Arkansas thrives on its natural beauty and outdoor spirit. From serene rivers to rugged trails, the opportunities for adventure and relaxation are endless. Here, we celebrate the very best of what The Natural State has to offer with the Best of Arkansas Wild. Our readers have spoken, and we’re thrilled to unveil the top destinations, businesses and organizations that define the Arkansas Outdoor experience. Discover hidden gems, exceptional services and true havens for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Best Outdoor Brand

Ozark Outdoor Supply embodies a dedication to both quality and community. This Little Rock institution, with its roots stretching back over 40 years, prioritizes personalized service and expert knowledge, ensuring customers are well-equipped for their outdoor pursuits.

Unlike larger retailers, Ozark Outdoor Supply focuses on fostering a genuine connection with its patrons, emphasizing in-store experiences over online transactions. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their knowledgeable staff and dedication to servicing the products they sell. The store’s unique atmosphere, housed in a historic building, reflects its deep connection to the local community.

By promoting Arkansas’s natural beauty and supporting local initiatives, Ozark Outdoor Supply contributes to the state’s vibrant outdoor culture and rightfully deserves the award for Best Outdoor Brand.

Best Arkansas Outdoor Brand

Winner: Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Arkie Apparel, Fayettechill, LIVSN, Nativ

Best ATV/Off-Road Trails

Winner: Fairfield Bay ATV Trails
Finalists: Carter Off-Road Park, Greasy Bend Off-Road Park, Hot Springs Off-Road Park, Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail
 

Best Wildlife Management

Winner: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Finalists: Arkansas Audubon Society, Arkansas Wildlife Federation, Bell Slough State Wildlife Management Area, Camp Robinson State Wildlife Management Area

Best Bike Shop

Winner: Arkansas Cycling and Fitness
Finalists: Trek Bikes Little Rock, Shift Modern Cyclery, Magnolia Cycles, Phat Tire Bike Shop

Best Wildlife Management

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission holds a significant role in the state’s natural resource management, recognized as Arkansas Wild’s Best Wildlife Management. Its mission focuses on the conservation and enhancement of Arkansas’s fish and wildlife, along with their habitats.

For the past century, the Commission has been responsible for the protection and preservation of diverse species within the state. Through its work, AGFC emphasizes the importance of public engagement, utilizing programs to promote ethical management principles. This includes educational outreach, the implementation of fishing and hunting regulations, and fostering environmental awareness.

The Commission’s approach recognizes that effective wildlife management requires both habitat preservation and active public participation.

Best Bike Trail

Winner: Northwoods Trails
Finalists: Arkansas River Trail, Two Rivers Park Trail, Back 40 Trailhead (Bella Vista), Runway OZ Trail (Springdale)

Best Boat Dealer

Winner: SeaArk Boats
Finalists: Trader Bill’s, Futrell Marine, Art’s Marine

Best Boat Manufacturer

Winner: War Eagle Boats
Finalists: Ranger Boats, DuraCraft Boats, Edge Duck Boats, Xpress Boats, Veranda Luxury Pontoons

Best Dive Shop

Winner: Beaver Dam Dive Shop & Resort
Finalists: Charlie’s Scuba Shop, Ocean Extreme Dive & Travel Center Inc., Scuba Doo Dive Shop, The Scuba School

Best Duck Call

Winner: Kwack Wacker Duck Calls
Finalists: Echo Duck Calls, Elite Duck Calls, Havoc Calls, Rich-N-Tone Calls

Best Resort

Gaston’s White River Resort, recognized as Arkansas Wild’s Best Resort, offers a rich history and exceptional experience. Founded in 1958 by Al Gaston, the resort has grown from six cottages and boats to over 400 acres with 79 cottages and a fleet of 70-plus boats.

Today, Clint Gaston, Al’s grandson, continues the family legacy, overseeing a comprehensive resort that includes an award-winning restaurant, a private club and various recreational activities. Situated near Bull Shoals Dam, the resort provides access to premier trout fishing on the White River, thanks to the dam’s coldwater currents.

With hiking trails and Bull Shoals Caverns nearby, Gaston’s provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Best Duck Lodge

Winner: The Elms Lodge
Finalists: Popa Duck Lodge, Big Jim’s Lodge, Bill Byer’s Hunter Club, Old Post Duck Lodge

Best Family Attraction

Winner: Byrd’s Adventure Center
Finalists: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Little Rock Zoo, Motley’s Farm

Best Fishing Retailer /Bait Shop

Winner: Fish ’n Stuff Outdoors
Finalists: Woodard Fly Fishing, Hatchet Jacks Sport Shop, Hook Line & Sinker Outdoors, Southern Reel (Trader Bill’s)

Best Guide Service

Winner: Rileys Outfitter
Finalists: Rock Town River Outfitters (Guide Service), Cranor’s Guide Service (In His Place), Gaston’s White River Resort (Fishing), Ryder’s Run Guide Service (Fishing)

Best Guns/Ammo Dealer

Winner: Exquisite Guns of Arkansas LLC
Finalists: Fort Thompson Sporting Goods, Arkansas Armory, Bullseye Guns & Ammo, Don’s Weaponry, Inc.

Best Boat Manufacturer

Recognized by our readers as Arkansas Wild’s Best Boat Manufacturer, it’s clear War Eagle Boats has earned this title by crafting truly exceptional vessels. It has become synonymous with durability and top-tier performance, thanks to its all-welded aluminum construction and innovative wing transom design.

It’s not just about toughness, though. War Eagle’s dedication to the hunting community is evident in its incredible camo paint jobs and its generous support of Ducks Unlimited. And for anglers, its Predator and VS models are proving to be serious contenders, while the Blackhawk series offers a customizable, high-performance experience.

Whether you’re chasing waterfowl or reeling in crappie, War Eagle Boats has a boat built for your passion.

Best Hiking/Running Trail

Winner: Crystal Bridges/Razorback Greenway Trail
Finalists: Two Rivers Park Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, North Sylamore Creek Trail, Woolly Hollow State Park

Best Hunting Lodge

Winner: Five Oaks Duck Lodge
Finalists: Arkansas Duck Lodge, Delta Heritage Lodge, Ivory Billed Hunting Lodge, The Elms Lodge

Best Hunting Retailer

Winner: Bass Pro Shop
Finalists: Fort Thompson Sporting Goods, Gellco Outdoors, Hunter’s Refuge Premier Outfitters, Mack’s Prairie Wings

Best Lake

Winner: Lake Ouachita
Finalists: Cove Lake, Degray Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Fort Smith

Best Marina

Winner: Rock City Yacht Club
Finalists: Brady Mountain Marina, Fairfield Bay Marina, Self Creek Lodge and Marina, Shiloh Marina

Best Mountain Range

Winner: Pinnacle Mountain
Finalists: Boston Mountains, Magazine Mountain, Mt. Nebo, Ouachita Mountains

Best Duck Lodge

The Elms Lodge near Altheimer offers an exceptional waterfowl hunting experience rooted in conservation and abundant habitat. Situated within the Mississippi Flyway, the lodge provides access to a diverse array of duck species alongside impressive flocks of specklebelly geese.

Their commitment to conservation, through programs like WRP and CRP, ensures thriving waterfowl populations. The Elms’ land management practices, including planting fields with various grains and natural vegetation and flooding them, create ideal hunting conditions.

With a focus on sustainable practices and a welcoming atmosphere cultivated by “Duck Diva” Kim Vassaur Freeman, The Elms provides a premier destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. It’s no wonder our readers recognized it as Arkansas Wild’s Best Duck Lodge.

Best Outdoor Event

Winner: Güdrun Northwoods MTB Festival
Finalists: Summer Solstice Celebration at Plum Bayou Mounds, 24HHH (Horseshoe Hell), Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, Hope Watermelon Festival

Best Outdoor Nonprofit

Winner: Ozark Foundation
Finalists: Arkansas Fly Fishers, Little Red River Trout Unlimited Chapter #722, The Mayfly Project, The Nature Conservancy

Best Outdoor Program

Winner: Camp Aldersgate
Finalists: American Scholastic Climbing League, Arkansas Climbers Coalition, Camp Orr, Little Red River Trout Unlimited Chapter #722 – Kids Fishing Camp

Best Outdoor Retailer

Winner: Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Rocktown River Outfitters, Trailhead Wheels at Sulpher Creek, JB Trading Co, Wild Bill’s Outfitter

Best Outdoor Vehicle Dealer

Winner: Adventure Subaru
Finalists: Subaru of Little Rock, Gwatney, McClarty, Moix

Best Getaway Weekend

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a city steeped in history and natural wonder. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, it’s celebrated as Arkansas Wild’s Best Weekend Getaway. The city is famed for its naturally heated springs, which are preserved within Hot Springs National Park.

The historic Bathhouse Row showcases the city’s past as a renowned spa destination, but beyond the therapeutic waters, Hot Springs offers a vibrant blend of attractions. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort provides thrilling entertainment, while the downtown area boasts unique shops and restaurants like Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the once bathhouse now turned into one of Hot Springs’ most popular spots for a beer and bite. The city’s rich history includes connections to notable figures and events, adding to its allure.

Seamlessly combining relaxation, recreation and historical charm, Hot Springs provides an ideal escape for couples, families and friends to run off to for a weekend.

Best Place to Camp

Winner: JB Trading Co
Finalists: Woolly Hollow State Park, Ouachita Wilde Luxury Tents, Mt. Nebo, Petit Jean

Best Place to Climb

Winner: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Finalists: Little Rock Climbing Center, Rattlesnake Ridge, Sam’s Throne, Climb Bentonville

Best Place for Water Sports

Winner: DeGray Lake
Finalists: Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, Greers Ferry Lake, Cove Lake

Best Place to Eat

Winner: Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Finalists: DeVito’s Restaurant, Gaston’s Restaurant, The Hive, Zeke and Lizzy’s

Best Outdoor Program

Camp Aldersgate has delivered transformative outdoor experiences for individuals with special needs for over 77 years. The camp prioritizes creating barrier-free environments that celebrate and empower campers. Its mission focuses on life-changing experiences, driven by values of love, inclusion and excellence.

Camp Aldersgate’s programs, including specialized summer medical camps and year-round weekend camps, cater to a wide range of diagnoses, ensuring accessibility for all. The camp’s dedication to providing top-quality facilities and experiences, coupled with its American Camp Association accreditation, solidifies its position as a leading outdoor program in Arkansas.

Best Place to Float

Winner: Buffalo National River
Finalists: Mulberry River, Caddo Valley, Spring River, White River

Best Place to Scuba

Winner: Wagon Wheel Resort Lake Norfork
Finalists: Beaver Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Jordan Marina, Lake Ouachita

Best Place to Stay

Winner: Bear Creek Log Cabins
Finalists: Gaston’s White River Resort, Rileys Outfitter, Riverview Cabins & Canoes, Stetson’s Resort

Best Resort

Winner: Gaston’s White River Resort
Finalists: Anglers White River Resort, Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina, Mountain Harbor Resort, Fairfield Bay Resort

Best Place to Camp

JB Trading Co offers a diverse range of camping experiences in the Buffalo River region. Its campground has always been known for its exceptional bathhouse facilities and a well-stocked outdoor store to find all of your camping needs.

Whether you’re looking for primitive sites, RV/camper pull-throughs with electrical hookups or unique platform tents and huts, the campground has a variety of camping locations to meet everyone’s needs. It caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, making it a premier destination for those seeking an Ozark camping adventure.

Best River

Winner: Buffalo National River
Finalists: Big Piney Creek, Little Red River, Spring River, White River

Best Run Shop

Winner: Rock City Running
Finalists: Happy Feet Plus, Fleet Feet, Hibbett Sports, The Sporty Runner

Best RV/Camper Dealer

Winner: Moix RV Supercenter
Finalists: Fun Town RV, Camping World, Goss Camper Sales, Razorback Camper Sales

Best Shooting Range

Winner: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Shooting Sports Complex (Jacksonville)
Finalists: Levy Gun Range, Arkansas Armory, Machine Gun Grotto, Thor Elite Firing Range

Best State Park

Winner: Devil’s Den State Park
Finalists: Crowley’s Ridge State Park, Petit Jean Mountain State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Best Weekend Getaway

Winner: Hot Springs
Finalists: Bear Creek Log Cabins, Gaston’s Resort, Nature’s Loft, Bluebird Eureka

Best Energy/Performance Supplements

Winner: Bio-Tech Pharmacal
Finalists: GU Energy Cubes, Clif Bloks, Ryno Power, First Endurance Halo Pills