Bull Shoals State Park, an Arkansas State Park located nearby Mountain Home

BULL SHOALS STATE PARK

BULL SHOALS STATE PARK
153 Dam Overlook Lane
Bull Shoals, Arkansas 72619

Phone: 870-445-3629
Email:

Bull Shoals State Park
© The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of M.I. Dishman at Just2knowu2comcast.net

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals Dam'
© cChris Walters Photography
A shot from the observation tower showing Bull Shoals Dam the White River

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals Lake'
© cChris Walters Photography
A view of Bull Shoals lake taken from the observation tower

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals Lake'
© cChris Walters Photography
A shot of Bull Shoals lake taken from the observation tower

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals State Park'
© cChris Walters Photography
The white river curling around Bull Shoals State Park, seen from the observation tower

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals Cavern'
© cChris Walters Photography
A shot from inside Bull Shoals Cavern

Bull Shoals State Park
'Bull Shoals Dam'
© cChris Walters Photography
Above Bull Shoals Dam from visitor center side

Bull Shoals State Park
'The White River'
© cChris Walters Photography
Looking downstream from Bull Shoals Dam along the white river

Bull Shoals State Park
'The White River'
© cChris Walters Photography
Looking along the white river from the top of Bull Shoals Dam

Bull Shoals State Park
'Visitor Center Bull Shoals Dam'
© cChris Walters Photography
An inside view of the visitor center at Bull Shoals Dam

In north central Arkansas amidst the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals-White River State Park stretches along the riverside and lakeshore where the White River and Bull Shoals Lake join at the Bull Shoals dam. Together these waters form one of the nation’s finest fishing and boating combinations. The White River is renowned as mid-America’s premier trout stream, famous for its record rainbow and brown trout. Bull Shoals dam forms Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas’s largest lake with 45,440 acres of waters stretching along Arkansas's northern border and into southern Missouri. Anglers are drawn to the lake's catches of lunker bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy boating and swimming in these clear open waters.

The park is a popular camping destination that features 103 campsites along or near the river (two Class AAA, one Class AA, four Class A, 76 Class B, 20 Tent sites with no hookups, two Rent-A-Camp sites and two Rent-An-RV units). Interpretive programs are offered in the park throughout the year. Park facilities include picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a multi-use trail. The park's marina/store offers boat, motor, kayak and canoe rentals; and supplies, equipment, and gifts for sale.

History of the Area

The park's 15,744-square foot visitor center opened in fall 2006. The $4.8 million center is situated on a highpoint across the dam from the rest of the park's facilities. The center affords a spectacular view of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and Bull Shoals Lake. This visitor/education center is named in honor of Jim Gaston of Lakeview, owner of Arkansas’s renowned Gaston’s White River Resort. The James A. Gaston Visitor Center serves as the primary visitor contact point at Bull Shoals-White River State Park and is the focal point for the interpretation of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam, Bull Shoals Lake. Interpretive exhibits are featured throughout the lobby, gift shop, Johnboat Theater, and Exhibit Hall, a 1,720-square-foot area filled with images of the river, lake and dam. These state-of-the art exhibits and the video presentation in the theater tell about the histories and fisheries these renowned waters hold. The center also includes an observation tower, gift shop, two classrooms and park offices.

Area Accommodations

Meadow View Ranch Guesthouse - Lebanon, MO

Cottages and Cabins

Come stay with us 170 acres of rolling hills in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Close to State Parks, National Forests, Conservation Areas, and the Niangua River. Many great places to shop just a car ride away. Located 10 miles from town. Pets welcome

Web Site: http://www.meadowviewranch.com/

Get directions
to this park:

Nearby Parks

Jones Point State Wildlife Management Area

Trails

Big Bluff Trail

Length: 1 3/4 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: The trail traverses the wooded hills below Bull Shoals Dam. Overlooking the White River, the trail offers examples of plant succession and wildlife native to the area. A portion of the trail is located near a bluff, so be careful to stay on the trail at all times.

Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 North, then 8 miles west on Hwy. 178

Bluebird Trail

Length: 2 miles Time: 2 Hours Difficulty: Easy Brochure: At Visitor Center

Description: Not a traditional trail, this collection of bluebird houses through ther campground is a flurry of activity each spring and summer as the eastern bluebirds use these homes to raise their young. Walking the grassy lawn area from house to house and enjoying the nesting and feeding behaviors of these bluebirds is very rewarding.

Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619

Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail

Length: .75 Time: 1 Hour Difficulty: Easy

Description: This memorial wildflower garden loop trail meanders through three acres of wildflowers that change each week through the season. Wildlife, including birds and butterflies, can be throughout the trail at feeders and rest areas. The area is under constant development amd memorial contributions may be made at any time.

Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619

Hidden Hollow Wildflower Trail

Length: .02 miles Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Brochure: At Visitor Center

Description: This short trail traverses a fragile woodland wildflower area. To get to the trailhead , you must cross a wooded area with no clearly marked trail, look for the sign approimately 50 feet into the wooded area.

Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619

Lakeside Trail

Length: 1 mile Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: This scenic trail has an abundance of wildlife and is located along a cove on Bull Shoals Lake. It affords good viewing of spring and fall colors.

Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 North, then 7 miles west on Hwy. 178

Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail

Length: 3 miles Time: 1-2 Hours Difficulty: Moderate

Description: Constructed by the Bull Shoals-Lakeview Rotary Club, this multi-use trail offers both hikers and mountain bikers access to remote areas of the park. The trail traverses the oak-hickory upland forest for a unique walking or riding experience. Along the trail are creek crossings, dirt roads, open meadows, long downhills and taxing uphills. Depending on the direction of travel, the loop trail allows users to choose from two levels of difficulty: Clockwise (marked with blue blazes) - moderately difficult with strenuous uphill slopes. Counter-clockwise (marked with green blazes) - moderately easy. Note: Rental bikes are available at the Camper Registration Center in the park. Bicycle helmets are strongly recommended.

Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619

Park Visitor Online Reviews

August 23 Heaven in Arkansas by David Harrington

I have been camping at Bull Shoals State Park each year for past 17 yrs. Without question, it is the nicest State Park in Arkansas, and for trout fishing,excellent camp grounds, with a Park Staff second to none, one of the top spots in all the US!

June 16 a blast by Dawn in Arkansas

This is our favorite place to go. The trout fishing is exceptional. lots of good memories at BSSP.

May 8 lovely park by donna

we love camping at this park great fishing and very relaxing beauiful.

January 31 It is our favorite park by Tandy

I have never camped where the staff from reservations, check in, fishing dock, and park staff are so ready and happy to help. All are people people.

May 5 Totally wicked, dude!!! by meee

cool

May 4 Our FAVORITE Park! by Kim Merryman

We live in west central Illinois and try to travel down to Bull Shoals state park for camping at least once every 2 years. With 4 children it is hard to find an inexpensive vacation that has something for everyone, Bull Shoals is the perfect camping/boating/fishing area with wonderfully friendly and helpful employees, (especially the Dock) exceptional public restrooms/shower houses - plus beautiful scenery with many sites and attractions close by that makes it a perfect vactation spot for us!

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Directions

To reach Bull Shoals-White River State Park from Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park.