re: Planning a trip to Arkansas with family, need advice from a local

I'd say go home around the Buffalo River. There's good camping at Steele Creek. It's probably too late to paddle the river. But there's great hiking trails in the area. I'm not sure your kid's ages. But I plan on hiking the Goat trail. Himmed in Hollow is pretty cool, but may be a longer hike if you're not paddling.

I've been throughout the Ozark National Forest. There's some really cool Creek camping spots, if you're down with privative car camping. It kind of depends on what kind of vehicle you're bringing. I've got several primate camping spots on an app I downloaded.

I haven't been to hot springs or Ouachita National Forest (sp?).

I still think the stuff around the Buffalo is as cool as I've seen anywhere. And I've lived in the Rockies and Appalachians. It's not as tall. But there's great views and rock formations. I've been very pleasantly surprised.

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I still think the stuff around the Buffalo is as cool as I've seen anywhere. And I've lived in the Rockies and Appalachians. It's not as tall. But there's great views and rock formations. I've been very pleasantly surprised.

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The Upper Buffalo River area is the best nature for 700 miles in any direction, in my opinion. The formations and hikes are stunning. The approach towards Big Bluff from the river is really cool and pictures don't do it justice.

The Ouachitas are more rugged than the Ozarks, but they are different types of mountains. They are like the shorter sections of the Appalachians, folded rock mountains covered in trees. The Ozarks have a lot of limestone and springs, which makes the rivers and lakes clear to sea-green.

There are views on S. Highway 71 in the Mansfield, Mena and Waldron areas that will surprise you in the Ouachitas. Those are real mountains down there. Most of it is National Forest service land, though.

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I think you missed the part where he said it's a work trip for him. Commuting in from the Buffalo to the major areas of commerce might be a bit of a drive (though I do know a few people who do it... but they mainly work jobs like firefighter and nurse with increased hours and fewer days).

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I think he meant "hike" instead of "home". The Steel Creek area is a reliable 1:15 drive from central Fayetteville. It would be an easy day-trip for a family staying somewhere in NWA.

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I recommend going out to lake ouchita. Beautiful lake, real clear and mostly undeveloped. Over 300 islands you can camp on

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This right here. Ouachita is one of the nicest lakes you will find. Rent a canoe and paddle out to one of the islands. Also some nice hiking trails nearby in the Ouachita national forest.

ETA: if you're hoping for reliably comfortable temperature/humidity in late June, you're coming to the wrong state. Maybe in the Ozarks but even that would be hit or miss.

Guy that used to run it was a friend of mine