Things To Do In Arkansas In Summer – Your Expert Guide To Beating
Let’s be honest: the Arkansas summer sun, paired with its signature humidity, can feel relentless. It can turn even the most dedicated outdoor adventurer into a shade-seeker, wondering if it’s even possible to enjoy The Natural State between June and August without melting.
But what if I told you that with the right plan, you can not only survive but thrive outdoors here? The secret isn’t avoiding the outdoors; it’s about choosing your adventures wisely. This guide promises to show you exactly how to do that.
We’ll dive into the coolest adventures, from floating pristine rivers and exploring natural air-conditioned caves to hiking shaded trails at the right time of day. Get ready to discover the best things to do in Arkansas in summer and build the confidence to explore safely and comfortably.
Embrace the Water: Arkansas’s Best Lakes, Rivers, and Swimming Holes
When the heat index climbs, the smartest move is to get on, or in, the water. Arkansas is crisscrossed with stunningly clear rivers and dotted with massive lakes, offering a perfect escape. This is one of the most popular things to do in Arkansas in summer for a reason.
Kayaking and Canoeing the Buffalo National River
There’s no better place to start than America’s first National River. The Buffalo River is a free-flowing masterpiece, lined with towering limestone bluffs and lush green forests. Paddling here is an iconic Arkansas experience.
In summer, focus on the middle and lower sections of the river where the water levels are more reliable. Outfitters like Buffalo Outdoor Center near Ponca can give you real-time reports and set you up with a kayak, canoe, or raft. Plan for a full-day float, packing a cooler with plenty of water and lunch to enjoy on a gravel bar.
Cooling Off in Greers Ferry Lake
For those with an RV or a desire for a more stationary basecamp, the crystal-clear waters of Greers Ferry Lake are a dream. With over 40,000 acres of surface area, it never feels crowded. You can rent a pontoon boat for the day, find a secluded cove for swimming, or try your hand at water skiing.
Many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds line the shore, offering campsites with direct water access. It’s the perfect setup for waking up, making coffee, and immediately taking a morning swim before the day heats up.
Finding Secluded Swimming Holes
Sometimes the best spots are the ones you have to work for. Arkansas is famous for its hidden swimming holes, often found at the end of a short hike. A few classics include Falling Water Falls and Richland Creek Wilderness.
Pro Tip: Always check water levels and conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain. A calm swimming hole can become dangerous quickly. Use sturdy water shoes like Keens or Chacos to protect your feet on slippery rocks.
Go Underground: Exploring Arkansas’s Cool Caves
What if you could find a place that stays a cool 60°F all year round, even on the most scorching August afternoon? Welcome to the world of Arkansas’s caves. Exploring a cavern is one of the most unique and refreshing things to do in Arkansas in summer.
Blanchard Springs Caverns: A Living Cave System
Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, Blanchard Springs Caverns is a world-class “living” cave system, meaning its formations are still growing and changing. The temperature inside is a consistent 58°F, providing immediate relief from the humidity outside.
They offer several guided tours, but the Dripstone Trail is a great starting point. It’s paved, accessible, and takes you through two massive rooms filled with incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. This is a perfect activity for a peak-heat afternoon.
Cosmic Cavern: See Two Bottomless Lakes
Located in the Ozarks near Eureka Springs, Cosmic Cavern offers a slightly more rustic but equally fascinating experience. It’s known for its two “bottomless” lakes, which are so clear you can’t see the bottom. The guides are fantastic and make the geology accessible and fun.
Exploring a cave is a great way to learn about the unique geology of the Ozarks while escaping the heat. It’s a perfect example of how to approach things to do in Arkansas in summer with a smart, strategic mindset.
Hike Smarter, Not Harder: Shaded Trails and Early Morning Treks
Hiking in 95-degree weather might sound miserable, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is adapting your strategy. With the right timing, trail choice, and gear, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
Choosing the Right Trail: Elevation and Tree Cover
Not all trails are created equal in the summer. Look for trails that follow creeks or rivers and have a dense tree canopy. The forest canopy can drop the ambient temperature by several degrees. Trails like the Lost Valley Trail near the Buffalo River or sections of the Ozark Highlands Trail are excellent choices.
Avoid trails with long, exposed ridgelines during the middle of the day. Save those for the cooler months. This is one of the most important things to do in Arkansas in summer tips for hikers.
The “Alpine Start”: Why Hiking Before Dawn is Key
Experienced mountaineers use an “alpine start”—waking up and hitting the trail well before sunrise—to avoid afternoon storms and unstable snow. We can borrow this technique to avoid the heat. Starting your hike at 6 a.m. means you can be finished and heading for a swim by the time the day reaches its peak temperature.
Hiking in the cool, quiet morning air is a magical experience. You’ll see more wildlife and have the trail largely to yourself.
Essential Gear for Hot Weather Hiking
Your gear choices are critical for a safe and comfortable summer hike.
- Hydration System: A 3-liter hydration bladder like a CamelBak or Osprey is better than bottles, as it encourages you to sip water continuously.
- Electrolytes: You lose vital salts when you sweat. Add an electrolyte tablet like Nuun or a powder like Liquid I.V. to your water.
- Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeve shirt with a UPF rating.
- Cooling Towel: A simple cooling towel like a Mission Enduracool can be a lifesaver. Just wet it, wring it out, and snap it to activate the cooling effect.
The Ultimate Things to do in Arkansas in Summer Guide for Campers and RVers
Living on the road in an RV or van is liberating, but summer heat can turn your rig into an oven. A little planning goes a long way toward staying comfortable.
Finding Campgrounds with Shade and Water Access
When booking a campsite, don’t just look at the amenities—look at the map. Use satellite view to find sites with ample tree cover, especially shade from the afternoon sun (which comes from the west). Prioritize campgrounds on lakes or rivers for a built-in way to cool off.
State Parks like Lake Ouachita State Park or Devil’s Den State Park offer excellent, well-shaded sites, many with electrical hookups to run your A/C.
RV and Campervan Cooling Strategies
Beyond running the air conditioner, there are several common problems with things to do in Arkansas in summer that can be solved with smart prep. Use insulated window covers like those from WeatherTech or Reflectix to block solar gain. Deploy your awning to create a shady outdoor living space. Cook meals outside on a grill or a Coleman camp stove to avoid generating heat inside your vehicle.
Maximize airflow with vent fans like the Maxxair Fan, which can pull hot air out of your rig efficiently, especially at night.
Sustainable Summer Adventures: Best Practices for Arkansas Explorers
Part of enjoying the outdoors is ensuring it stays beautiful for generations to come. Practicing sustainable and eco-friendly things to do in Arkansas in summer is a responsibility we all share, especially when popular spots see more traffic.
Leave No Trace in High-Traffic Summer Spots
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are even more critical in the busy summer season. Pack out everything you pack in—including food scraps like apple cores and orange peels. They can take years to decompose and attract wildlife.
Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and be considerate of other visitors. A little mindfulness goes a long way in preserving the places we love.
Hydration Without Waste: Reusable Water Systems
It’s easy to go through a case of disposable plastic water bottles on a hot weekend. Instead, invest in a good reusable system. A large 5-gallon water jug can serve as your basecamp supply, which you can use to refill your personal bottles like a Nalgene or Hydro Flask each day.
For backcountry adventures, a reliable water filter like the Sawyer Squeeze allows you to safely drink from natural sources, reducing the amount of water you need to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Arkansas in Summer
What’s the best time of day to be active outdoors in an Arkansas summer?
The golden hours are early morning (from sunrise to about 10 a.m.) and late evening (from about 6 p.m. until sunset). Midday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the hottest part of the day and is best spent swimming, resting in the shade, or exploring an air-conditioned cave or visitor center.
What are the biggest safety risks in Arkansas in the summer?
The primary risks are heat-related illnesses (heat exhaustion and heatstroke), dehydration, and ticks. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need, know the signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headache), and treat your clothes with permethrin to repel ticks. Always do a thorough tick check after being outdoors.
Can you still see wildlife in Arkansas during the summer?
Absolutely! Wildlife is most active during the cooler parts of the day—dawn and dusk. An early morning paddle on the Buffalo River is a great time to spot deer, turkey, and even elk. Listen for birdsong in the deep shade of the forest during the day.
Arkansas in the summer is an incredible place to explore. It’s not about ignoring the heat, but respecting it. By choosing your activities and timing wisely, you can have an unforgettable adventure, build real outdoor skills, and connect with the wild heart of The Natural State.
Now get out there, be smart, and stay cool!
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