To contact the park: 479-369-2469

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. The exhibit gallery tells the story of how, through time, good water made this valley a place of hope, faith and sacrifice. The gallery includes a log cabin, covered wagon, recreated Shepherd Spring, and a diorama of the lake. A 16-minute video further connects the water resources of this valley with man's presence here. Interpretive programs are offered in the park throughout the year by the park staff.

For those who remember the park's original location, Lake Fort Smith State Park was relocated to this scenic site on the lake's western side due to the enlarging of Lake Fort Smith and Lake Shepherd Springs into a single reservoir to provide additional water storage for the future needs of the municipal water supply serving Fort Smith, Arkansas. The park opened at this new site in May 2008. The design of the park's new facilities evokes the architectural style of the WPA facilities constructed in the 1930s that were featured in the original park.

For details and to make reservations, visit ArkansasStateParks.com/LakeFortSmith or call the park at: 479-369-2469.

The park is located eight miles north of Mountainburg on U.S. 71, or take Exit #29 off I-540 at Mountainburg.