10 Places to Play and Stay in Fairfield Bay

Tucked along the shore of Greers Ferry Lake, Fairfield Bay is built for play and there are plenty of things to do. Think water days, wooded hikes, off-road adventure and evening strolls under the pines. It’s a vacation town, sure, but also a basecamp for anyone who wants to dive into Arkansas' outdoors and recreation. Here are 10 reasons to head to The Bay for your next getaway.

1. Sugar Loaf Mountain Island

Getting to Sugar Loaf Mountain in the middle of Greers Ferry Lake is half the fun via a shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina. Then take the short trek (1.6 miles roundtrip) to the high point for panoramic views. Another trail circles the base of the mountaintop. Along Arkansas’ first designated National Scenic Trail, you’ll see wildlife, bluff formations and native flora and fauna. A series of wooden stairs at the southern end leads to the top, offering incredible vistas from 500 feet above the lake's surface.

2. Greers Ferry Lake

Created by Greers Ferry Dam and dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 (in one of his last public appearances), Greers Ferry Lake offers endless water recreation. Clear, deep and edged by forested bluffs, this 40,000-acre lake is known for boating, swimming, scuba diving and some of the best fishing in the state. There are vast stretches of water for sailing and other water sports, plus excellent camping and hiking facilities on the shores.

3. Fairfield Bay Marina

The full-service marina stocks every lake toy imaginable: pontoon boats for leisurely cruising, ski boats for wakeboarding thrills, jet skis for speed demons, plus kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua bicycles and pedal boats for quieter exploration. The marina also operates The Belle of the Bay, a climate-controlled cruise boat offering two-hour narrated tours. Passengers enjoy comfortable table seating and can bring their own refreshments or grab snacks at the marina store. You can also feed a huge school of carp here and take your picture with your head sticking through the Fish Feeding Frenzy sign.

4. Indian Rock House Cave

The massive natural sandstone grotto, measuring 100 feet wide, 50 feet tall, and 97 feet deep, served as a meeting place for Quapaw, Osage, Cherokee, Shawnee and Delaware nations. Look for ancient petroglyphs on the cave walls, including some believed to date from a harsh winter refuge in 1776. Access this archaeological treasure via a short trail beginning at the Old Log Cabin Museum. The family-friendly path winds past the ninth fairway of Indian Hills Golf Course.

5. Old Log Cabin and Museum

Providing a glimpse back in time to home life in the late 19th century, the cabin features a variety of tools and household items, as well as clothing and toys, a loom and a yarn winder. Additional contents include antique jewelry and furniture, taxidermy of local birds and animal specimens, a colonial American flag and more.

6. Lake and River Fishing

Every game fish native to the state has been stocked in Greers Ferry Lake by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, but this fishery is known for walleye and striped bass. The Little Red River, the cold tailwaters from Greers Ferry Dam, is a well-known stream for rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. The river and the lake are stocked from a fish hatchery located just below the dam. Fishing guide services are available for both the lake and the river.

7. UTV & ATV Trails

Rev up your adventure on more than 90 miles of designated UTV and ATV trails winding through Fairfield Bay's diverse terrain. Navigate stream crossings, rocky outcroppings and dense forest on routes ranging from beginner-friendly paths to advanced technical challenges. Despite feeling remote in the wilderness, you're often just yards from paved roads – the perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. Digital and printed maps, plus excellent trail signage, ensure you'll explore confidently without getting lost.

8. Traditional, Mini and Disc Golf

Deep bunkers, tight greens and elevation shifts make for a good round on the 18-hole golf course at Indian Hills Golf Resort. Woodland Mead Park Disc Golf Course is a professional course with nine tightly wooded holes, several large boulders and beautiful landscaping. Plus, Fairfield Bay has two mini golf courses.

9. Tennis and Pickleball

Tennis enthusiasts enjoy eight championship courts, including six lighted for night play, while the growing pickleball community claims 12 dedicated outdoor courts. Tennis and pickleball equipment is available in the office lobby at Fairfield Parks and Rec.

10. Parks and Pools

Three resort-style pools and a spray pool mean there’s no shortage of places to cool off. Plus, several parks scattered throughout town offer shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, picnic pavilions, grills, horseshoe pits and trails.

Extras

Also, look for three hand-carved totem poles and discover the story behind each one. At Woodland Mead Park, check out the Indian Thong Tree, one of the few authenticated native trail markers left in Arkansas. Native American tribes used to bend trees to point to water and shelter, burial sites and hunting spots.

A fitness center, library, bowling alley, country club with casual and formal dining, conference center and art gallery can also be found in Fairfield Bay.

Plan Your Fairfield Bay Adventure

Originally established as a resort and retirement village, Fairfield Bay combines resort amenities with outdoor adventure in the Ozark Mountains. Popular events throughout the year include Bloomin’ in the Bay (April), Surf the Bay (June), fall festivals, holiday festivals and music, plays and more at the outdoor amphitheater.

The city has a mix of places to stay, including Cobblestone Inn & Suites, condos, luxury residences and lodgings with resort-style amenities.

Fairfield Bay is about 75 miles north of Little Rock, just east of Clinton on Highway 16.