Blanchard Springs Caverns
Fifty-Six, AR
A living cave in the Ozark National Forest, now run with Arkansas State Parks, with huge rooms of flowstone and columns on the paved Dripstone Trail. Tours run from about May to October; book ahead.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a living dripstone cave in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas, about 15 miles (roughly 24 km) northwest of Mountain View, near Fifty-Six. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, it is the only cave managed by the US Forest Service. It counts as "living" because its formations keep changing: an underground river, stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone shape the limestone cave at about 14 °C (58 °F) and nearly 100 percent humidity.
The cave opened to visitors in 1973. On the Dripstone Trail an elevator descends 216 feet (about 66 m); the tour takes about an hour and includes the Cathedral Room. The Discovery Trail (since 1977) is longer and has 686 steps.
Important for planning (as of October 2026): according to Arkansas State Parks, 2026 tours run from 1 May, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. The cave has been designated Arkansas's 53rd state park; a first major renovation is planned after the 2026 season, with a reopening anticipated in 2028. Check in advance whether you can visit in 2027.
- Nearest town
- Fifty-Six, AR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.9630, -92.1770
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Upper Campground LoopCampsite1 mi from Blanchard Springs CavernsTentsCaravans
- Upper CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Blanchard Springs CavernsTentsCaravans
- Lower CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Blanchard Springs CavernsTentsCaravans
- Camp MatneyCampsite19 mi from Blanchard Springs CavernsTentsFree
- Quarry ParkCampsite20 mi from Blanchard Springs CavernsTentsCaravans
- Buffalo Point Campground - Loop BCampsite22 mi from Blanchard Springs Caverns · 16 pitchesTentsCaravans
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Blanchard Springs Caverns is in Fifty-Six, AR, at GPS 35.9630, -92.1770. It is about 7 mi from Mountain View.
Can you camp near Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Group Camp 2, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Arkansas folk music, caverns and the Buffalo River.
What is there to see near Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ozark Folk Center State Park (7 mi), Buffalo Point (23 mi), Mammoth Spring State Park (51 mi) and Buffalo National River (66 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)