Lost Valley NPS - Sep 7-9 - Arkansas

[Mellow]

Based on THIS (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39) great review by doobage and the comments that followed, we're planning a camping trip to this park.

When
September 7-9

Where
Duh - Lost Valley National Park Service Campground in
north west Arkansas
15 miles west of Jasper on Hwy. 74,
then one mile south on Hwy. 43.

GPS Coordinates:
N36 00.590 W93 22.445

Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=lost+valley+state+park&address=&city=&state=ar&zipcode=)

[Trailace]

There is some Great riding in that area.:D

[mageerc]

I will definitely try to make this trip! I know the area pretty well, though to get to some of the best scenery, you'd really need a KLR650 or something like it. William MacNamara lives just up the road from Lost Valley near Boxley. MacNamara is an artist that depicts scenes of natural wonder in the immediate area using watercolor as a medium. Here's a link to his work:

http://www.mcnamarawatercolors.com/

Mike Mills, a former Director of Tourism for the state of Arkansas. operates a business in Ponca called the Buffalo Outdoor Center and is a great source of information on the area. You can even get a balloon ride over the area as Mike is also an extraordinary balloon pilot and owns the Arkansas is a Natural balloon. Mike also rents cabins and owns a lodge in Ponca for the less adventurous. A link to his website:

http://www.buffaloriver.com/

The camping at Lost Valley isn't the greatest experience as it's a walk in site and there is also a Ranger that lives right on the property. There will be no firewood to be scrounged either, though some might be purchased from BOC if Mike or Steve are in a good mood and they have a ready supply. The cove that Lost Valley resides in is magical enough to make up for some of the campground's shortcomings...

[Mellow]

Walk in site? In the reviews it looked like you could ride in.

Glad to see you'll try to make it.. this will probably be the biggest MotoCamping.com event Ever!!!!! :rolleyes: :D

[Chief]

Sounds like fun. I'm off that weekend so I'll be there one way or another!

[punk_emo_tx]

I added a couple more pictures and a primative map of Lost Valley on the review post.

I've camped there twice. 1st time it was full, 2nd time I was the only one there. Both times there was no ranger at the house. I'm not sure anyone was living there. I think there are two camp sites you can park next to ( ei the picture with the motorcycle + tent ). All the other camp sites are across the dry creek bed. Its easy to walk across. The camp sites are only about 20 yards from the parking lot. Both times I camped there I found wood for a camp fire (I don't need much wood as I was solo ). I like this camp because of the primative feel and your bike is only 20 yards away. If you like camping next to a driveway, this isn't the place for you. Enjoy your trip.

[mageerc]

Mellow,

I don't mean to nit-pick (so much for the disclaimer), but Lost Valley IS NOT a state park. It is a National Park Service campground.

Randy

[Mellow]

Mellow,

I don't mean to nit-pick (so much for the disclaimer), but Lost Valley IS NOT a state park. It is a National Park Service campground.

Randy

No problem, I updated the first post... so, what letters do they use for that, it's isn't a National Park is it? You would think so, but I know better than to assume...

[mageerc]

They use NPS as an acronymn... check the picture of the Lost Valley sign in the original post and you'll see.

[Mellow]

So be it... I've updated all the links on the site, thanks, no nit-picking percieved, just good info the keep the site accurate.. thanks!

[Diggers1300]

It's still a long way off. But you knows us, Joe. It's too close to home not to be there!
PS. Looking forward to Big Bend in a couple of weeks. :D

[Mellow]

It's still a long way off. But you knows us, Joe. It's too close to home not to be there!
PS. Looking forward to Big Bend in a couple of weeks. :D

Yep, I never count you two out that's for sure...

[Trailace]

Map Source has it as a State Park. What is up with that?
http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/122734651-S.jpg

[Mellow]

This place must truly be lost... LOL

[punk_emo_tx]

I think they lost all the park maps too. I looked around on line without any luck so I drew my own. :)

[CamperDane]

I would like to make that camping trip myself. Just not to fond of dirt roads. Please keep me posted of any changes.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i19/cutacroshorty/2006%20Honda%20GL1800/P1010123.jpg

[mageerc]

There is less than 1/4 mile of gravel road into Lost Valley, but the parking lot is also gravel so you might want to bring a puck for your kickstand...

[sparkinator]

I put it on my calendar. Looks like a good central location to all those good roads I remember from Natstoc.

[kingwing60]

may be in arkansas in 2 weeks thanks for the info

[Mellow]

It looks like I'm going to be on-call during this event... sorry, this has just been a strange year for riding for me... started our with a bang and then nothing... but, maybe that just means I'll ride a lot towards the end of the year...

Anyway, that being said... if anyone wants to switch the location of this event but still in the general vicinity so people plans don't change too much, please suggest another spot.. I know not everyone likes the more primitive campgrounds so let's hear some suggestions.

[mageerc]

Well fudge! I had planned on attending this event and as it turns out, I'm out myself! As far as the primitive camping goes... those who choose not to camp can find a nice room in the Lodge there in Ponca, just a few miles away.