Fun Family Outing: Roaring River State Park + Arkansas Cabin Getaways

Mamas, if you’re looking for a fun day trip or even a weekend getaway, we’ve got a great idea: Roaring River State Park (see below for other Arkansas cabin vacation suggestions).

Roaring River is just outside Northwest Arkansas in Cassville, Missouri. There are rustic cabins and the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center lodge if you want to stay a while. If not, it’s close enough to drive up and back for the day. There’s also a campground if you want to bring a tent.

The scenery is beautiful and the river really does roar. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the water sounds all over the park. It’s really soothing. There are lots of hiking trails as well. If you want to fish, you have to get a day pass (and a fishing license) which is fairly inexpensive. You can use a fly rod or a standard rod & reel. The park stocks the streams with trout. It’s fun to walk around the hatchery and see them up close and personal.

For light groceries/snacks, fishing equipment and camping supplies, there’s a nice, big store at Roaring River for shopping. The park also has a full-service restaurant.

It only took us a little over an hour to get there from Fayetteville. Fair warning: there’s no cell service at the park. You can get WIFI at the lodge.

If you’d like to venture further out for your cabin/camping trip, here are a few more ideas for where to go:

◊Devil’s Den State Park is another option (and it’s close, in nearby Winslow) if you want to spend some quality time in nature. There are 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The trails are amazing with some pretty waterfalls along the way. The park also offers campsites, store, and meeting room. The visitor center and gift shop are open with limited capacity and hours. Boat rentals are also available.

◊Eureka Springs also has a variety of cabins and accommodations if you really need to get away. You can also hike, bike, kayak or shop (check out the updated list of COVID restrictions and information for visitors).

◊Mount Magazine State Park is a little further away, but it’s a beautiful place (and Arkansas’ highest point). There’s a lodge, 13 cabins, the Skycrest Restuarant, hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV adventures.

◊Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton is another gorgeous Arkansas option for social distancing and soothing your soul in nature. You can stay at historic Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon, that has a restaurant, meeting rooms, and gift shop. Near the lodge are 33 cabins with views of the canyon. Another cabin with a kitchen is a short drive away. Most of the cabins are the rustic CCC-style with modern amenities, and a few are duplex designs.

The hiking views are breathtaking. You really need to see Cedar Falls and Seven Hollows. There are other natural formations like Bear Cave, the Grotto and Natural Bridge. Beautiful! The swimming pool is open, but with limited hours.

Happy camping, mamas!