🌤 Weather at Bull Shoals-White River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–77 °F | 65–90 °F | 38–82 °F | 28–52 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mountain Home Baxter Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 928 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Bull Shoals State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Bull Shoals. Established in 1955, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Bull Shoals |
| Established | 1955 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (500 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Bull Shoals State Park is located near Bull Shoals, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 36.3333, -92.5833.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Bull Shoals State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Bull Shoals SP — on Bull Shoals Lake — a 45,000-acre reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. The White River below the dam is one of the premier trout fisheries in North America — producing world-record brown trout (40 lbs 4 oz, 1992). Bald eagles concentrate below the dam in winter. Ozark forest supports black bears and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Bull Shoals — adjacent. Mountain Home — 15 miles south. Norfork Lake — 10 miles east.
More parks in Arkansas: Ozark Folk Center State Park and Mammoth Spring State Park. See the full Arkansas state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Bull Shoals-White River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 109 sites — Class AAA (63 sites): water, 50-amp electric, sewer full hookups. Class B (26 sites): water, 30-amp electric. Class D tent sites (20 sites): no hookups. Modern bathhouses open March-November; sanitary trailer dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com or by phone 870-445-3629 ext. 2. Camper Registration Center hours: March-October daily 8am-5pm, November Wed-Sun 8am-5pm, December-January closed, February Wed-Sun 8am-5pm. |
| Special sites | 3 Rent-An-RV sites available. Sanitary dump station on site. Group camping available by contacting the park. |
| Season notes | Campground open all year; bathhouses operate March-November only. |
Camping questions about Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Can you camp at Bull Shoals-White River State Park?
Yes. Bull Shoals-White River State Park has 109 campsites. Class AAA (63 sites): water, 50-amp electric, sewer full hookups. Class B (26 sites): water, 30-amp electric. Class D tent sites (20 sites): no hookups. Modern bathhouses open March-November; sanitary trailer dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Bull Shoals-White River State Park?
Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com or by phone 870-445-3629 ext. 2. Camper Registration Center hours: March-October daily 8am-5pm, November Wed-Sun 8am-5pm, December-January closed, February Wed-Sun 8am-5pm.
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bull Shoals-White River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Bull Shoals-White River State Park?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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