Notable Campground

Blanchard Springs Campground - Toe tappin' fun

Most National Forest campgrounds have hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Blanchard Springs campground, 100-miles northeast of Little Rock, Arkansas in the Ozark National Forest, also offers a chance to explore a living cavern, listen to some toe-tapping music, and see living history at the nearby Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View.

Shaded by a lush forest of mixed hardwoods, Blanchard Springs campground straddles the North Sylamore Creek. The creek's ageless melody can be heard throughout the campground. About 2 miles west of the campground is delightful Blanchard Springs Caverns. This wonder of nature is far enough away not to disturb campers but close enough for a visit.

Early settlers knew a cave was the source of an underground spring. But the first known exploration of the cave wasn't until 1934 when Willard Hadley "had a quick look around." Discovery of the many beautiful and amazing formations in Blanchard Springs Caverns had to wait until more extensive exploration in the 1950s and 1960s. Today's visitor to the Cavern can retrace the route of these explorers on Forest Service guided tours. It doesn't take long for visitors to see why this Cavern is considered one of the most scenic in the United States. Blanchard Springs Cavern is a living cave which means it is continuing to grow - each drop of mineral laden water adds to the existing structures and contributes to the development of new, wondrous sights.

Another attraction convenient to the campground is Ozark Folk Center in nearby Mountain View. A post World War II decline in the area's economy saw many people leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. With their departure the unique Ozark culture began to disappear. In 1973, a grassroots effort to save the many unique skills necessary to live in the Ozark area was established and the Ozark Folk Center was formed. The Center is a collection of small cottages where crafts people go about the task of making brooms, gun stocks, horseshoes, and more. Visitors watch, talk, and can ask questions of the crafts people. Two popular Center location are the Country Kitchen and theater. Visitors to either location are encouraged to participate by either munching on freshly made goodies or dancing a jig or two.

Come and spend some time at the Ozark National Forest's Blanchard Springs campground and explore the wonders of the area. Visit the beautiful Blanchard Springs Cavern, then experience unique mountain culture at the Ozark Folk Center. Enjoy the pleasures of the Forest, the music of the mountains, and culture of the hardy, friendly people who made these rugged mountains their home.

Click on campground name for detailed description of Blanchard Springs Campground.