St Francis National Forest park
St Francis National Forest
1. History: St. Francis National Forest has a rich cultural and historical background. The forest was established in 1960 and is named after the St. Francis River, which flows through it. The area has a long history of human habitation, dating back thousands of years, and features several archaeological sites, including Native American mounds.
2. Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation: The forest spans over 22,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, providing a haven for a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The forest is home to various species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, migratory birds, and several fish species.
3. Points of Interest: St. Francis National Forest offers various points of interest that showcase the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area. Some notable sites include the Bear Creek Lake and Campground, which provides opportunities for camping, boating, and fishing. The Storm Creek Lake is another popular spot for fishing and wildlife observation. The forest also boasts numerous trails, including the Crowleys Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway and Blue Hole Trail.
4. Interesting Facts: St. Francis National Forest contains approximately 50,000 acres of lakes, sloughs, and hardwood forests, making it a diverse and picturesque landscape. The forest is managed by the United States Forest Service and is part of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
5. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit St. Francis National Forest is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers and blooming trees, while fall brings stunning foliage colors. However, summer is also a popular time for fishing and water-based activities in the forest's lakes.
It is essential to verify the accuracy of information by cross-referencing multiple independent sources, such as the official website of St. Francis National Forest, reputable travel guides, and government websites, to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of St Francis National Forest, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Mississippi River Sp - Beech Point | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save St Francis National Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About St Francis National Forest
What can I do at St Francis National Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to St Francis National Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of St Francis National Forest.