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Into the Wild
Hiking and Camping Adventures in Rogers, Arkansas
Unplug and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozarks.
There isn’t a bad time of year to visit Rogers, but spring and summer are extra-special seasons in Northwest Arkansas. Starting in April, the Ozarks become a lush nature lover’s paradise, promising countless opportunities for adventures on serene trails and lakeside campsites. The best part? The hiking routes and campgrounds offer deeply immersive outdoor experiences yet are located near Rogers, which makes the city a convenient jumping off point for excursions.
Keep in mind: No matter where you explore, plan responsibly, check and follow park rules and prepare for unpredictable weather (layers are best). Also don’t forget to “pack it in and pack it out” and leave our precious landscapes as you found them.
Beaver Lake
Crystal-clear water, rolling hills, and more than 480 miles of shoreline make Beaver Lake perfect for campers, boaters and hikers. Pop on the 0.9-mile family-friendly Rim Rock Nature Loop to take in gorgeous views of wildflowers and the lake, or mosey through an old growth evergreen and hardwood forest on the easy Horseshoe Bend Trail.
For those interested in partaking in water activities such as boating, water skiing or fishing, consider pitching a tent on the lake. Horseshoe Bend, Prairie Creek and Rocky Branch campgrounds are nestled on the shore of the lake near marinas and have features such as flush toilets, drinking water, volleyball courts, playgrounds and plenty of shade.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
Arkansas’ largest state park, which spans the southern shore of Beaver Lake, has a 54-mile trail system and primitive camping for those seeking rugged outdoor expeditions. Seasoned hikers and backpackers are drawn to the Pigeon Roost, a route that winds up and along ridges and through areas dense with native pines and hardwoods. The 8.5-mile route is rated as moderate and strenuous and can be completed in about 8 to 9 hours with overnight camping opportunities at five designated sites. Hobbs State Park also has hike- or bike-in campsites at Karst Loop with fire rings but no water or vehicle access.
Devil’s Den State Park
The wood and stone structures at Devil’s Den State Park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program started during the Great Depression to provide employment and conservation work for young men. Located in the Lee Creek Valley in the Boston Mountains (about 40 minutes from Rogers), the park is one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S. and is dotted with rock formations and caverns.
Learn more about work of the CCC on the gentle 0.25-mile interpretive trail, which winds through the main camp that was used during construction of the park. To spot fossils and rock formations, plan a trek on the moderate 3- to 5-mile Fossil Flats Trail (the difficulty increases with each additional mile). For epic views and a workout, venture to the top of Holt Ridge along the strenuous 8-mile Vista Point Trail. Or go backpacking on the Butterfield Trail, a 15-mile trip lined with photo-worthy panoramas of the area (free permit required).
For those seeking an overnight stay, Devil’s Den has primitive hike- or bike-in campsites and charming vintage cabins equipped with modern amenities.
Buffalo National River
About 2 hours from Rogers, the Buffalo National River is America’s first national waterway—and one of the country’s most breathtaking. Towering limestone bluffs rise above the winding river, offering true solitude and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that feels worlds away from city life.
Ideal for only experienced hikers, the steep and strenuous Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff descends 1,300 feet to the Buffalo River, revealing dazzling vistas of the Ozark Mountains. Or encounter waterfalls, caves, and beech tree groves on the 2-mile Lost Valley Trail, one of the area’s most popular hikes.
To sleep under the stars, primitive and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the area. Backpackers can find secluded spots along the river or tucked away in the forest with minimal regulations—just remember to leave no trace and camp at least 100 feet from the water.
Ozark Highlands Trail
The volunteer-built Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), about 2 hours south of Rogers, is the most iconic long-distance hike in the Northwest Arkansas region. It stretches more than 250 miles across the Ozarks, providing dramatic scenery and opportunities to connect with the natural world.
The sections near Lake Fort Smith are particularly lush and rugged, with steep climbs, creeks and panoramic ridge views. Multiple trailheads with parking make it easy to plan day hikes or overnight loops. Backcountry camping is allowed all along the trail. This is a primitive, pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience—no amenities, just you and the wilderness.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls on the Lost Valley Trail, sleeping under the stars at Hobbs or traversing bluffs high above the Buffalo River, the Rogers area is an unbeatable basecamp for unforgettable outdoor adventures. It’s time to unplug from the daily grind, pack your bags and explore all that the Ozarks have to offer. Got a favorite Rogers-area hiking or camping spot? Share your adventure tips and trail stories with fellow explorers by tagging @destinationrogersar on Instagram or Destination Rogers on Facebook—and we’ll see you on the trails.