Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2020

Family Favorite

Blanchard Springs has great camp sites, great hiking, multiple access to swim/wade into water, plus great caving opportunities! There is NO cell service in the park. 

The back camping area has a great swimming hole, beach and shaded hiking. Some enjoy jumping off the rocks/cliff, but I would not recommend it. RV sites with water and electric and full bathrooms/showers. 

The upper camping area has RV sites, bathrooms, tent sites and group sites. The Rangers and very helpful and informative. There is also parking for backcountry camping/hiking. The main trail connects to a network of trails over fifty miles long. There is also a pound with a dam and old mill structure. 

There are guided cave Tours with paved walkways and elevators, plus more rugged off-trail caving tours as well. The visitor center is very informative and has a small gift shop.

We come here year round for swimming in the summer, hiking in the fall and spring, and caving in the winter.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests by Arkansas F., September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests by Arkansas F., September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests by Arkansas F., September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests by Arkansas F., September 18, 2020