Arkansas / Franklin County

White Rock Mountain Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round for camping and day use. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. A road detour is currently in place for visitors traveling north from I-40 Exit 24; follow posted detour signs or use the Alma/71B exit alternate route.

About

White Rock Mountain Recreation Area is a historic Ozark National Forest site perched at 2,309 feet above sea level, named for the white appearance of lichen-covered bluffs visible from a distance. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, the facility features three rustic stone cabins and a large stone lodge, all painstakingly restored by volunteers in 1991. The recreation area offers nine primitive family campsites equipped with tent pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and lantern poles, with drinking water and vault toilets accessible nearby. Small RVs and pop-up campers can fit at some sites, though there are no hookups. White Rock Mountain serves as a major trailhead for several hiking systems, including the easy 2-mile White Rock Rim Trail with spectacular views, a 17-mile loop to Shores Lake, and the renowned 170-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. The forest surrounding the mountain harbors diverse wildlife including deer, black bear, bald eagles, and turkey. The area is particularly stunning during fall when autumn foliage blankets the Ozark Mountains in vibrant colors. An onsite general store provides souvenirs, hot pizza, snacks, firewood, and trail maps. Day-use visitors can enjoy eight family picnic units and four CCC-crafted shelters along the rim trail. Note that access roads involve gravel surfaces and there is currently a road detour from I-40 Exit 24.

Directions

From Interstate 40 at Mulberry, Arkansas, take exit 24 north onto Arkansas 215 for approximately 12.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 toward Shores Lake/White Rock and follow for 5.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for 2.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1535 and continue for 0.5 miles to White Rock Mountain. Note: A road detour is currently in place from I-40 Exit 24; follow detour signs in Fern or use the Alma/71B alternate route.

Nearby Campgrounds