Same mountains we loved last year, different front porch: 40,000 acres of the clearest water in Arkansas, tent sites running out a peninsula, and the town we already know 30 minutes away. This is the low-risk, high-comfort pick — we know the drive, we know Hot Springs, and the lake is spectacular.
The park marina rents 22′ fishing barges and 26′ party barges — the sequel to last year's boat day. October hours are 8–5 and shoulder-season; call ahead to lock a barge: it's the linchpin of the trip.
Bream, crappie, and catfish bite near the marina and docks all October. Stripers are the guide-boat trophy if we want to hire out a morning. Under-16 fishes free in Arkansas.
Bathhouse Row, the observation tower, downtown — plus free Bridge Street LIVE block parties every Thursday night in October.
~290 miles via Texarkana, 4.5–5 hours — the same corridor as last year until the last turn. Mountain Pine is the last supply stop before the park.
Open route in Google Maps →Class D tent sites 63–80 ($19.20/night): open every single night Oct 11–25 — even the weekend. Walk-In site 3 on the peninsula: open the whole window; most other walk-ins work with a Monday arrival. The $50 electric waterfront sites are nearly gone (only 30, 33, 35 hold a 5-night run) — book two Class D sites and spend the difference on the boat.