Just seven short miles from the historic town of Eureka Springs on scenic highway 23 is The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge provides a lifelong home to “Big Cats” that have been abandoned, abused, and neglected. The refuge had 113 cats residing there at the time this article was written. The cats included lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, several bobcats and a caracal. Bears and other animals also call the refuge home. What a treat for the family to see the lions, tigers and bears up close and in habitats. They suggest visitors try to be there to watch the feeding of the majestic cats which takes place in the early evening each day. They have special tours through the habitats during the day and recommend that you call ahead for exact schedules.
Toward the eastern side of the Ozarks is Bull Shoals Lake. This is a marvelous place to relax in a beautiful Arkansas campground. Water sports are alive and well here! If you don’t have a boat with you it can be rented along with all the gear you need for skiing.
Arkansas’ Ozarks are famous for their underground Living Caves. There are nearly 2,000 documented caves in north Arkansas. No RV Arkansas vacation would be complete without a visit to these magnificent miracles of nature.
RV Arkansas, River Valley Region
Do you ever think of Arkansas when they think about wine? Well you should. Arkansas’s River Valley Region is wine country. Take a wine tasting tour and relax. Pick up a few souvenir bottles to take home and share with friends.
Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Camping
Traveling south out of the River Valley Region in your RV you come to the Ouachita Mountains. Some have called this area paradise. In the spring and fall it is beautiful and the mild weather is perfect for almost any outdoor activity from hiking to fishing. Lake Ouachita has an abundance of Arkansas campgrounds to choose from. The lake offers activities from fishing to skiing and hiking.
RV Central Arkansas
To the east is the area called simply Central Arkansas. Central Arkansas is the hub of the state. Little Rock, the state capitol, has everything you would expect from a large city and more including; remarkable restaurants, museums, natural beauty and outdoor attractions. This is the perfect place for some Arkansas camping. Little Rock is less than a day’s drive from many major cities including; Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis and New Orleans.
RV Arkansas’ Delta
Along the east edge of the state is the section referred to as the Delta region. RV Arkansas’ Delta Byways, this fertile region is known for its agriculture but visitors also enjoy state parks, wildlife refuges, museums and galleries, archeology sites, and recreational opportunities in the great outdoors.
Every year music lovers flock to Helena-West Helena in October to enjoy the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival). The Delta Cultural Center has a magnificent display of artifacts, exhibits, photography and memorabilia that tells the history of the Arkansas Delta. Helena-West Helena is also home to the Pillow-Thompson House, which is considered one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture in the state.
The Timberlands, Arkansas Camping
RV Arkansas trips into the timberlands are not just for hunters and fisherman, although it is a popular designation for those sports. It is also a great destination for history buffs and music lovers. The timberlands are full of historical sites to visit ranging from log cabins dating back to the 1800s and restored Victorian homes to local museums.
Pine Bluff is a community full of cultural and historical attractions. The Arkansas Railroad Museum is an amazing walk through the evolution of the railroads in the southern United States.
If a visitor to southern Arkansas times their trip just right they can attend the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” Championships in El Dorado which is held every winter. Of course it might be more advantages to plan on attending the big event in El Dorado, which is held the first weekend of October when thousands of visitors pack the streets of downtown for MusicFest El Dorado. Over the years the MusicFest has played host to some of the biggest acts in the world of music, Toby Keith, the Dixie Chicks, Eddie Money, 38 Special, Charlie Daniels Band and Ricky Skaggs just to name a few.
Arkansas camping is an awe-inspiring encounter with nature. The cities are inseparable from the rivers, lakes and trees. It is easy to see why this state is called “The Natural State”.