Camping in the Beautiful Ozark Mountains
Northwest Arkansas is a beautiful area to see! It has an abundance of greenery, water, and rolling hills. The Ozarks are the main influence of the area. In Northwest Arkansas you will find the communities of Eureka Springs, Ft. Smith, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, Beavertown, Springdale, Van Buren, and Berryville. Two large lakes are in Northwest Arkansas: Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake (which separates Missouri and Arkansas). You can enjoy great fishing and water sports on these lakes. Very close is Branson, Missouri located on the shores of Table Rock Lake, and Lake Taney Como. Many pass through Arkansas on their way to Branson, Missouri where they see many family oriented shows and other forms of entertainment. Roaring River and its fish hatchery finds its origin here through underground springs. Roaring River offers a campground, hotel, and terrific fishing.
In Eureka Springs, which is known for its historic Victorian homes and wonderful shopping, you can spend hours visiting antique shops, restaurants and spas. The Crescent Hotel is a wonderful get away for honeymooners and travelers. Eureka Springs boasts an abundance of activities for people to see and enjoy throughout the year, including marvelous Fall Color! While in this general area, you won't want to miss Beaver Town, with its old railroad trestle over the Lake, and its sway bridge! The area is fit for canoes, kayaks, and all types of boating. Bring your RV and park at Beaver Town, sit under the tall canopy of trees, while you fish, and watch the wildlife! Visit the "new" castle presently under construction.
For culture and college life, visit Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visit the University of Arkansas not far from Dickson Street, where much night life is available. Plays, music, and college sports abound in Fayetteville. Every fall, "Bikes, Blues, and Barbeque" is hosted in Fayetteville! If you happen to be in town after Thanksgiving, be sure to visit ‘the square', where thousands of Christmas lights are displayed, pony rides and carriage rides are available for all!
Just up the road, north of Fayetteville, are the communities of Bentonville (Wal-Mart Headquarters), Rogers and Bella Vista. Located in Benton County, these communities are some of the fastest growing in the nation. Also home to this area is Tyson Foods and JB Hunt Trucking. Bella Vista is this writer's personal preference because it is our home. Bella Vista has eight lakes and seven golf courses and is situated on rolling green hills, which have rocky cliffs. Golfers love Bella Vista! While not a retirement community exclusively, it is home to many who've retired to play golf! Some have purchased homes or second homes, or condos in this area because of all the wonderful amenities Bella Vista offers to their community! This area of the Ozarks is colorful in spring and fall; in spring flowering trees abound, and in fall the colors of the hardwoods are a site to behold!
Between Rogers and Bentonville is a large lake called Beaver Lake. It is a Corps of Engineer's Lake with campgrounds and some are right on the lake itself, such as Dam Site Park, which is a terrific RV Park. Beaver Lake is beautiful and can take many days to discover. If you love wildlife, be sure to make the trip and watch for American Bald Eagles, as there are many nests high in the trees. Tours on the lake are given for just that purpose! Call Beaver Lake to find out more about when they do these tours to spot Eagles!
