Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Donny S.
Reviewed May. 7, 2020

Quiet, Secluded Gem!

This park is a small, secluded gem in northwest AR right on Lake Fort Smith, about 30 miles NE of Fort Smith proper. The campground is practically brand new due to a flood a few years ago which caused the state to relocate the campground. The bathhouses are unbelievable (generally true of all AR parks), sites are immaculate, and views are amazing. The visitor center is also unbelievable. Our boys got to feed the snakes and turtles when we last visited. The park is small and there aren’t many sites. I found this to be a positive as you actually get the feeling you’re alone in nature. To that end, the only negative thing I can say about this park is that almost every site is elevated and has multiple levels due to retaining walls that were used to build up each site in the side of the mountain along the lake. The ledges of these retaining walls do not have any railing. So for us, having 3 small boys, this just meant toms of opportunities for them to fall and get hurt. Some of the drops from one level To the next were 6 ft or higher. This is the only reason I’m not giving the park 5 stars (though in fairness, I probably should). Beyond that small issue, however, the Park is absolutely gorgeous. The pool and splash pad are also very nice, though we weren’t able to use them because we went in January. There is a grill that serves food in the pool area which I think is really convenient. The playground is also nice, as is the marina and rental prices are very low, in my opinion. Also, I did not use them, but there are quite a few mountain bikers who visit this park and the trails were clearly well kept. In sum, beyond the beautiful scenery, the Park is generally very clean and new feeling. There’s not much I can say that would be negative at all. In my opinion, it’s a cant miss Park for anyone who enjoys camping.

  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground by Donny S., May 7, 2020