Bull Shoals-White River State Park
RV Guide

Introduction

Sitting along the shores of the White River and Bull Shoals Lake is the 732-acre Bull Shoals-White River State Park, a world-class trout fishing and RV camping destination. Located ten miles north of Flippin along State Highway 178, and nine miles northwest of Mountain Home, Arkansas, this state park features a 15,744-square-foot visitor center sitting high above the Bull Shoals Dam that offers fascinating views of White River, Bull Shoals Lake, and Bull Shoals Dam.

Bull Shoals-White River State Park features full RV hookups campsites, electric and water hookup campsites, as well as Rent-an-RV campsites, picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a multi-use trail, boat ramp, fishing pier, trailer dump station, restrooms and an amphitheater. The park's marina/store offers boat, motor, kayak and canoe rentals; and, in addition, supplies, equipment, and gifts for sale.

Activities to enjoy on RV vacation at Bull Shoals-White River State Park include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, wildlife and wildflower viewing, picnicking, birding, canoeing/kayaking, horseshoes, and volleyball.

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 1,720-square-foot Exhibit Hall filled with images of the river, lake and dam. The center also includes an observation tower, gift shop, two classrooms, and the park staff's offices.

RV Rentals in Bull Shoals-White River State Park

Transportation

Driving

Bull Shoals-White River State Park is easy to access both from Flippin and Mountain Home, Arkansas. The park is located ten miles north of Flippin along State Highway 178, and nine miles northwest of Mountain Home, hence you’ll have no problem accessing the park in your RV, trailer, or other motorized vehicles. Local paved roads connect different parts of the park. There are no driving restrictions within the park.

Parking

There are various parking options for RVs/trailers and cars in Bull Shoals-White River State Park with four major parking lots in the park at the campgrounds and along the main road, as well as other smaller parking areas distributed around the park. Overnight parking is available to RV campers in the park.

Public Transportation

There are no public transportation facilities available at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Campgrounds and parking in Bull Shoals-White River State Park

Campsites in Bull Shoals-White River State Park

Reservations camping

Loop A

Loop A in Bull Shoals-White River State Park features 28 standard campsites available for RVs and tents. One of the campsites in the loop is ADA accessible. All the campsites are equipped with full hookup options (electric, water, and sewer hookups) for RVs. RV length limit in the loop is 75 feet. A bath house is available in the loop, and an amphitheater is located nearby. Fire rings and picnic tables are available in the loop. The roads in the loop are paved.

Loop B

Loop B in Bull Shoals-White River State Park features 16 standard campsites available for RVs and tents. All the campsites are equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs. RV length limit in the loop is 63 feet. Bath houses and a Marina are available near the loop. Fire rings and picnic tables are available in the loop. The roads in the loop are paved.

Loop C

Loop C in Bull Shoals-White River State Park features 17 standard campsites available for RVs and tents. The loop is made up of six campsites with full hookup options (electric, water, sewer hookups) for RVs, eight campsites equipped with electric and water RV hookups, and three Rent-an-RV campsites. RV length limit in the loop is 56 feet. Bath houses are available in the loop, with a Marina nearby. Fire rings and picnic tables are available in the loop. The roads in the loop are paved.

Loop D

Loop D in Bull Shoals-White River State Park features 31 standard campsites available for RVs and tents. Four of the campsites in the loop are ADA accessible. The loop is made up of 29 campsites with full hookup options (electric, water, sewer hookups) for RVs, and 2 campsites equipped with electric and water RV hookups. RV length limit in the loop is 61 feet. Bath houses are available in the loop, with a Marina nearby. Fire rings and picnic tables are available in the loop. The roads in the loop are paved.

Seasonal activities in Bull Shoals-White River State Park

In-Season

Fishing

Bull Shoals-White River State Park is famous for its world-class trout fishing. The White River in the park is a premier trout stream, famous for its record rainbow and brown trout. Bull Shoals Dam in the Bull Shoals Lake is also a popular fishing destination as the lake is Arkansas’ largest lake with 45,440 acres of waters. RV campers and anglers are drawn to the lake's catches of lunker bass, catfish, crappie, and bream.

The Trout Dock in the park provides up-to-the-minute fishing information, bait, tackle, snacks, ice, souvenirs, and general merchandise, and is a Wi-Fi Internet hotspot for RV campers to enjoy the fully immersive experience. The barrier free fishing pier in the park offers access to all campers to catch fish in the White River.

Hiking/Mountain Biking

Bull Shoals-White River State Park has various hiking trails that meander near the lake and climb the wooded hills below the dam. The six trails in the park include Big Bluff Trail (1.75 miles), Bluebird Trail (two miles), Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail (0.75 miles), Heritage and Habitat Trail (0.5 miles), Lakeside Trail (one mile), and Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail (three miles). These trails are open to hiking in the day and vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. RV campers that hike on these trails are led through cedar glades, mature deciduous forests, and across streams. They also observe the nesting and feeding behaviors of bluebirds and see wildflowers along the park’s trails. The Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail which is both a hiking and biking trail traverses the oak-hickory upland forest for a unique walking or riding experience.

Boating

RV campers that love to boat enjoy themselves on the White River in the park which has a boat ramp. What’s more, boat and motor rental facilities are available at the Trout Dock for campers who do not have their boats and wish to participate in the boating experience. Moreover, canoe and kayak rentals are also available, offering opportunities for campers to paddle on the river.

Off-Season

Birding

Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers excellent habitats for various birds including spring and fall migrants as well as summer and winter residents.

These birds are found in different habitats in the park, so bring a good bird guide and some patience and you'll be rewarded with a broad range of species in their natural habitat.

Flora

RV campers enjoy amazing views of flora in Bull Shoals-White River State Park. These beautiful sights include flowering dogwoods in springtime and flaming fall foliage of autumn. These sights are presented in sun-soaked days of summer to the magic of wintertime in the mountains. As a result, the beauty of the park captivates artists, photographers, and RV vacationers.

Visitor Center/Interpretive Programs

The Visitor Center in Bull Shoals-White River State Park features sweeping views of the White River, Bull Shoals Lake, and Bull Shoals Dam where RV campers find an observation tower, interpretive exhibits, audiovisual theater, gift shop, meeting rooms, and park offices.

Interpretive Programs at the park include guided trail walks, demonstrations, and evening activities such as slide presentations, campfire stories, music, games, owl prowls, and night hikes.