📷 National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Public domainFort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith, AR
Ruins of two frontier forts and the courtroom and gallows of Judge Isaac Parker, the hanging judge of Indian Territory, on the Arkansas River. Also a stop on the Trail of Tears.
Fort Smith National Historic Site is a frontier-history site in Fort Smith, Arkansas, right on the Arkansas River on the edge of the former Indian Territory. The first fort was founded in 1817 to keep the peace between Native American tribes and abandoned in 1824; the second fort was built from 1838 after the military returned. From 1872 the federal court for the Western District of Arkansas sat in the former barracks; its jurisdiction over Indian Territory ended in 1896.
In the visitor center (301 Parker Avenue) in the former barracks building you can see the old courtroom, one of the surviving jail cells, exhibits and a short park film; allow up to an hour. A reconstructed gallows stands on the grounds. Fort Smith also played a role on the Trail of Tears: displaced tribes received supplies and directions here.
According to the National Park Service, the visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free (as of October 2026; check winter hours and holidays in advance).
- Nearest town
- Fort Smith, AR
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.3878, -94.4297
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 March, September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Fort Smith Riverfront RV ResortMotorhome stopover2 mi from Fort Smith National Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Fort Smith Alma RV ParkCampsite15 mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover15 mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site · 4 pitchesMotorhomes
- Cowlington PointCampsite21 mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site
- Vine Prairie Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Fort Smith National Historic Site
- KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover22 mi from Fort Smith National Historic SiteTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Smith National Historic Site?
Fort Smith National Historic Site is in Fort Smith, AR, at GPS 35.3878, -94.4297. It is about 37 mi from Tenkiller State Park.
Can you camp near Fort Smith National Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Smith National Historic Site?
Fort Smith National Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Arkansas River Valley: Petit Jean, Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine.
What is there to see near Fort Smith National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Devil's Den State Park (29 mi), Mount Magazine State Park (47 mi), Queen Wilhelmina State Park (49 mi) and Talimena Scenic Drive (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Smith National Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)