Mark Twain National Forest
Rate this placeNearby: Long Creek Park Table Rock State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mark Twain National Forest is a sprawling forest reserve located in the Ozark Highlands of Arkansas.
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Summary
The forest covers over 1.5 million acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Mark Twain National Forest is to enjoy the many outdoor activities available. Hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting are just a few of the popular activities visitors can enjoy. The forest also has over 700 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
There are several specific points of interest to see in Mark Twain National Forest. The Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is a popular spot for hiking and features stunning views and unique rock formations. The Big Piney Creek Recreation Area is another great spot for outdoor activities, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and camping.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the forest was named after the famous American author Mark Twain, who was born in Missouri. The forest is also home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including the Ozark big-eared bat and the Ozark chinquapin tree.
The best time of year to visit Mark Twain National Forest depends on the activities you want to enjoy. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and camping, while summer is the best time for swimming and water activities. Winter can be a great time for hunting and other outdoor activities, but visitors should be prepared for colder temperatures.
Overall, Mark Twain National Forest is a beautiful and diverse area that offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or just exploring the great outdoors, this forest is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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|---|---|---|
Long Creek - Table Rock Lake
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Cricket Creek
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Old Highway 86 - Table Rock Lake
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Andrews Landing
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Mill Creek - Table Rock Lake
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Baxter - Table Rock Lake
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Long Creek Park
Table Rock State Park
Keeter Park
Caudill Park
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area