Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Mountain View: Address, Phone Number, Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Reviews: 5/5
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
5
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Best nearby
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1 within 5 kms
Attractions
2 within 10 kms
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5.0
322 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
51
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Philip W
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Couples
First, we came to the park specifically for the caverns. Unfortunately upon arrival we were told the visitors center is indefinitely closed and has been since March 2020 with no plans to reopen. So we improvised our plans and set out to hike some some of the many trails in the park.
Unfortunately due to the visitor center being closed we were unable to obtain any maps or information regarding the trails and were sort of flying blind.By talking to some other people on the trails we were able to locate the Mirror Lake Trail and the bluff trails both of which were very enjoyable but we’re not clearly marked.
The Bluff Trail, at times was moderate to hard. While the Mirror Lake in many places was an easy stroll.
All in all, we will be back just with some maps picked up from town before hand.
Also I would consider wearing some form of “hunter orange” or other high visibility colors. This did not appear to be a requirement for the hiking trails or the park but you are in very close proximity the to what would appear to be local hunting grounds.
Unfortunately due to the visitor center being closed we were unable to obtain any maps or information regarding the trails and were sort of flying blind.By talking to some other people on the trails we were able to locate the Mirror Lake Trail and the bluff trails both of which were very enjoyable but we’re not clearly marked.
The Bluff Trail, at times was moderate to hard. While the Mirror Lake in many places was an easy stroll.
All in all, we will be back just with some maps picked up from town before hand.
Also I would consider wearing some form of “hunter orange” or other high visibility colors. This did not appear to be a requirement for the hiking trails or the park but you are in very close proximity the to what would appear to be local hunting grounds.
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jim D
Ashland City, TN26 contributions
Aug 2021
The cave was closed due to Covid, we took some trails, the trail to the spring exit from the cave was very nice, designed for handicap. the lake is good for fishing. and the tail to below the dam and mill was easy and entertaining.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lead2829
North Lawrence, OH235 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
The cave was closed, but the spring was pretty cool to see. Mirror lake was pretty cool also. Watching people fish was neat also. I bet if the cave was open, this place would be really cool, but alas it wasn’t. If your in this area, go to the OK trading post for a horse ride. It was awesome.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Flyer08219700128
1 contribution
May 2021
We didn't spend nearly enough time here. It was late in the day when we arrived. But what we experienced was wonderful. We went on a short well paved path to some waterfalls. They weren't the biggest you'll ever see but they were pretty. What's even better is that someone (like my boyfriend) who has mobility issues could see it too. I hope to make it back here soon so we can see more of this beautiful park. I know we didn't even get to see a fourth of it.
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Terry D
Houston, TX171 contributions
Apr 2021
The cave tour is nice as well as the surrounding area outside. Amazing little pond, waterfall and nature trails. Well worth the visit. Cave tour costs but everything else is free.
Written 19 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mathtravel
Round Rock, TX348 contributions
Mar 2021
Nice walking trail to the falls. Clever warning that was is not drinkable because it is “enhanced” by bat droppings in the cave. Several hiking trails from the parking lot. Well maintained.
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SuzanneS.
8 contributions
Mar 2021
Mirror Lake and the waterfall are simply beautiful. We drove on the scenic byway to get there which is also a beautiful drive. We spoke with a Ranger at the visitors center who provided helpful directions and also let us know that the visitors center and caverns were closed (which we need already, but I did appreciate that info should we not have done our research prior to our trip). The Old Mill is also another site to see within this same hike. It's less than 100 yards from the waterfall, so know that it isn't far. We drove a bit further to the bat caves and enjoyed a hike along an old road up above the cave. Overall, it was a good experience. The trails where we were are short, so it was a half day of hiking, max.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jaybird1705
Sulphur Springs, TX20 contributions
Nov 2020
Absolutely beautiful! First off, the area is so clean, no trash scattered around. The roads are in outstanding condition. The Mirror Lake is a beautiful area where one can trout fish, and the Blanchard Springs are amazing—more like a gushing roar of water shooting out of the mountain. There are a couple of hiking trains, and they are well maintained and well marked. Blanchard Springs Recreation Are is a true gem.
Written 18 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KateS
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States3,813 contributions
Sep 2020
While we were disappointed that the Cavern was closed (COVID restrictions), the recreation area was worth the drive north of Mountain View. The path to the spring is paved & short, a very easy walk. We were impressed with the beauty of the spring & surrounding landscape. We must've spent a half-hour just watching & listening to the water, & appreciating the beauty of nature. The trail along Mirror Lake is mostly boardwalk with a few pier-type viewing areas. Unfortunately, the plant growth was such that we didn't get any good photos of this area, but the man-made dam/spillway & the remnants of the old mill were worth the walk. The day-use recreation area is nicely laid out, with giant buildings for restrooms & easy access to the water. At this time of year, the water was very low, but the surrounding bluffs and other natural features made us glad we stopped here for a look-see. There is a $3-per-vehicle fee for this particular day-use area, but there is no fee for access to the spring or Mirror Lake.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rbackfan
Stuttgart, AR73 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We walked to the Springs and then hiked the trail. Walking to the springs is a very easy walk. The trail to the mill from the springs is a must, I am 60 years old and a bit out of shape and I would do this hike again in a heart beat. My 8 year old granddaughter went to the springs and also did the hike and said it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen !
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Are dogs welcome?
MOTravelerken
Farmington, MO469 contributions
Dogs would be welcome everywhere in the area except the cave tours.
How difficult is it to get to the swimming area down by the creek?
Jim Allbright
11 contributions
Not difficult, just drive downhill from the entrance to the caverns until you get to the bottom of the hill. You may take a diversion to Mirror Lake and the actual Blanchard Springs rushing from the mountain. See another review: You may not be able to swim. But, there are camping, picnicking and hiking trails available.
carole1231
Fayetteville, AR2 contributions
Can a person reserve a campsite?
Matt B
139 contributions
Yes. There are campsites by the creek and cave waterfall. There is a day use area, small trout fishing area and hiking trails adjacent to the campsites. They have tent and camper sites available.
crut77
Poplar Bluff, MO20 contributions
Is there anywhere at Blanchard or nearby Sylamore Creek to use a kayak? My children like to paddle around in theirs.
Mark H
Farmington, MO316 contributions
Sylamore creek is a great place to paddle around in a kayak but I would steer clear of the White River because the current is pretty swift there.
fotomichelle
Fayetteville, AR27 contributions
Are there electrical hookups or water hookups on each campsite? The campground map says no, but the recreation.gov page says yes.
*kara*intn
Memphis, TN139 contributions
There are no water or electrical hook-ups at any of the Blanchard Springs campsites. Also, most of the grills are broken or completely missing and many of the picnic tables are falling apart.
daniellessss
Dallas, TX112 contributions
If i wanted to camp during labor day weekend, first week of sept, would it be too hot? Would it be too crowded? Also are you allowed to camp outside camp grounds? Are the campgrounds secluded?
Ronda W
Mountain View, AR92 contributions
You do have to camp within the camp ground, but most campsites are nice and shaded. A campsite by the creek would be a great place to be because the water is ice cold year round. The temp. will still be on the hot side, but hopefully the humidity will be giving us a break by Labor Day.
Are there any places to just have a picnic?? And how much does it cost?
Guy H
Mountain View, Arkansas, United States2 contributions
Yes, there is a public use area at Blanchard on the left just before you get to the campground area. There are picnic tables and grills available in the tree line around a large open area.. There is a fee. I'm not sure, but I think that it is $6.00 per vehicle. There is also a nearby campground located just 5 miles East of Blanchard, on Hwy. 14, Sylamore Creek Camp. The fee there is just $2.00 per person for the day. They also offer swimming, canoeing and kayaking..
notneedingname
Memphis, TN168 contributions
Did you buy tickets at the park or online? I was going to get advance tickets. But when I plugged in the information, it was $5 per child plus a $3 reservation fee? Just wondering if tickets are $8 for kids at the door or the $5 posted.
JoAn C
Little Rock, AR27 contributions
We buy the tickets when we arrive. The tickets are only for the cave tours. At times we have had to wait for a later tour, but usually find things to busy ourselves with during the wait.
