>Located along the southern shore of Beaver Lake, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is Arkansas’s largest state park, spanning an impressive 12,054 acres of the breathtaking Ozark landscape. The park serves as a testament to conservation efforts with minimal human interference, ensuring an authentic experience with nature.
Highlights:
- Trail System: The park boasts a diverse 54-mile trail system, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Trails range from hiking, ADA accessible, mountain biking to horseback riding.
- Primitive Campsites: Offering 11 primitive campsites, Hobbs stands out by being the first in Northwest Arkansas to provide six sites that are accessible by mountain biking.
- Hunting: A unique feature, Hobbs is the only state park in Arkansas that permits regulated hunting.
- Visitor Center: Those interested in the park’s ecology, limestone landscape, and history can head to the visitor center which offers a range of exhibits.
- Educational Opportunities: Throughout the year, visitors can benefit from various interpretive programs and workshops.
Camping Details:
- Pigeon Roost Primitive Hike-In Campsites: These five campsites are nestled in a heavily wooded area, accessible after a roughly 4-mile hike. Each site offers between one to four tent pads, a fire ring/grill, and a lantern hook. Notably, sites 3, 4, and 5 are the closest to water access.
- Campers should note that there are no shower facilities available at the campsites or elsewhere in the park.
Shooting Range: Hobbs offers a shooting range that attracts several visitors. The range provides concrete shooting lanes with posts set at intervals – 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards. Large trees on either side ensure a comfortable experience. The shooting stations, including one for the handicapped, have been recently upgraded. It’s essential to bring your own targets, and ear protection is advised.
Visitor Reviews:
- Strengths: Many praise the cleanliness, professional atmosphere, and the no-cost aspect of the range. The recent upgrades, such as the shooting benches, are often appreciated. Additionally, the park is frequently described as a great place for both individual and group shooting sessions.
- Areas for Improvement: Some visitors express a desire for a wider range of target distances, such as 5, 10, and 21 feet. A few reviews mention safety concerns, suggesting the importance of ensuring all users adhere to range safety protocols. Lastly, the range’s popularity sometimes results in a wait, particularly on weekends.
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