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Whispering pines, Fiery sunsets, Crystalline rivers, streams and lakes. Majestic mountains bursting with ancient legends and lore. Mouth-watering, tree-ripened peaches. If this description sounds enticing, head for Johnson County. Whether a sportsman or photographer, a hiker, biker or wildlife watcher, Johnson County is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley and known for its historic annual Peach Festival, Johnson County successfully combines the unusual traits of down-home charm with urban advantages. From cultural exhibits at the University of the Ozarks to scenic byways and hidden campgrounds, Johnson County is home to a wealth of secrets waiting to be discovered.

  • Clarksville - Johnson County seat is home to the University of the Ozarks and the Walton Fine Arts Center. Clarksville is a gateway to Scenic Highway 21, the Ozark Highlands National Scenic Byway, which leads north through the Ozark National Forest to Eureka Springs and Branson over the most picturesque and shortest route from I-40.
  • Walton Fine Arts Center - Located on the University of the Ozarks campus. Features Stephens Art Gallery, with glass and ivory carvings collections, and numerous original oil paintings. Theater. 479-754-3839.
  • Oark - Take Highway 103 north 21 miles. Historical Oark General Store and Cafe is listed on the "Register of Historical Places in Arkansas. The Mulberry River, an official member of the National Wild and Scenic River System, along with the Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail are nearby.
  • Ozark National Forest Campsites
    • Haw Creek Falls, 14 miles north from Hagarville or 12 miles west from Pelsor on State 123. Small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, bluffs. Negotiable by camping trailer rigs. Canoeing on Big Piney Creek nearby and access to Ozark Highlands Trail. Facilities: Chemical toilets, water. (open year-round) User's fee charged. (Bayou Ranger District, Hector, AR 72843, (479-284-3150)
    • Horsehead Lake, a 98 acre mountain lake with 10 family camping units. Centrally located flush restrooms, drinking water, camping trailers are allowed, but no special facilities are available. There are 12 family picnicking units (one for handicapped) handicapped toilet, bathhouse with showers, and a beach. There is a children's playground and also boating and a launch ramp with wake limit on the lake. No skiing allowed and 10 hp motor limit. Horsehead Hiking Trail is good for short-term day hikes, rather than long distance backpacking. It provides a variety of experiences, with a distance of 3.0 miles in length. The trail is constructed in a loop to return the hiker to the point of beginning. Location: 8 miles northwest of Clarksville on State 103, then west on State 164, 4 miles, then right on gravel Forest Road 1408, 3 miles. (Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, AR 72830,(479-754-2864)
    • Cabin Creek located on the Arkansas River is a major unit of the Arkansas River Navigation Project. The lake stretches 50 miles up the Arkansas River Valley from Dardanelle Lock and Dam to Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam. About 315 miles of shoreline give the visitor ample fishing and camping opportunities. 9 RV/Tent with no hookups, vault toilets, water, boat ramp, and pavilion. Open year-round. Located 1.5 miles west of Knoxville on paved access road. (Resident Engineer, P.O. Box 1087, Russellville, AR 72811, (479-968-5008)
    • Spadra located on the Arkansas River 2 miles south of Clarksville on State 103 to Jamestown, then 1 mile on access road. Facilities include 35 RV/Tent with electricity, flush toilets, water, showers, boat dock and ramp, pavilion, trailer dump station, marina and restaurant. Open year-round. User's fee charged. Boat launch fee charged year-round.
    • Piney Bay has 90 RV/Tent sites with electricity, boat ramps, water, rest rooms, swim beach, dump station, 8 picnic sites, amphitheater, and pavilion. Located 3 miles west of London on U.S. 64, then 3.5 miles north on State 359.
    • Wolfpen Recreation Area is adjacent to the Mulberry River. It has canoe ramp access to the river and is very popular with canoeists. There are 6 primitive camping units, available space for small camping trailers. 5 family picnic units, chemical toilets, drinking water, good fishing and hunting in season. Take Arkansas 23 North from Ozark for 18 miles. Turn west on Forest Developed Road 1003 (gravel) Wolf Pen is 13 miles east of Hwy 23. This route has a scenic view of the Mulberry river and rock bluffs. Or take Arkansas 103 North from Clarksville for 22 miles, crossing over Yarbrough Mt. with a great view of the Arkansas River Valley. Turn west on Arkansas 215 for 2 miles, then south on Forest Developed Road 1003I
    • Ozone Campground, situated in tall pine timber is the site of the old Ozone CCC Camp. There are 8 family camping units, camping trailers allowed but no special facilities are available. Good picnicking, hunting in season, with access to the Ozark Highlands Hiking trail. Trail head parking is just across the highway from the camping ground. Ozone Campground is located 18 miles north of Clarksville on State 21 and is open all year. (Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, Ar 72830 (479-754-2864)
    • Lake Ludwig is 10 miles south of Ozone or 8 miles north of Clarksville. Covered picnic pavilion, wheel chair accessible. Swimming, boating, picnicking, fishing and water skiing, but no camping facilities are available. (Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, Ar 72830 (479-754-2864)
  • Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail - Over 34 miles of this trail traverses northern Johnson County. The trail intersects with the Ozark Highlands National Scenic Byway (Arkansas 21) at Ozone.
  • Scenic Highway 21 - Described as one of Arkansas' best-kept secrets, this National Forest Scenic Byway travels north from Clarksville to the county line, showing great scenes of the Ozark National Forest. The outstanding characteristics of this highway are panoramic views, colorful flora, and rugged terrain. Wildlife is abundant and it is not uncommon to see deer, turkey, and black bear as well as lesser species such as songbirds and squirrels. Occasionally bald eagles and golden eagles are also seen. The several villages offer opportunities to sample mountain flavor, while also providing refreshments for those who would stop at the one-and-only local store or "trading post".
  • Big Piney Creek - Considered by some to be the classic Ozark stream, it tumbles in a twisting course from its rugged headwaters region toward the Arkansas River Rapids, bluffs, overhanging hardwoods - the Big Piney has it all.

Peach Orchards - Johnson County has over 400 acres of the finest peaches in the country. Strawberries, grapes, blueberries and apples also are grown.