By: 
Arkansas State Parks Staff
 Updated: 

Who doesn’t enjoy an evening by the fire, nestled in a cabin, in the woods, near a lake? Quiet, peace. Made all the more special as you feel your muscles relax after a day of hiking, kayaking and fishing.

All kinds of discoveries to be made kayaking Lake Fort Smith.

Now put yourself in that picture. It’s easy, in Arkansas we have many places where you can have this experience and last week one more was added.

Lake Fort Smith State Park was moved from it’s original location and reopened in May of 2008. Since then we have worked to recreate most of the amenities of the original park which was built in the late 1930’s and became a state park in 1966.

Exhibits in the Visitor Center gives you a sense of place.

Starting with a state-of-the-art visitor center complete with exhibits telling the story of the history, geology and nature of this beautiful area in the Boston Mountains of western Arkansas. Thirty beautiful campsites with modern amenities, group lodging, marina, playground and day-use area and more were built.

Cool off in the park pool during the Summer. Don't have a boat, rent one at the park marina.

The Ozark Highlands Trail was rerouted to keep the western terminus at the park. More trails are planned throughout the park and in the nearby forest.

Don't let it fool you, this trail quickly turns rugged for adventurous hikes.

Last week one of the major projects to replicate the old park was completed. Ten new cabins were opened in the park. One and two bedroom cabins are available, two of them are ADA compliant and one is dog-friendly. All have wooded views from the back decks.

Modern cabins, all the comforts of home in a fantastic setting.