Located near the Oklahoma–Arkansas border, Lake Wister State Park is a gateway to the Ouachita National Forest, an area known for its hiking trails and mountain scenery. There are five camping areas throughout the park, each filled with a mix of cabins and sites for tents and RVs. Although the area is surrounded by wilderness, you won’t have to rough it—each site has access to amenities such as comfort stations with showers, full kitchens, and picnic shelters.

Naturally, most visit the state park for its many outdoor pursuits. There’s 115 miles of shoreline, which include a swimming beach and lighted boat ramp. The area is especially popular in the summer, when Lake Wister bustles with water-skiers and anglers out for the water’s catfish and sand bass. Meanwhile, the cabins have direct access to nature trails that show off the resident white-tailed deer, rabbits, and bald eagles. You can also learn more about the local wildlife by checking out the exhibits at the park’s nature center. When the kids aren’t out exploring nature, they can take enjoy the onsite water spray park and miniature golf course.