Mammoth Spring State Park, Arkansas
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Mammoth Spring State Park is a small but mighty recreation destination in Arkansas sure to delight visitors of all ages. The crown jewel of this park is the Mammoth Spring itself, a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest natural springs anywhere in the world, pumping out a whopping nine million gallons of fresh water every single hour. The 10-acre lake these springs form before the water makes its way into the Spring River is a destination for family fun perfect for your next vacation in a rented RV. Before you grab your own RV rental and head for the springs, here’s everything you need to know to plan a getaway you won’t soon forget.
The centerpiece of the park is the historic hydroelectric dam which once harnessed the awesome power of the millions of waters of rushing water to power the entire surrounding area. The mill and powerplant are relics of a bygone era, but they stand witness to Mammoth Spring’s rich history and create some unbeatable photo opportunities in the center of the town of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Surrounding the old dam are a playground, picnic area, baseball field, and a gift shop.
Also in the heart of the State Park, is the Arkansas Welcome Center, which is definitely worth a visit. Because Mammoth Spring is located so close to the Missouri state line, this welcome center doubles as a visitor center for the entire state of Arkansas as well as Mammoth Spring. Learn more about the welcome center, plus all of the amenities in Mammoth Spring State Park, on the park’s webpage.
Another component of the historic attractions at Mammoth Spring State Park is a well-maintained historic railway stop just outside the old hydroelectric plant. Frisco Depot is a short walk from the old dam and stands out as vibrant slice of Victorian history with its bright red walls and pea green accents. Even from afar, the ornate diamond-framed windows and old-time train caboose signal to visitors that they’re about to take a step back in time.
Inside, historic recreations tell the story of how Mammoth Spring became the town it is in large part due to this railway stop, which once served as a vital connection to Kansas City and Memphis. The classic architecture and brick hallways are well preserved and brought to life by life-sized mannequins representing train attendants and travelers in bowler caps. There are audio guides throughout the museum that educate about the town’s history and the many artifacts on display, like the collection housed in what used to be the depot’s luggage area.
Fishing in the Spring River is serious business, but it’s also accessible fun for the entire family. The river is home to a wide variety of species, including (but not limited to) trout, bass, muskies, sunfish, walleye, and channel catfish. You’ll need a license from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (whose website has a great page about Spring River), but once you do, you’ll be able to choose from among countless fishing spots. Bring your rods and bait and tackle, and prepare to haul in a pretty fantastic family dinner.
Don’t have your own fishing gear to bring? That’s okay! Outfitters like Spring River Flies & Guides open up the river and help you create wonderful fishing memories to last a lifetime. In fact, the company is the only full-service fishing guide on the Spring River in Arkansas. They offer half-day and full-day tours with lunch provided on the full-day experiences.
A destination in its own right, the Mammoth Springs National Fish Hatchery offers visitors a hands-on look at the important preservation work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One of the oldest hatcheries in the United States, it was built to make use of the fresh, clean, gravity-driven waterflows from Mammoth Springs to help increase endangered populations. There, experts work tirelessly to hatch paddlefish, sturgeon, freshwater mussels, and more. The hatchery is also the only home of a full population of Gulf striped bass anywhere in the world!
In terms of things to do at the hatchery, guests love to fish in the well-stocked stretch of Spring River. Inside, there’s a fantastic aquarium that puts the local marine population on display and educates kids and adults alike about Arkansas ecology, marine biology, and conservation efforts. Learn more and plan your trip with a visit to the hatchery’s website.
Last but not least on this list, floating is maybe the main recreational attraction at Mammoth Spring State Park. The always flowing, calm, cool, and clean waters rushing from the spring make this area unparalleled for canoeing, tubing, and rafting away the day. There’s no shortage of outfitters in the area standing by to rent you all the canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts you’ll need for a day (or several days) spent relaxing in the cool water and sunshine.
One reason to visit Mammoth Spring by rented RV is that many of the area’s RV-friendly resorts and campgrounds actually double as boat rental companies. What better way to enjoy a trip to the springs then to pull in to your very own campsite knowing there’s rental facilities right there and convenient access to the Spring River anytime you want?
A top-rated Good Sam Club Park in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, Crown Lake RV Resort is a relaxing and gorgeous RV resort in the Ozarks. There are plenty of spacious, full-hookup RV spots available at a Good Sam discount, plus great amenities like a white sand beach, mini golf, two pools, a spa, and even an on-site restaurant to enjoy.
Just outside Hardy, Arkansas and a short trip from Mammoth Spring State Park, Southfork Resort makes the most of its location on the “south fork” of the Spring River with its full-service RV sites and boat rentals. Rent a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube to brave the class 1, 2, and 3 rapids accessible from the park, or go out for a day fishing for trout, walleye, and bass.
Also on the banks of the Spring River in Hardy is Hardy RV Park, an excellent RV campsite featuring cabin rentals plus campsites with water and electric hookups. Swing by the camp store for camping and floating supplies, then head out to enjoy floating down the river or fishing the day way.
Right inside Mammoth Spring, Arkansas is Saddler Falls Resort, another great combination RV campground and canoe outfitter where guests enjoy everything they need to make the most of their Mamsoth Spring State Park vacations. Enjoy spacious sites and canoe rentals on site, and make use of the park’s shuttle service to get into the park for a day of adventure without unhooking the RV.
Last but certainly not least on the list is Many Islands Camp & Canoe Rental in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Enjoy a peaceful setting right on the water in an affordable electric RV site. The on-site outfitters offer canoe, kayak, and raft rentals plus shuttle services to Mammoth Spring’s Dam #3 for the best whitewater rapids.
The closest spot to the park’s entrance is Fred’s Fish House, which is a great place to get a true taste of the river with a selection of seafood options and local favorites. For other options, you only have to drive about 12 miles away and your dining opportunities open up quite a bit. Bluff Steakhouse is an upscale restaurant offering steaks and other steakhouse classics. For a family-friendly restaurant with American classics and draft beer, check out Spring River Draft House.
For a longer list of restaurants close to Mammoth Spring State Park, visit the park’s page on the Arkansas State Parks website.