If you’re tired of you and your family staying glued to devices even while out in the middle of Arkansas wilderness for a vacation, then this will definitely be a helpful guide. We’ve picked out our favorite Arkansas adventures that just so happen to be at router-less state parks. Put down the phone and let go of the FOMO (fear of missing out) as we plan your next wifi-free adventure.
- Paddle at Woolly Hollow State Park.
Flickr/Dave Thomas Located in central Arkansas at Greenbrier, Woolly Hollow has some fantastic wifi-free fun. The 40-acre Lake Bennett is great for fishing, boating, or swimming. The area also has camping and three hiking trails.
- Marvel at the Arkansas’ largest springs.
Flickr/Gewel Maker Mammoth Spring State Park houses one of the largest springs in the world. If seeing nine million gallons of water flowing hourly doesn’t quench your thirst for adventure not to worry. The spring runs as Spring River further south, which is famous for trout fishing. Pedal boats and kayaks are also available for the springs’ 10-acre lake.
- Excavate the lost city of Davidsonville.
TripAdvisor/management There’s no shortage of archaeological finds at Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas. Little is left of the city home to the state’s first post office and one of the earliest courthouses. Visitors can learn about the area’s history and fish on the Black River.
- Build a sandcastle on the river port.
Facebook/Portfest Festival Jacksonport State Park in Newport has a variety features. History buffs will appreciate learning about the occupation of the town during the Civil War. Besides the museum, the park has camping, swimming beach, and an annual music festival - PortFest.
- Hike around Village Creek.
Flickr/Dave Thomas Village Creek State Park in Wynne is Arkansas’ second largest park at nearly 7,000 acres. The trail system covers 33 miles, 25 of which are perfect for horseback riding. A segment of the Trail of Tears is also part of the trails.
- Bring it down to the bayou.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball Explore the world’s longest bayou, Bayou Bartholomew, to spot wildlife or to take a birding tour. Located in Cane Creek State Park at Star City, the area is perfect for backpacking, fishing, or kayaking. Just watch out for the gators!
- Kayak the Cossatot River.
Flickr/AR Nature Gal This rocky canyon with Class IV rapids is a favorite for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. If your white water navigating experience is limited, you can still enjoy camping or taking a scenic trail. This gorgeous area is in the western part of the state at Wickes.
- Stay on the lake.
TripAdvisor/Suzanne W Overlook the water at one of Lake Catherine’s 20 cabins. This is one of the five lakes in the Ouachita Mountains that’s perfect for fishing. You can also hike the Falls Branch Trail that leads to a waterfall during the rainy season.
- Take to the trees at the arboretum.
Flickr/Daniel Explore the native and exotic plants at the South Arkansas Arboretum in El Dorado. This relaxing area has paved trails zigzagging through the 12-acres wooded park. Meditate among the flora or polish your photography skills.
- Bicycle at Bluff City.
Flickr/Woman of Scorn White Oak Lake is one of the less frequented (but by no means sub-par) of the 52 state parks. Camp lakeside and enjoy the peaceful quiet while fishing. Rent a bicycle at the visitors center and tackle the mountain biking trail through the marshlands.
Where’s your favorite wifi-free spot in Arkansas? Share with us in the comments below!
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Located in central Arkansas at Greenbrier, Woolly Hollow has some fantastic wifi-free fun. The 40-acre Lake Bennett is great for fishing, boating, or swimming. The area also has camping and three hiking trails.
Flickr/Gewel Maker
Mammoth Spring State Park houses one of the largest springs in the world. If seeing nine million gallons of water flowing hourly doesn’t quench your thirst for adventure not to worry. The spring runs as Spring River further south, which is famous for trout fishing. Pedal boats and kayaks are also available for the springs’ 10-acre lake.
TripAdvisor/management
There’s no shortage of archaeological finds at Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas. Little is left of the city home to the state’s first post office and one of the earliest courthouses. Visitors can learn about the area’s history and fish on the Black River.
Facebook/Portfest Festival
Jacksonport State Park in Newport has a variety features. History buffs will appreciate learning about the occupation of the town during the Civil War. Besides the museum, the park has camping, swimming beach, and an annual music festival - PortFest.
Village Creek State Park in Wynne is Arkansas’ second largest park at nearly 7,000 acres. The trail system covers 33 miles, 25 of which are perfect for horseback riding. A segment of the Trail of Tears is also part of the trails.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Explore the world’s longest bayou, Bayou Bartholomew, to spot wildlife or to take a birding tour. Located in Cane Creek State Park at Star City, the area is perfect for backpacking, fishing, or kayaking. Just watch out for the gators!
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
This rocky canyon with Class IV rapids is a favorite for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. If your white water navigating experience is limited, you can still enjoy camping or taking a scenic trail. This gorgeous area is in the western part of the state at Wickes.
TripAdvisor/Suzanne W
Overlook the water at one of Lake Catherine’s 20 cabins. This is one of the five lakes in the Ouachita Mountains that’s perfect for fishing. You can also hike the Falls Branch Trail that leads to a waterfall during the rainy season.
Flickr/Daniel
Explore the native and exotic plants at the South Arkansas Arboretum in El Dorado. This relaxing area has paved trails zigzagging through the 12-acres wooded park. Meditate among the flora or polish your photography skills.
Flickr/Woman of Scorn
White Oak Lake is one of the less frequented (but by no means sub-par) of the 52 state parks. Camp lakeside and enjoy the peaceful quiet while fishing. Rent a bicycle at the visitors center and tackle the mountain biking trail through the marshlands.
For more seasonally appropriate adventures, why not take a winter walk?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
