Cool Summer

By Joe Jacobs

Summers in Arkansas can sizzle. With triple-digit heat indexes and sticky humidity, stepping outside can feel like walking into a sauna. But if you’re craving a weekend outdoors without melting into a puddle, let me share one of our favorite family escapes: tent camping at Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Nestled just below Bull Shoals Dam, this spot offers a little-known summer secret: naturally cool nights thanks to the chilly waters of the White River.

We’ve camped all over The Natural State, but few places rival the nighttime comfort of this park. Here’s the trick: Bull Shoals Dam releases cold water from the bottom of the lake into the White River. This water stays a steady 50°-60°F year-round, and as it flows past the riverside campground, it creates a natural air-conditioning effect that cools the surrounding air, even in the peak of summer.

On our last visit, the days were sunny and warm, perfect for playing and paddling. But when evening came, the temperature dropped just enough to make sitting by the campfire a cozy, mosquito-free affair. During the night, a cool fog envelops the campground. After months of restless summer sleep back home, we all slept like rocks in our tent under the whispering trees.

Bull Shoals-White River State Park is wonderfully family-friendly. The campsites are clean and spacious; many offer electric hookups if you prefer glamping over roughing it. We always opt for a tent site nestled in the trees away from the RV campers along the river. 

You’ll find well-maintained bathhouses, a playground (a must with kids in tow) and even interpretive programs at the visitor center, which also features exhibits on the area’s wildlife and geology. If you time it right, you can join a dutch-oven workshop and eat like kings. The park staff are welcoming and full of helpful advice on how to make the most of your stay.

“That cool night air, the sound of the river and the satisfied exhaustion from a day full of exploration are what summer camping should feel like.”

One of the best parts of staying in the park is the marina. You can rent kayaks, canoes and motorboats right on-site. We rented kayaks one afternoon and floated along the crystal-clear river, watching for herons, turtles and the occasional rainbow trout. My youngest, riding tandem with me, spent most of the trip pointing out fish just under the surface.

Speaking of trout, this river is one of the best cold-water fisheries in the country. While I’m no expert angler, we saw plenty of folks (and families) reeling in impressive catches. If fishing isn’t your thing, don’t worry; just sitting by the river’s edge for a picnic lunch is its own kind of therapy.

As great as the river is, we always carve out time for a side adventure, and nothing beats the underground escape of Blanchard Springs Caverns, located about an hour south near the town of Fifty-Six, Arkansas.

Let me tell you it’s always around 58 degrees inside the caverns, no matter how hot it is outside. The moment you step into the cave, it’s like entering another world. Towering stalagmites, underground streams and massive cathedral-like rooms had my kids wide-eyed and whispering. The Dripstone Trail is a perfect guided tour for families — short enough for little legs but packed with jaw-dropping formations.

After the tour, we cooled off even more by wading in the creek near Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. There’s even a shaded picnic area, making it a perfect place for lunch before returning to camp.

One of my favorite memories from our trip was sitting under the stars, wrapped in a light hoodie (yes, in July!), watching fireflies flicker above the river while the kids roasted marshmallows. That cool night air, the sound of the river and the satisfied exhaustion from a day full of exploration are what summer camping should feel like.

If you’re looking for a break from the heat and the screens, Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers the kind of easy, breezy summer getaway that brings everyone back to center. Combine it with a trip to Blanchard Springs Caverns, and you’ve got the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and natural air-conditioning.

Remember to bring your tent, your sense of wonder and maybe a jacket; you’ll need them.