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What kind of family fun does the Arkansas South offer?
For a little fun in the sun, start your southern Arkansas family vacation is on one of our many lakes or rivers. There's nothing better than spending a day at a river or lakeside cabin or pitching a tent in one of the Arkansas South's many campgrounds. Build a campfire by night, fire up the grill by day and take the kids out on the boat for swimming, skiing, tubing or fishing every minute in-between.
History and culture also provide fun-filled hours for the family. Listen to the kids "ooh and ahh" as Confederate and Yankee soldiers fire muskets and blast cannons during a Civil War reenactment. Visit one of the Arkansas South's many fairs and festivals that feature everything from country music stars to the best fresh squeezed lemonade this side of the Mason-Dixon.
And don't forget about the free Crossland Zoo in Crossett. It's one of only two zoos in the state of Arkansas.
Crossett
Crossland Zoo
Lake Enterprise
Lake Georgia-Pacific - camp sites and hookups available.
Ouachita River
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge - Hiking trails & Visitor's Center.
Crossett RV Park
Levi-Wilcox in Demonstration Forest
Warren
Our festivals, recreational activities, and unusual attractions like the historic ferry and the championship pine tree are all fun things for the whole family.
Hampton
Fishing in more than 10 lakes beginning at the north end of the county at Tri-County Lake to Lock 8 on the Ouachita River to the South. Thousands of acres of hunting land draw many hunters to the area in November and December. The natural sites of the county are breathtaking in their beauty and the views are magnificent. The Lost 40 located on a tract of land in the Moro Creek bottoms in the eastern part of the county is the last remaining remnant of the first southern forest, dating back to the Civil War. This tract of land is considered a living library for history of the forest life cycle with many of the trees exceeding four feet in diameter and are over 120 years olds. Currently it is opened for private tours arranged through the Potlatch Corporation.
Camden
The Ouachita County Library, known for its outstanding genealogical archives, offers summer activities for children. Our children enjoy boy and girl scouting, martial arts, gymnastics, and dance facilities. PeeWee Football is a favorite amongst the children and parents as well. Second through fifth grade boys can participate in the sport and girls of the same age group participate as cheerleaders.
Other recreation available in the Camden area includes a bowling alley, skating rink, numerous tennis courts, ballparks, municipal parks, swimming pools, and golf courses. The Ouachita County Boys and Girls Club is equipped with baseball parks, an indoor and outdoor basketball court, a large park with picnic areas, a community building available for functions, and indoor games such as pool.
Downtown Trick or Treat - held in downtown Camden on Halloween - merchants pass out treats to children. For more information, contact Main Street Camden at (870) 836-6426.
White Tail Daze - Venison Chili Cook Off - held the 1st Saturday in November on the banks of the Ouachita River. Teams compete in the Venison Chili Cook Off, entertainment, vendors and the Mayor's Poker Run. For more information, contact Main Street Camden at (870) 836-6426.
Fordyce
The Dallas County Fair - always a fun event for the whole family and is usually held in September. This will include a parade, rodeo and beauty pageants along with the county fair.
Magnolia
Magnolia Blossom Festival and Worlds Championship Steak Cook-Off - Held the third weekend in May, the city's beautiful Magnolia trees are in full bloom. Activities begin with a chicken supper and progress through a fun weekend including a 5K run, sidewalk art, food courts, craft booths, air show and top-name entertainment. Over 40,000 people attend this annual event.
What began as a sidewalk art show has now blossomed into one of Arkansas' largest festivals. The exotic food court features traditional food favorites, and southern-fried chicken on the square.
The highlight of the festival starts cooking when the grand "parade of cookers" rolls out to show the various grills, rigs and chefs. The "cookers" are judged on best pit, showmanship - and, most importantly, the taste of the finished product. Celebrity judges pick the best steaks. Over 4,500 steaks are then served to the lucky ticket holders with all the trimmings served under the shade of blooming Magnolia trees. The Governor of Arkansas then presents the awards and live entertainment follows.
Fair on the Square - On the second Saturday of September, the historic Courthouse Square hosts a fair.
Columbia County Fair and Livestock Show - The third week of September plays host to the county's fair and livestock show.
Southern Arkansas University Rodeo - Held the second weekend of October at SAU.
El Dorado
South Arkansas Mayhaw Festival - Don't know what a Mayhaw is? You better come to the festival! This unique event is held the first Saturday in May. There's entertainment, fabulous food, arts and crafts, quilting demonstration, and of course the Mayhaw trees, jelly and T-shirts. Come celebrate the Mayhaw and have a blast! For more information, call (870) 862-9890).
Fantastic 4th Celebration - Arts & Crafts, food, fun for the entire family, entertainment and spectacular fireworks display. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at (870) 863-6113.
The Fun House - Miniature golf, batting cages, arcade and a nice place to host children's birthday parties.
Also available in El Dorado is a Bowling Center for children and all age groups, the Rialto Theater and several other movie theaters, Healthworks with an Olympic size swimming pool for children to enjoy, Bodenhammer Skate Park for skateboarders,
and the Boys & Girls Club for soccer, t-ball, basketball and football.
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