Camping near White Rock Mountain

[Curtis_Elwood]

I know this is a boating forum so I apologize in advance but I figured you all would know.

Anyone have any camping suggestions near White Rock Mountain that are reservable? My girlfriend and I are coming down to backpack the OHT and will be getting in late on a Friday night. Problem is that White Rock and Shores Lake are first-come, first-serve. Anything off of 540 south of Fayetteville or 40 east of Fort Smith would be ideal. Don't need anything special, just a place to pop up the tent.

Thanks,

Curtis

[Steve S]

There are two state parks in the area that offer reserved camp sites. Lake Ft. Smith St. Park and Devils Den St. Park. You can check them out at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/park-finder/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The website gives you the contact numbers if you want to make a reservation.

[Curtis_Elwood]

Thanks. Devils Den looks good. I'll check it out. I've stayed at LFS before and there was too much traffic for how close the tent sites are to the road.

[scott yarbrough]

I don't think either WRM or Shores Lake will be crowded this time of the year. Matter of fact, just call to make sure the gates will be open. If not Bliss Ridge (FR1505) runs between the two and has primative camp sites on both sides of the road. Have a great time.

[Trismegistus]

Agree with Scott -- should be plenty of available camping at White Rock or Shores Lake -- still too early for autumn color and most folks going out for the color are day-trippers.

[Curtis_Elwood]

I'm actually going in two weeks. Should be prime fall colors by then (I hope). I spoke with the woman who runs WRM and she said she usually fills up by 10:00pm on Friday nights. We can't make it until around midnight.

I didn't notice campsites along Bliss Ridge (FR1505) last time I was down there, but it's been about 6 years. I'll check it out. Sounds like a winner to me. Thanks.

[dwilson]

There is a camp ground a mile south of Mulberry that is hardly used. No showers but has flush toliets and electric hookups. If your hikin from Shores Lake the west trail is best. About 4 to 5 miles in when the trail starts heading up find a way to get down by the creek and follow it up. I promise if ya haven't seen this part it is great. No trail markers this way to follow. There will be hunters in the woods so wear blaze. If ya take the east trail around 3 miles in find a way down to that creek. There is a long hand built rock fence to be seen in the bottom.

[Curtis_Elwood]

I've hiked the western side of the Shores Lake-White Rock loop. Very nice. This time, we're starting at Lick Branch and hiking west, finishing at white Rock Mountain for a total of around 38 miles. Should be a good time. I'll have half of the OHT trail done after this trip. Talked to the woman and we're going to stay at Devil's Den. That way, we can pig out on breakfast and save a meal on the trail. Thanks again for all the beta.