Things you might not know about Arkansas: it’s home to 52 state parks and Hot Springs National Park, where 47 thermal springs flow out of the mountains; there are two different mountain ranges—the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains—that keep passionate hikers and backpackers busy for a lifetime; it’s a mountain biking mecca. And there’s even some legendary architecture by E. Fay Jones, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, scattered throughout the state. Hot damn!
Though admittedly overlooked by most coastal state dwellers, landlocked Arkansas has a legit reputation as a naturally beautiful getaway full of lakes, rivers, hot springs, mountainous terrain, and plenty of cabins to escape to. Plus, the cities of Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville provide a taste of local culture and cuisine in this scenic Southern locale. With four different seasons, its climate is influenced by northerly winds that blow off the Gulf of Mexico that create hot summers and no distinct dry season. For that reason, one of the best times to visit Arkansas is from May through October when those long summer days and warm fall temps give you plenty of time to experience the outdoors—just be sure to pack a rain jacket.
What better way to explore Arkansas’ beautiful and diverse landscape than from the comfort of a cozy cabin? If you’re looking for a basecamp to call home, here are our top picks for the best cabin rentals in Arkansas for a long weekend away.