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Tyler Bend Campground sits right along the shores of the Buffalo River, with easy access to several trails and the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. There are 28 drive-in and 10 walk-in sites, group areas and a day-use pavilion, with flush toilets, showers, and potable water. There is a $20 fee for all sites from March 15 through November 14; camping is free outside the high season, though some amenities may be closed. The campground is a hub for hiking, paddling, and an ideal spot to spend time exploring this beautiful area.

Falling Water Creek winds through the Ozark National Forest, known for its clear pools and picturesque cascades, and easy roadside access to spots like Falling Water Falls. There is a campsite here with room for a few tents, with a beautiful view and water access. Due to its proximity to the road, it is also a popular spot for car campers. This beautiful creek is a favorite for photographers and swimmers, especially in summer. It’s also a gateway to nearby wilderness areas, with trails and bushwhacks leading to nearby hidden gems like Intersection Falls and Six Finger Falls, just a short trek up the OHT from here.

Ozone Campground is a small, first-come, first-served site with eight primitive campsites, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and a reservable pavilion, but no potable water or hookups. The fee to camp here is $10, and payment is typically made via a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, so it’s a good idea to download the app ahead of time in case cell service is spotty. Due to its proximity to the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), it’s an ideal spot for a quiet overnight stay.

White Rock Mountain Recreation Area spans nearly 80 acres, with stunning views from its mountaintop perch at 2,260 feet, rustic stone cabins, and a lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The campground includes nine primitive campsites and one group site with tent pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and water; all on a first-come, first-served basis for a $15 fee. There are a couple of nice hiking trails here, including a 13.4-mile loop to Shores Lake and a scenic 1.5-mile rim trail with overlooks of the Ozark National Forest. There is a general store that offers drinks, snacks, shelf-stable groceries, and maps of the trails in the area, making it a perfect stop, whether you're planning an overnight stay or just need to reset and resupply while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is located in the scenic northeast corner of the Ouachita National Forest, surrounded by beautiful pine and oak-covered mountains. The 18-acre lake is perfect for swimming and fishing, and there is an adjacent campground—ideal for an overnight or weekend stay. The park includes a historic Girl Scout camp built in the late 1930s and trails that connect to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, providing an opportunity for backpackers to explore this beautiful area. The park offers 14 campsites with water and electricity, seven primitive sites, and two group tent camping areas. Campsite fees are $12 and are first-come, first-served, with a cash-only self-pay station on-site. For more information, visit https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-sylvia-recreation-area.

The Brushy Trail Complex combines Brushy Mountain, Mountain Top, Rockhouse, and Brushy Creek Trails, which, along with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, offer a variety of fantastic loop-trail hiking options spanning from 3 to 12 miles. This area is picturesque, with flowing streams, waterfalls, unique geological formations, and peaceful woodlands. Entrance to the day use area and dispersed camping is free—just be sure you camp at least 100 feet away from any trail. Brushy Creek is a reliable water source for thru hikers exploring the ONRT, making it an excellent spot to spend the night during a long journey.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from its fully renovated lodge. Known as the original “Castle in the Sky,” originally built in 1898, the lodge is situated on the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain—Arkansas' second highest peak. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands, after Dutch investors helped fund the construction of the railroad system. The park includes 41 campsites, including five tent sites with water, one hike-in tent site, picnic areas, and several short hiking trails, and the lodge features 40 rooms, a restaurant featuring Southern cuisine, and a gift shop. Dogs are welcome except in the restaurant and the large hearth room.

The Black Fork Mountain Shelter is a backcountry shelter located off of the Ouachita Recreation Trail. It serves as a resting point and a basic shelter for hikers to spend the night during their trek. The rugged and steep Black Fork Mountain Trail continues up from the shelter to the namesake summit.