Recreation area

Mulberry River

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests · Arkansas — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The Mulberry River is located in Newton, Johnson and Franklin Counties, Arkansas and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The river has also been recognized by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as one of the premier smallmouth and spotted bass fisheries in Arkansas. The Mulberry is also popular for canoeing, camping and swimming, offering Class I to II rapids. Visitors to the Mulberry can expect basic Ozark Mountain scenery--narrow canyons, tree-lined bluffs, and dense woods. A good assortment of wildlife is found in the immediate area, including one of the state's largest concentrations of black bears. The stream itself is clear, cool, and challenging. Traditional floating months are late fall to June, but conditions can vary according to local rainfall. Readings between 2.0 and 4.0 are ideal, while 4.5 and beyond are considered dangerous. Canoeists should also make a point of checking into local weather forecasts. A heavy rain can quickly transform the Mulberry into a rampaging torrent. Because of the chance for these sudden rises, visitors are advised that camping is recommended to be at least 100 feet from the river.  Mulberry River Float Map

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Mulberry River doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Arkansas campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.