About WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
Overview Experience nature and adventure at historic White Rock Mountain! This National Forest Recreation Area features three unique and rustic natural stone cabins and a large natural stone lodge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Each features a stone fireplace new, antique, and original wood furniture handcrafted by the CCC. Wind, rain and natural elements had caused the deterioration of the buildings over the years. In 1987 a volunteer group, Friends of White Rock, began a project to renovate the historic structures. With a lot of commitment and hard work, the lodge and cabins were restored to their original state in 1991. White Rock Mountain also offers nine primitive family camping sites. These easily accessible shaded campsites include tents pads, fire rings, grills, picnic tables and access to restrooms and water. Small RVs or pop-up campers can be accommodated at a few sites.Recreation White Rock Mountain is the hub of several national forest hiking trail systems including the easy 2 mile trail around the mountain top rim, the 17 mile Shores Lake/White Rock loop trail, and the renowned 170 mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Other recreational activities include swimming, boating (non-motorized) or fishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area; swimming, floating or fishing the National Scenic Mulberry River; Mill Creek and other National Forest ATV trails; mountain biking, hunting and more.Facilities The grounds at White Rock Mountain are open year-round. There is a gravel parking area, clean vault toilets, and eight family picnic units with grills and tables. The facility features four CCC crafted shelters along the White Rock Rim Trail that offer spectacular views. Overnight parking for the Ozark Highlands Trail access is available onsite. The lodge and three cabins are available for rent at White Rock Mountain. The lodge and cabins have electricity and running water. All units are equipped with bathrooms and a full kitchen. Each kitchen inclu
How to Get There
From Interstate 40 at Mulberry, Arkansas, take exit 24, turn north onto Arkansas 215 and continue for approximately 12.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 toward Shores Lake/White Rock and follow for approx. 5.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for approx. 2.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1535 and continue for approximately 0.5 miles to White Rock Mountain. For alternative directions and/or GPS navigation enter "White Rock Mountain Recreation Area" into Google Maps. If you need further assistance with directions, please call us at (479) 369-4128.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
Heading to WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255177) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA?
From Interstate 40 at Mulberry, Arkansas, take exit 24, turn north onto Arkansas 215 and continue for approximately 12.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 toward Shores Lake/White Rock and follow for approx. 5.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for approx. 2.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 1505 and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Serv…
How do I contact WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 479-369-4128 or email: whiterockrecreation@gmail.com.
References & Official Resources
