HOBBS STATE PARK-CONSERVATION AREA
Arkansas's largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (HSPCA) covers 12,055 acres along the southern shores of 28,370-acre Beaver Lake. Twenty-two of the park?s 60 miles of border stretch along the shores of Beaver Lake. The park lies between Beaver Lake to the north and War Eagle Creek to the south. It stretches across a part of Benton County southeast of Beaver Lake and extends into Madison and Caroll counties. This large tract of Ozark landscape consists of plateaus, ridges, valleys, and streams featuring an upland forest of pine, oak and hickory. Many water features including disappearing streams, springs and seeps have carved the many hollows in this fragile limestone landscape, as well as created cave-related features including numerous sinkholes.
HSPCA is managed jointly by Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The park is 10 miles east of Rogers on Ark. 12, which bisects the park property.
The park's 17,531-square-foot visitor center opened on May 27, 2009. This $4.5 million, state-of-the-art facility features Ozark focused exhibits including interactive kiosks, classroom space, a retail sales area, and the park's administrative offices. Wi-Fi wireless Internet access is provided in the visitor center. The center is on Ark. Hwy. 12 near the junction with War Eagle Road.
The park includes the only public, outdoor shooting range in Arkansas with a bullet trap (open Tuesday through Sunday). NOTE: The shooting range is closed every Monday throughout the year for maintenance and repair. In addition, the park offers regulated seasonal hunting; undeveloped access to 28,370-acre Beaver Lake; and interpretive programs. HSPCA is Arkansas's only state park where hunting is allowed. Future development and expanded visitor programs at the HSPCA will include cabins, pavilions, picnic areas, additional hiking trails, and archery and orienteering courses.