Tire of the rat race? Need a break? Head north, friends.

 

OUTFITTERS

 

Buffalo Camping & Canoeing / Gilbert General Store

 

One of the oldest and most unique canoe concessionaries on the Buffalo National River,  Buffalo Camping & Canoeing operates out of the historic Gilbert General Store offering a wide variety of lodging, floating and shuttle services to fit your vacation plans. Located within walking distance of the Buffalo National River, the business offers canoes, kayaks and rafts for single or multiday trips. Afterward, relax in one of the BCC’s cabins, cottages or guest homes, or camp out under the stars.

 

1 Frost St., Gilbert // 870-439-2888 // gilbertstore.com

 

Buffalo River Outfitters

 

A valued resource for experienced paddlers and newbies alike, Buffalo River Outfitters in St. Joe is one of the largest and most complete outfitters in the entire state. Now in its 40th year, BRO provides the gear that feeds the adventuresome spirit, including canoes, kayaks and rafts for floating the Buffalo National River, complete with shuttle service, as well as log cabins for rent, a store and souvenir shop. Plus, the outfitter is a trusted resource for river levels, area hiking and wildlife. What your wanderlust desires, BRO will get you there.

 

9664 N. U.S. 65, St. Joe // 870-439-2200 // buffaloriveroutfitters.com

 

Wild Bill’s Outfitter

 

Located in Yellville on the lower Buffalo River near Buffalo Point and Dillard’s Ferry, Wild Bill’s has everything a family needs for a good time on the Buffalo River and Crooked Creek, offering canoe rentals, kayaks, rafts and boats for float trips from three hours to all day or several days. Anglers can enjoy guided fishing trips on the Buffalo and White rivers and Crooked Creek, all from your base in one of Wild Bill’s rustic cabins accommodating groups of two to 10 people.

 

23 Arkansas 268 E., Yellville // 870-449-6235 // wildbillsoutfitter.com

 

LODGES AND RESORTS

 

Edgewater Resort

 

Comfortably furnished cottages offering a beautiful view of Bull Shoals Lake is all in a day’s work at Edgewater Resort in Mountain Home. Offering lighted, covered boat docks (free stall included with cottage rental), on-site concrete launching ramp and boat rentals, Edgewater is the ideal shoving-off point for an unforgettable fishing vacation. Great fishing, swimming, skiing and water sports awaits the whole family at legendary Bull Shoals Lake.

 

10108 Promise Land Road, Mountain Home // 870-431-5222 // edgewater-resort.com

 

Gaston’s White River Resort

 

For almost seven decades, Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview has been the go-to spot on the White River for generations of guests. Now covering more than 400 acres, Gaston’s offers 79 cottages to accommodate any sized group. Take a fly-fishing course, and then let one of the guides lead you into an unforgettable fishing adventure. Afterward, relax in the award winning on-premises restaurant featuring delicious food and a great wine list. At Gaston’s, the more things change, the more things stay the same.

 

1777 River Road, Lakeview // 870-431-5202 // gastons.com

 

Stetson’s on the White

 

Not all resorts are created equal; seven decades of satisfied guests has put Stetson’s on the White in Flippin in the elite category of experiences anywhere in the Ozarks. Experience the best trout fishing on the White River, relax in a luxurious cabin, take a dip in the pool, explore the surrounding area, or just watch the world float by on the river current from your own private deck. Be as active or lazy as you like as you experience one of Arkansas’ gems.

 

906 Marion County 7002, Flippin // 870-453-8066 // stetsons-resort.com

 

The White River Inn/Orvis Endorsed Lodge

 

The White River Inn in Cotter stands on 32 treed acres offering a breathtaking view of the White River Valley. Set on a 300-foot bluff directly above the river, the magnificent lodge offers all the amenities of a five-star lodge. An all-inclusive stay includes meals served family style, including full, hot, hearty breakfasts ideal for fueling up for a day of fly-fishing and topped off with chef-inspired dinners and luscious homemade desserts. For those that only travel first class, The White River Inn is just the ticket.

 

918 County Road 174, Cotter // 870-430-2233 // thewhiteriverinn.com

 

DINING

 

178 Club

 

Looking to please a crowd? Not wanting to drive all over creation to do it? Look no further than 178 Club in Bull Shoals, which provides multiple dining and entertainment options to please everyone. 178 Club offers relaxing sit-down meals that regulars call the best food in the Ozarks, or drop in next door at The Fish Sports Bar for live music and good times. Finally, check out Bull Shoals Bowling Center for bowling, pool, darts and arcade games.

 

2109 Central Blvd., Bull Shoals // 870-445-4949 // 178club.com

 

Cliff House Inn & Restaurant

 

Easily one of the most recognizable restaurants in the region if not the state, Cliff House in Jasper provides a spectacular view of the Ozark mountains that has been bringing ‘em back for more than 60 years. Enjoy the fare savored by generations of travelers while drinking in the breathtaking Arkansas Grand Canyon, the deepest valley in the Natural State. Complete the experience with a slice of Company’s Comin’ pie, claimed to be the state pie of Arkansas, along with other homemade desserts that are made daily.

 

6177 Arkansas 7, Jasper // 870-446-2292 // cliffhouseinnar.com

 

DeVito’s Restaurant

 

No trip to this part of the state is complete without a meal of hand-crafted pasta from DeVito’s Restaurant in Harrison. Welcoming 40 years’ worth of guests, the family-owned restaurant has become a staple of the Ozarks, offering amazing Italian favorites, trout specialties and mouthwatering steaks. For a special memory-making experience, fish the adjoining trout farm during the day, and have the restaurant prepare the catch for you for dinner. Experience one of the best traditions in the region at DeVito’s.

 

350 DeVito’s Loop, Harrison // 870-741-8832 // devitosrestaurant.com

 

Neighbor’s Mill

 

Each morning, Neighbor’s Mill in Harrison stone-grist grinds chemical-free Montana wheat into fresh flour for use in the restaurant’s handcrafted breads, delicious cookies and mouthwatering pastries.The bakery and cafe combines the breads with premium ingredients, buying organic and local whenever possible, for a difference you can taste. Offering hearty breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches and soups for lunch, Neighbor’s Mills has become a popular gathering place for friends old and new. Do not forget to grab a loaf or two and savor the experience at home.

 

1012 U.S. 65 N., Harrison // 870-741-6455 // neighborsmill.com

 

The Springhouse

 

Featuring a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Ozarks, The Springhouse in Yellville is fast becoming destination dining in the Ozarks. Committed to locally sourced ingredients and the hard work of local farmers and producers, dining here is more than just a meal; it is an experience in the flavors of the region. Voted “Best New Restaurant” in AY About You’s 2026 “Readers’ Restaurant Poll,” The Springhouse is dedicated to creating a memorable visit every time.

 

17 Canoers Loop, Yellville // 870-449-3663 // facebook.com/theSpringHouseAR

 

 

LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

 

Check out these resources for lodging, dining, activities and other things to do for a fun-filled Ozarks vacation.

 

Bull Shoals Lake/White River Chamber of Commerce

bullshoals.org

 

Explore Harrison

exploreharrison.com

 

Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce

enjoymountainhome.com

 

Newton County Chamber of Commerce

newtoncountychamber.com

 

Ozark Mountain Region

ozarkmountainregion.com

 

Yellville Chamber of Commerce

870-449-4676