is located at navigation mile 368.9 about 5 miles northwest of the town of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Oologah Lake
Oologah Lake provides a great getaway for fishing, boating, picnicking, camping or just driftin' and dreaming over the sky blue waters.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Bull Shoals Lake
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.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Big Hill Lake
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.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Blue Mountain Lake
Located in the shadow of Mt. Magazine, Arkansas? highest mountain, Blue Mountain Lake offers many recreational opportunities. Modern campgrounds provide many amenities for land- and water-based outdoor activities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Dardanelle Lake
Located near the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, the picturesque shoreline, excellent fishing and abundant wildlife provide ideal conditions for nature enthusiasts and camera bugs.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
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.
More outdoors near Bentonville
- Hiking near Bentonville
- Camping near Bentonville
- Fishing near Bentonville
- Boating and kayaking near Bentonville
- Biking and mountain biking near Bentonville
- Horseback riding near Bentonville
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Bentonville
- Swimming holes and lakes near Bentonville
- Parks in Bentonville
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Bentonville?
Beaver Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 22 miles east of Bentonville as the crow flies. Next are Eagle Rock (30 mi) and Big M (34 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Bentonville?
Based on Bentonville’s average highs, March–June, September, October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.