car camping/ hiking in Missouri or Arkansas

[PaulSula]

Ok so here is the deal. I am deploying here soon, and my wife and I had plans to go to CO and go camping, off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, etc. But now...she's pregnent. I am very excited but I know that we won't be heading for high altitude anytime soon. So I was wondering if any of you could suggest some great places to go car camping in Arkansas or Missouri in a place that has a lot of good scenery, awesome hikes, and some good trails to off-road. We do prefer to camp in primative areas, without a lot of people around us. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[jharris2]

First, congratulations on the news with your wife! Second, thanks in advance for what you're going to when you deploy.

Now, regarding your question, I can't provide specific advice. However, since you will be coming from Kansas, it's likely that you'll want to stay in the Ozark Mountains -- closer to where you are and good scenery.

Here's a web site to start gathering information: http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/Camping/

 

[brad6841]

I take a trip, to go fishing, twice a year to Cotter, AK. It's a small town that is basically there for the fishing. Sorry we don't do much camping or off-roading, but I know it's a nice small town to visit that's not too 'big city'.

Also congrats on the new family member. :biggrin2:

 

[TheBlueWave]

Check out the area near Mountain Home, AK. It is near Bull Shoals/White River state park. I go there to fish once a year and I don't camp because I stay with a friend, but I know there are some primitive camping areas around. The hiking and the scenery is breath taking.
Thanks for your service and congrats on the little one soon to come.

 

[jharris2]

Arkansas is AR -- Alaska is AK.

 

[Paul2660]

In Arkansas consider the following:

Ozark area:
1. Big Piney Creek, Long Pool Campground
2, Richland Creek, Richland Creek Campground (very primative)
3. Buffalo River Area, National River
Ponca-- Lost Valley
4. Steel Creek--Steel Creek Campground
(mountain biking will be limited here as it's National Park Controlled)
5. Devils Den State Park
6. Ozark Highland Trail, 150 miles of good hiking
7. Sam's Throne, Very Primate camping, but great views and climbing
8. Petie Jean State Park


Ouachita Mountain:
1. Cossatot State Park,
2. Hot Springs National Park
3. Caney Creek Wilderness
4. Ouachita Hiking trail
5. Flat Side Pinnicle
6. Mt Magazine State park, Highest Point in the State and new lodge
7. Little Missouri State Park, Special area of interest Winding Stair trail


All of these areas can be googled on the web to get the exact locations. Just a start but all are worth your checking out.

Paul C

 

[forunnin]

My family has a place on Lake Ouachita up on Brady Mountain. They have a really nice campground, and everything you'll need for a great weekend (boat rentals, lodge w/great food, convenience store, etc.) It's about 11 miles west of Hot Springs. Have fun and good luck!

 

[MW 4Runner]

In Arkansas consider the following:

Ozark area:
3. Buffalo River Area, National River
Ponca-- Lost Valley
5. Devils Den State Park

Paul C

There are some GREAT caves to go in near Ponca. Devils Den has some nice caves too.

If you want to do some hiking/backpacking, there are lots of cool places to go on the Buffalo. There is a big waterfall that is a couple hour hike to get to out there as well. All in north Arkansas fairly close to you. PM me if you want more info.

 

[PaulSula]

Thanks to those who gave me some awesome ideas. I have decided on the Ozark National Forrest in Northwest Arkansas. I was going to go to the Buffalo Natl River, but they do not allow dogs on any of their hiking trails. And that was a deal breaker. So we are doing the next best thing. It seems like the ONF will be the best bet as it has lots of trails, caves, and natural bridges to explore. Plus we can take our dog. Really looking forward to the trip, of course I will take pics for the site. Thanks again