Gateway to Wonderful RV Destinations

Written by Bob and Pam Stephens

The Arkansas River Valley is really is a wonderful RV destination! Close to the center of the state, the Arkansas River runs mostly east to West in this area along with a southerly flow. This area is warmer in the summer than it is in the Northern end of the state. If you enjoy boating, fishing and hunting, this is a great area to visit. The Army Corps of Engineers has some of the best campgrounds in the state right along the River Valley. Most of these campgrounds lie adjacent to the Arkansas River. Two of my favorites there are the Corps. of Engineer's Parks are Maumelle Park, http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/camping/d...ps+of+Engineers along the banks of the Arkansas River and Aux Lux. Maumelle Park has lots of shade trees and river front spaces. It's a very nice setting. The park has been recently updated with 50 amp service. My second favorite park there on the Arkansas River is also an Army Corps of Engineer Park called the Aux Lux. It too, lies on the banks of the Arkansas River. This park has been redone and is a very nice stay. Another great park on the Arkansas River, is a dammed area, called Lake Dardanelle. Lake Dardanelle State Park http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle is here and it is a treat to stay at and enjoy the area. The closest city it is adjacent to is Russellville. Russellville is my second favorite city in the state. It is in a very nice setting.

South of the River valley, are two State parks you should try to take in. The first State Park is Petit-Jean http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/ which is great for hikes and sightseeing, and has beautiful scenery and waterfalls, and a lovely restaurant. The second State Park is Mt. Magazine http://www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ Mt. Magazine is the highest point in the state and has great views of the valleys below. There are cottages to stay in, a new Hotel and campground around the park. It too, is great for sight seeing, hiking and fishing. The views from these two State Parks are incredible!

Along the Arkansas River sits the State Capital of Little Rock, Arkansas. Obviously the Capital city has lots of shopping, dining, historical sights and cultural events. Check with the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce for a schedule of events. If you drive about 1 hour Southwest of Little Rock you will come to the town of Hot Springs. This is a great area to spend some time. Known as the first resort in American, Hot Springs has lots of fine dining, shopping, history, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, and its famous "bathhouses" with mineral springs. If you love to be pampered at a spa and all that goes with spas, you will love Hot Springs http://www.hotsprings.org Hot springs also host a myriad of events throughout the year. There is an abundance private campgrounds in the area that can meet your needs. There is also a Federal Park and a State Park in the area called Gulpha Gorge http://www.nps.gov/hosp . Take some time and see Hot Springs Village http://www.hotspringsvillage.com/ If you're looking for a nice place to live or retire, it may be just right, with condos and garden homes. The summer months here can be quite warm. It is best to visit this area in the spring and the fall. Fall colors here are marvelous!

Traveling east of Little Rock, on the I-40, a couple of hours north and east of Little Rock there are two nice areas to see. One is Village Creek State Park http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/villagecreek/ near Wynne. This area is a beautiful forest with a lake. It has Horseback riding trails, corrals, hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing and boating. It's just a very lush area that sets away from most things.

Most of all, have a great time in your RV! Contact us at : Bob@campgroundimages.com