Bull Shoals-White River State Park Campground Area “A” Closed to Undergo Renovation

LAKEVIEW – Camping is a popular activity at Bull Shoals-White River State Park, located in north central Arkansas at the site where the renowned trout waters of the White River and 45,440-acre Bull Shoals Lake meet at Bull Shoals Dam. Spaced along the river bank below the dam, the park’s 103 campsites offer campers a front-row seat to the natural beauty of this clear, cool Ozark stream. Anglers, water sports enthusiasts, families, and retirees are among those who are drawn to this state park that serves as a gateway to one of the nation’s finest fishing and boating combinations. According to Park Superintendent Tracy King, “Campground Area “A,” a camping loop containing 28 of the 103 campsites at Bull Shoals-White River State Park, is now closed to undergo a total renovation and will remain out of service until spring 2010.” The renovation will include 50 amp electrical service and full sewer hookups at each campsite in this loop.

King emphasized, “Although Area ‘A’ is closed temporarily, the park’s remaining 75 campsites are open and available for rent.”

Other camping choices at the park include camping equipment for rent. The park has two Rent-A-Camp units. Situated in the park campground, each one features a 9’ x 12’ tent with wooded floor, two cots, two-burner camp stove, lantern, and cooler.

Other rental options at the park are two Rent-An-RV trailers. Permanently set up in the campground, these 31-foot trailers with heat and air-conditioning can accommodate a maximum of eight persons.

Modern, barrier-free bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets are also located in the park campground. King noted that when Camping Area “A” reopens in the spring, it will feature 28 new campsites including two pull through sites. Sixteen sites will have tent pads and one site will be barrier-free to accommodate the needs of visitors with disabilities. Each campsite will include a hardened living area furnished with a picnic table, pedestal grill, ground grill, and lantern hanger. The campground’s renovation will include a new access road and all utilities including water, electrical and full sewer hookups at each site. The $740,044 project is being funded by an FY-09 Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council grant. The architect/design consultant is Marlar Engineering Company, Inc. of Little Rock. The contractor is Noacon, Inc. of Fairfield Bay.

King continued, “This is one of the many improvements that visitors to Bull Shoals-White River State Park can enjoy. Everyone is looking forward to these campground improvements and what they will mean for our park’s campers and their camping experience here.” He said, “We want folks to know that there will be a few less campsites available for rent at the park this fall and winter; however, this temporary closure of Campground Area ‘A’ will result in a longtime enhancement at this park.” Campsite reservations can be made during business hours by visiting the park visitor center, or phoning the park at: 870-445-3629. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance commencing from the dates the reservations are made. Single night reservations can be made for Sunday through Thursday. Weekend reservations will be taken for a minimum of two nights. A three-night minimum will be required when a holiday causes a three-day weekend. Persons with questions about Bull Shoals-White River State Park’s Campground Area “A” renovation project are encouraged to call the park or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com/BullShoalsWhiteRiver for details. Bull Shoals-White River State Park is one of the 52 state parks and museums administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Park facilities also include a visitor center, pavilions, picnic sites, hiking and mountain bike trails, and a marina/store offering boat rentals, supplies, equipment, and gifts for sale. Situated on a highpoint, the park visitor center offers sweeping views of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and Bull Shoals Lake.

From Mountain Home, travel six miles north of Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178 to the park. For further information, contact: Tracy King, park superintendent, Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619.