State Parks and National Parks

Bull Shoals-White River State Park

Damming the White River in northern Arkansas in 1951 transformed the local way of life.

The creation of 45,440-acre Bull Shoals Lake turned this sparsely inhabited patch of the Ozarks into a magnet for anglers and other tourists.

Located at the southern end of the lake, the park embraces lake and river waters. The lake holds "lunker" bass, crappie and bream. The river's feisty rainbow and brown trout attract fly fishers from across the nation.

Hiking is limited to 2.5 miles of scenic trails. One trail meanders near the lake; the other traverses the wooded hills below the dam.

Gaston's Wildflower Trail is a .75-mile paved, wheelchair-accessible trail.

The Oakridge Mountain Bike trail is a two- to four-mile, multi-use trail that offers both hikers and mountain bikers access to remote areas of the park. The trail traverses through the oak-hickory upland forest for a unique walking or riding experience

Camping facilities include 85 developed and 20 primitive sites along the river, a pavilion, store, gift shop, boat dock and a basketball court.

The park's new 15,744-square-foot James A. Gaston Visitor Center offers spectacular views of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and Bull Shoals Lake. The center also offers an observation tower, Johnboat Theater and Exhibit Hall, gift shop, two classrooms and park offices.

Photo credits in order: Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.