Lake Fort Smith, AR

[PaulnGina]

We are spending a few nights at Lake Fort Smith near Mountainburg, AR. Nice state park just off of I-49 about an hour south of Bentonville, AR.

Nice lake, super-nice campground that was reopened in 2008 (or so) after the state combined a couple of smaller lakes into one. It is part of the water supply for Fort Smith, AR, so the city has the say over what can be done on the lake. So, no swimming or skiing, just fishing and boating. Not sure of their reasoning, because our most local lake, Beaver Lake, is the water supply for a lot of NW Arkansas and you can do anything on that lake. Oh well, it's still a very nice park.

It has been very hot this week: 95+ and high humidity. The AC is getting a workout but keeps up nicely. Solidifies in my mind, though, that I will coat the top of the trailer with some sort of white coating. This weather is typical for our neck of the woods, so it'll help a lot.

Pictures posted here: 2015 July trip to Lake Fort Smith, AR - Photo Gallery

[cwf]

Yeah, our "white roof" is showing signs of needing a recoat.

We visited the Ft. Smith area a couple years ago.... But stayed closer in due to our reason for traveling. Will check out the pics!!

[KJRitchie]

Looks like a nice park. We are going back out in two weeks. Our reservations at Table Rock Lake Mill Creek COE were canceled due to high water flooding the campground and knocking out the electricity on most of the non-flooded sites. Not digging this humidity. Airstream was out in front of our house and got hammered by heavy rain. Rear window is leaking and water on the subfloor under the rear dinette. Back in covered storage it goes while I try to dry it out and seal up the window or rear awning mounts or clearance lights or rivets or rear bumper rub rail.

Kelvin

[PaulnGina]

Good luck with the repairs.

I have the same kind of work to do on our Avion, but at the front. Last two small drips that I think are originating at the running lights, the radio antenna (doubtful... new antenna, I think I sealed it well), or the riveted rail that the rock guard pivots on.

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Rear window is leaking and water on the subfloor under the rear dinette. Back in covered storage it goes while I try to dry it out and seal up the window or rear awning mounts or clearance lights or rivets or rear bumper rub rail.

Kelvin

[PaulnGina]

Meant to mention that there is a very nice swimming pool that can be used (at add'l fee). Good pool, has a water fountain area that shoots water and also fills cone-shaped buckets that dump as they get full.... I see kids in it all the time.

Also, cell service is good for AT&T, but very marginal for Verizon. Wife's AT&T phone works well, my Verizon phone has "no signal" until we get up the hill a ways, and our Verizon MiFi catches a bar, or at the most two bars, if you hold the MiFi just right, stand on your head in just the right spot in the trailer, and stick you tongue in the side of your mouth, or any combination of those things. There is a tower visible from the parking lot where you check in. Verizon apparently doesn't occupy any space on said tower.

[NavyCorpsman]

I have often thought a zip dee that opened over the top would be a nice addition. (kind of like a bad comb over....) I've been working "in" mine today. Ambient temp 96, WBGT index 109. 37 y/o A/C works flawlessly. Much to be thankful for.
Having been to 40 something countries and as many States, Arkansas is hard to beat. (Perth Australia takes second). We just cant seem to get enough of Petit Jean State Park. Maybe I can override my steering wheel next trip north..... I'm glad you guys are having a great time.

[Alphonse]

Being originally from Hot Springs, I am always delighted to see photos of my home state! I also lived in Fayetteville for 5 years for a part of my education. Some of my other Airstream buddies and I are talking of an Arkansas Caravan sometime. Arkansas is a great tourism state with lots and lots of state parks that would be fun to visit.

NavyCorpsman you have several great venues around you in Hot Springs.

Thanks Paul for posting the beautiful photos and hope the heat lets up a bit. July and August in that part of the country can be brutal.

[cwf]

Ohhhh a
"Fee pool"... That's why no swimming.

[Mrs. Retail6]

I live right up the mountain in Springdale, Ar. If you've not camped at Mount Magazine State Park it's really nice too. It had a make over like Lake Fort Smith. The nice thing about Mount Magazine is its the highest point in Arkansas and always 10 degrees cooler than in the valley. You might check it out while your in the area. Happy Trails!

[PaulnGina]

We would LOVE to go there! It is on our list of places to check out. We drove through there a few years ago, but didn't have the trailer then.

We made it home early this afternoon. Beautiful hour-long drive home through the Boston Mountains. Made sure we left early enough to not be driving in the hottest part of the day.

Posted a few more pictures in the album. 2015 July trip to Lake Fort Smith, AR - Photo Gallery

[sunnygirl]

We visited Lake Fort Smith State Park two years ago and stayed in the exact same campsite. Thanks for posting the photos. They brought back great memories of a great trip and a beautiful state park.

Susan

[PaulnGina]

Amazing!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by sunnygirl

We visited Lake Fort Smith State Park two years ago and stayed in the exact same campsite. Thanks for posting the photos. They brought back great memories of a great trip and a beautiful state park.

Susan

[sovereign93]

Must say this is a very nice State Park. Spent the night last Fall in a one-bedroom cabin (on the way back from Devils Den - another nice State Park) as we did not have the Airstream with us. The cabins are new and well maintained. Glad to hear you got to spend some time here.

[Mrs. Retail6]

Let me suggest Mount Magazine in October! My husband and I went for week-end get-a-way, and wound up staying a week. It was so beautiful with the fall colors & cool temps for those wonderful campfires at night. Oh! And taking pics at the stars at night. Do I need to say anymore? LOL I do love Mount Magazine and its two hours from my house.

[Boogieshoes]

We have stayed at Mt Magazine and Petit Jean; both great. Can't wait to camp there in our AS (due late Oct). Lake Ft Smith sounds great as well; were up in Bentonville last weekend for a wedding; really nice town. Parked our car Friday afternoon and didn't get back in it until Sunday. Lots of walking around fun. Of course, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is just stunning. We may be Texans by birth and legacy, but we love living in Arkansas!

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by Boogieshoes

.......... but we love living in Arkansas!

I have to agree with you. We LOVE it here.

Can you believe that little ol' Bentonville has something like Crystal Bridges? Associated with that, a new kid's museum/activity center called the Amazeum recently opened.

The downtown area of Bentonville is steadily being improved and is quite an attraction in itself. Lots to see and do, bike/walking trails that will take you all the way to Fayetteville if you're energetic, micro-breweries, restaurants, shops, etc..... all in a small-town, downtown-square atmosphere.

Pea Ridge National Battlefield is close by, Eureka Springs, the White River (great trout fishing), Beaver Lake........ It's a great place.

[Mrs. Retail6]

Arkansas is amazing! Once I started to traveling I thought all State Parks were suppose of be great. What I have learned is, I been spoiled by Arkansas. Now I always keep extra park guides the Airstream to give to others who have not had the pleasure of visiting the Natural State. I'm am a native Mississippian but I love my home of 20 years.

[murreywalker]

While Fort Smith State Park is nice, don't forget to mention Devil's Den State Park, which is about twenty minutes north of FS.

FS is less than three or four years old, but the beginnings of Devil's Den goes all the way back to the 1930's and is full of hiking trails, and IMO much more scenic.