Beckham Creek Cave Lodge
Guest Directory
Lodge Manager
I am delighted to welcome you to Beckham Creek Cave Lodge and sincerely hope your stay is relaxing and enjoyable. Should there be anything I can do to make your time more comfortable, please do not hesitate to call me ~ Rayne Davidson, Lodge Manager.
(870) 365-9785 (Rayne’s Cell/txt)
(870) 754-9504 (Nate, our caretaker’s Cell/txt)
(870) 754-9345 (Randee, our on-site RN and housekeeper’s Cell/text)
Emergency Information
Your family’s safety is the most important thing to us. Please be aware that this area is in fact considered wilderness, with limited resources close at hand. We make every effort to ensure you are well-informed and fully equipped to meet the challenges of the area, however, you must exercise common sense. In summer, this area has poisonous snakes and come prepared for ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, etc. On the following pages, we go into more details about this area to help you make this the best family vacation by making sure everyone has a pleasant and safe adventure here.
Life-Threatening
In case of Emergency, if it is LIFE-THREATENING
Dial 911. Then, call Rayne and Nate & Randee (who is an RN) immediately once you have EMS on their way. We want to ensure we are helping you every step of the way. Note: If you can travel, it may be quickest to drive to the nearest hospital which will be North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and a Mediquick in Harrison, AR. If it is NON-LIFE THREATENING, Randee is an RN and able to help with minor injuries. And, for the really small stuff, there is a first aid kit under the kitchen sink.
Lodge Information
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge is a 4BR 4BA 5800 sf lodge with it’s very own waterfall in the living room. Located on 256 pristine and remote acres in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas. Includes honeymoon suite, gourmet kitchen, big screen TV with satellite, WIFI, firepit, grill and patio area. Natural cave walls with cool cave features are showcased wherever possible, including in the showers and bedrooms!
Nate & Randee our wonderful caretakers, on the day of your arrival, text them at 870-754-9504 your ETA and they’ll meet you at the lodge to show you how to work everything.
FAQ
ask us anything
NOTE REGARDING FLOODING:
You'll have a low water bridge crossing over the Little Buffalo River before on the road to the lodge. We recommend you watch the weather the week of your arrival and if you see major flooding in the area, be sure to communicate with us about the water level. If it is high, Nate can meet you at the river and shuttle you across, or, we may have to postpone your stay. If you are staying at the lodge and the flooding looks imminent, you should evacuate immediately or you may have to spend a couple of extra days (free of charge) till the water recedes.
FIRE PIT:
We provide the first round of firewood and starter and you may feel free to gather any fallen wood you find on the property. You may purchase additional firewood for $20 per load, just pay Nate directly upon delivery. NOTE REGARDING CAMPFIRES: Do not attempt a campfire on windy or dry days and always put water on your campfire when done to ensure it's completely out.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE CAVE:
Cave stays a cool 65 degrees year round, do bring sweats, hoodies, warm clothing AND the floor gets wet and slippery, bring shoes to wear in the cave with traction soles. Bedrooms do have radiant heaters that keep them toasty warm for sleeping.
RECYCLING:
Look for the bin that is labeled recycling and all glass, plastic, aluminum and cardboard can go into this one bin. If the trash cans get full during your stay, ask Nate to come take out the trash, he'll be glad to!
BEFORE DEPARTING
BEFORE DEPARTING at 11:00 a.m. Check out: Please clean and put away used dishes, place all wet towels in the bathroom floor and perform general pick up but leave the rest of the cleaning for us.
CHECK-IN:
CHECK-IN IS AT 3:00 p.m. with the following procedure: Text Nate at (870) 754-9504 on the day before or the day of your arrival and give your ETA. Stay in touch with him and he'll meet you at the cave to show you around.
On-site hiking & UTV tour
Around the corner from the cave, you’ll find a cool place to walk to, we call it the “Eye of the Needle”. We’ve built a really nice viewing platform to sit and enjoy the forest view and sounds. Also, there are hiking trails on the 256 acres, one of which goes up the mountain to “Indian Encampment”, a group of house sized boulders and a spring, if you look, you’ll find evidence of Indian life there. New in 2021, we’ve opened up numerous trails and bought a brand new Yamaha Viking 6 seater UTV, we love to give free rides to see everything, tipping is appreciated.
On-site hiking & UTV tour
In the Buffalo National River Park Service and Ozark National Forest, there are so many fantastic trails to explore. Please note that while many of the Buffalo National River trails are well marked and easy to follow, there are many reasons you might get off trail and be unable to find your way back, and there is little to NO CELL RECEPTION in most areas, so adopt the safety procedure we use: always make sure someone knows what trail you have taken, and what time you left. Put a note on the table or send me, Rayne, a quick text saying how many in your party and where you are planning to hike. A little information can go a long way to speeding up any rescue efforts.
On-site hiking & UTV tour
Take a back pack with extra water, nutrient rich snacks, a flash light, compass, small first aid kit and a fleece jacket for if you get wet or overnight temperature drops. Wear good sturdy footwear and use insect repellent to protect yourself from the ticks and chiggers that will make you itch! And, a piece of advice, don’t hike in light colored clothes and socks, as these attract them more. If you happen to get into a bunch of ticks, use duct tape after your hike to pull them off of your clothes or have a change of clothes and isolate the “ticky” ones into a plastic bag till they can be washed. ALWAYS shower and change clothes as soon as possible after hiking, you cannot see chiggers, you’ll simply wake up with bites, so get them off as soon as you can.
Restaurants
LOW GAP CAFÉ -- LOW GAP, AR
Italian & American food in an unassuming setting as you are crossing the mountains from Ponca to Jasper. Great live music featuring local bands on weekends.
Phone ahead to check hours: 870-861-5848
Hwy 74 Jasper, AR 72641
OZARK CAFÉ – JASPER, AR
On the Jasper Square across from the court house.
Try the burgers and shakes. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.
Phone ahead to check hours: (870) 446-2976
107 E Ct St Jasper, AR 72641
BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY AND CAFÉ – JASPER, AR
On the Jasper Square, across from the courthouse.
They make everything from scratch, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
(870) 446-2345
207 N Stone St Jasper, AR 72641
CLIFF HOUSE INN RESTAURANT – JASPER, AR
6 miles south of Jasper on Hwy 7.
Overlooking the Arkansas Grand Canyon, enjoy a spectacular view of the Ozark Mountains while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
(870) 446-2292
6 Miles South of Jasper on Hwy 7 Jasper, AR 72641
Hiking the Buffalo
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HIKE:
- 1.Use a guidebook and map to plan your hike. Two good resources we recommend are the Buffalo River Handbook and the National Geographic waterproof map of the Buffalo National River (West half or East half depending on where you want to hike), these can be purchased from local outfitters or at least upload a trail map to your phone from AllTrails.com.
- 2.,Be sure to closely monitor the weather. The day can change without obvious warning.
- 3., Carry a small lightweight pack filled with necessities. First aid, water, nutrient dense snacks, and a small flashlight are a good idea. Don’t overload yourself, but do prepare for the worst case scenarios.
- 4.,Layer your clothing. It is easy to adjust your temperature by adding or removing light layers. A fleece jacket is a must during cooler weather.
- 5., Always use sunblock. You unfortunately will not realize you have burned until it is too late.
- 6., Carry your cellphone. You won’t always have service, so turn it off to preserve battery life. You want to have it in case of emergency. Always let someone know where you are hiking, how many in your party, and what time you are hiking.
- 7., Always obey trail markers and rules. Help us preserve this incredible natural resource for all to enjoy! Cardinal rule is to leave nothing and take nothing. Note that no glass containers are allowed around the River area.
OUR FAVORITE HIKES:
Without a doubt, a person could hike a lifetime and not get the chance to fully explore the trails available. But, there are some favorites that we love to introduce every newcomer to. If you want more information or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask. We love sharing our area with you!
Be careful when crossing or walking in river and creeks - the rocks are slick. Also, when pine needles are present on the top of the bluffs, be very careful, they'll slide you off the bluff before you realize what's happening.
Area Hiking Trails
MOUNTAIN SPRING CABINS
(from upper to middle Buffalo River)
http://bit.ly/2lebJK1
ALUM COVE
Distance: 1.1 miles round trip
Features a natural bridge, a bluff line, two caves, and seasonal waterfall, and rock shelter
Directions: 50 min (36.4 miles) via AR-21 S and AR-16 E about 6 miles on south side of road.
GPS: 35.86041, -93.2292
GLORY HOLE FALLS
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Features one of the most famous waterfalls in Arkansas
Directions: 33 min (24.4 miles) via AR-43 S and AR-21 S
GPS: 35.82595, -93.39737
HAWK’S BILL CRAG
Distance: 2.7 miles round trip
Features a rock formation that juts out from the bluff’s face and overlooks a huge valley.
Directions: 40 min (18.9 miles) via AR-43 S and Co Rd 5
GPS: 35.8982, -93.45796
SMITH CREEK PRESERVE
Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
Features a beautiful creek, boulders, and a waterfall.
Directions: 20 min (14.1 miles) via AR-43 S and AR-21 S
GPS: 35.935067, -93.386583
LUALLEN SPRING at BOXLEY VALLEY
Features a spring that many locals drink from. The water is regularly tested and safe to drink. Take a water bottle to fill up. At the parking lot, walk towards the old barn to get to the spring. You’ll see the black pipe that you’ll unhook to get your water, be sure to hang it back up when you’re done.
Directions: 18 min (12.9 miles) via AR-43 S
GPS: 35.9444, -93.3994
LOST VALLEY
PONCA TO STEEL CREEK
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Features small waterfalls, views of the river, and rock columns
Directions: 11 min (6.5 miles) via AR-43 S
GPS: 36.021727, -93.354261
STEEL CREEK OVERLOOK
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Features a big sweeping view of Roark Bluff.
Directions: 15 min (8.5 miles) via AR-43 S
GPS: 36.040595, -93.341553
BIG BLUFF/ GOAT TRAIL
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Features a big view of the Buffalo River combined with a world-class geologic experience. It takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the round-trip hike. It’s basically uphill all the way back (2.5 miles). This is another trail on which you’ll want to have plenty of water and a hearty snack along, as well as possess a reasonably good physical fitness level in order to enjoy.
Directions: 4 min (2.4 miles) via AR-103 and AR-43 S
GPS: 36.064023, -93.360244
HEMMED-IN-HOLLOW
Distance: 6.1 miles round trip
Features a 250 ft. waterfall, the tallest between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. The hike back out is a 2.5-mile uphill climb.
Directions: 11 min (6.5 miles) via AR-43 N
GPS: 36.081208, -93.303235
HIDEOUT HOLLOW
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Features one of the prettiest waterfall areas in Buffalo River. The fall is easily 37 feet tall with the surrounding bluff line.
Directions: 19 min (8.9 miles) via AR-43 N and Co Rd 19
GPS: 36.073017, -93.265046
INDIAN CREEK
Distance: 4.7 miles round trip
Features a waterfall and is one of the most strenuous and ruggedly beautiful day hikes in the Buffalo River area.
Directions: 37 min (18.1 miles) via AR-43 S and AR-74 E
GPS: 36.054918, -93.281638
TWIN FALLS / TRIPLE FALLS BILL CRAG
Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
Features a beautiful Twin Falls, which runs with THREE waterfalls after a heavy rain!
Directions: 39 min (18.2 miles) via AR-43 S and AR-74 E
GPS: 36.056562, -93.257717
CECIL LOOP COVE
Distance: 6.7-mile loop trail
Features a river, bluffs, historic homesteads, an old cemetery, and several hidden waterfalls.
Directions: 52 min (29.7 miles) via AR-43 N
GPS: 36.083934, -93.233100
Elk
Perhaps the most popular animal of all to visitors is the majestic elk, which was reintroduced to the area beginning in 1981. Elk were native to the Ozark hardwood forest, but were hunted into extinction back in the mid-1800’s. Fortunately, through a successful management effort of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, over 800 elk now roam the Buffalo National River. In fact, the elk have thrived and reproduced so well that an annual elk hunt is now coordinated by the commission.
A large heard of elk can frequently be seen in the fields of the Boxley Valley (Hwy 43 South from Ponca), especially in the fall, winter, and spring of the year. Field grasses offer them ample food during those seasons, however, once warmer weather and tree leaves appear, elk tend to move into the forest for shade and to feed on the tender foliage.
PONCA ELK EDUCATION CENTER -- PONCA, AR
Phone: 870-861-2432
VENOMOUS SNACKES
COPPERHEAD
COTTONMOUTH
WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
TIMBER RATTLESNAKE
Besides the Cottonmouth, which is typically aggressive, the other snakes are not aggressive and will not attack unsuspecting humans. They will defend themselves by biting only if they are cornered, stepped on or feel threatened.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Be alert
Watch where you place your hands and feet.
Wear protective clothing.
VENOMOUS SNAKEBITES
In the unlikely event that a venomous snake bites you, following these guidelines for a successful recovery:
Remain calm. Remember, more people die from bee stings each year than from venomous snakebites.
Remove shoes, jewelry and tight clothing from bitten area.
Wash the bite site with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol to remove any excess venom.
Be prepared to treat for shock and possibly administer CPR.
Get the victim to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.
Do not make cuts or incisions on or near the bitten area. You could cause more damage than the snakebite.
Do not apply a tourniquet or constriction band. You could cut off blood flow, causing more damage.
Do not give the victim food, drink, alcohol or other drugs. This can cause complication in treatment.
Do not attempt to suck venom out with your mouth. You could have tiny cuts in your mouth, allowing venom to get into your bloodstream.
Caves
MYSTIC CAVERNS
Location: 7 Byway, eight miles south of Harrison
Phone: 888-743-1739
Website: www.mysticcaverns.com
COSMIC CAVERN
Location: 6386 Hwy. 21 North, Berryville, AR 72616
Phone: 870-749-2298
Website: www.cosmiccavern.com
HURRICANE RIVER CAVE
Location: 15 miles south of Harrison on Hwy. 65
Phone: 870-429-6200
Website: www.HurricaneRiverCaverns.com
Float the River
FLOAT OUTFITTERS BUFFALO OUTDOOR CENTER -- PONCA, AR
BUFFALO OUTDOOR CENTER — PONCA, AR (NOTE: Also provides zip-lining)
Phone: 870-221-5514
Website: www.buffaloriver.com
Canoes: $60/day
Kayaks: $55/day
Rafts: $33pp/day
LOST VALLEY CANOE -- PONCA, AR
Phone: 870-861-5522
Website: www.lostvalleycanoe.com
Canoes: $55/day
Kayaks: $45/day
Rafts: $27.50pp/day
Fishing Guide Services
The Buffalo National River is wholly unique in that it is one of the last remaining pristine watersheds in the United States. As the nation’s first designated National River, the Buffalo stands alone as an exceptional place. Anglers can find plentiful bass, perch, and catfish along the length of the river. All fishing on Arkansas waterways requires a fishing license, which helps to support conservation efforts. You may buy your license at any of the official outfitters, or directly from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
If trout are more your desired fish, the White River is world-renowned for trophy trout. Located in the next county over, about 60 miles from Mountain Springs Cabins.
WHITE BUFFALO RESORT -- BUFFALO CITY, AR
Phone: 870-425-8555
Website: www.whitebuffaloresort.com
Directions: At the confluence of the White and Buffalo River.
WILD BILL’S OUTFITTER -- YELLVILLE, AR
Phone: 800-554-8657
Website: www.ozark-float.com
Directions: On Hwy 14, just 1 mile off the Buffalo River.
Horseback Ridings Trails
TIPS TO REDUCE IMPACT
- Don’t tie horses directly to trees. Use picket lines
- Tie them at least 100 feet away from any water course and off trail.
- Pack your feed and don’t allow them to graze.
- Stay on established trail so you don’t widen it or even create new paths.
- Remove or scatter manure from camp areas, trailheads, and loading areas.
OUTFITTERS
RIMROCK COVE RANCH – PONCA, AR
Phone: 870-553-2556
Website: www.rimrockcoveranch.com
Trail rides: $35/hour/person, $50 minimum/group
Hay rides: $20/hour/person
BUFFALO RIVER OUTFITTERS – ST. JOE, AR
Phone: 870-439-2244
Website: www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com
Trail rides: $50/person
Motorcycle Routes
OZARK MOONSHINE RUN
Distance: 110 miles with 662 curves
Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
BULL SHOALS DAM
Distance: 100 miles with 326 curves
Time: 3 hours
PEEL FERRY
Distance: 110 miles with 378 curves
Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
EUREKA SPRINGS BACKROADS
Distance: 132 miles with 571 curves
Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Distance: 168 miles with 602 curves
Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
JASPER DISASTER
Distance: 56 miles with 316 curves
Time: 2 hours
TWISTED LADY
Distance: 90 miles with 517 curves
Time: 2 hours
For all route directions, go to www.arkansas.com/motorcycling
Harrison Restaurants
JAMIE’S LOCAL FLAVOR
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 870-365-0421
DEVITOS FRESH TROUT & ITALIAN
Rating: 4.6/5
Phone: 870-741-8832
Location: 350 Devitos Loop N, Harrison, AR
PRAIRIE MARKET TALLGRASS
Rating:5/5
Phone: 870-743-3267
Location: 418 S. Main St., Harrison, AR
NEIGHBOR’S MILL BAKERY & CAFE
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 870-741-6455
Location: 1012 Hwy 65 N.
TOWNHOUSE CAFÉ
Rating: 4/5
Phone: 870-741-2130
Location: 119 W. Rush Ave.
Branson Restaurants
BABA’S BURGERS & GYROS
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 417-334-4835
Location: 1412 W. Hwy 76
DANNA'S BBQ AND BURGERS
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 417- 337-5527
Location: 963 S. Hwy 165
INDIA CLAY OVEN
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 417-973-0044
Location: 2005 Hwy 76
MR. G’S PIZZA AND PUB
Rating: 4/5
Phone: 417-335-8156
Location: 202 1/2 N Commercial St
TOP OF THE ROCK
Rating: 5/5
Phone: 417-335-2777
Location: 190 Top of the Rock Road
VASKEN'S DELI
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 417-334-9182
Location: 3200 Gretna Rd.
Branson Attractions
Branson Landing – upper end shopping
www.bransonlanding.com
Dixie Stampede – dinner and a show
www.dixiestampede.com
The Dutton's
www.theduttons.com
Grand Country – all in one entertainment
www.grandcountry.com
IMAX Theater
www.bransonimax.com
Legends in Concert
www.legendsinconcert.com
Silver Dollar City
www.silverdollarcity.com
Silver Dollar City Water Park
www.silverdollarcity.com/white-water
Showboat Branson Belle
www.silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson
Tanger Factory Outlet – shopping
www.tangeroutlet.com
Eureka Springs-Restaurants
GROTTO WOOD FIRED GRILL AND WINE CAVE
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 479-363-6431
Location: 10 Center St.
LOCAL FLAVOR CAFÉ
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 479-253-9522
Location: 71 S. Main St.
MUD STREET CAFÉ
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 479-253-6732
Location: 22 S. Main St.
NIBBLES EATERY
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: 479-253-7722
Location: 79 Spring St.
OSCAR'S CAFÉ
Rating: 5/5
Phone: 479-981-1436
Location: 17 White St.
PIED PIPER PUB
Rating: 4/5
Phone: 479-363-9976
Location: 82 Armstrong
Fayetteville-Restaurants
ARSAGA'S DEPOT
Phone: 479-443-990
Location: 548 W. Dickson St.
BORDINOS
Phone: 479-527-6795
Location: 310 W. Dickson St.
FARRELL'S LOUNGE BAR & GRILL
Phone: 479-301-2220
Location: 311 W. Dickson St.
FRESCO RESTAURANT & COCKTAILS
Phone: 479-455-5555
Location: Ball Plaza
HAMMONTREE'S
Phone: 479-521-1669
Location: 326 N W Ave.
HUGO'S
Phone: 479-521-7585
Location: 25 1/2 N Block Ave.
NOMAD'S NATURAL PLATE
Phone: 479-435-5312
Location: 205 W. Dickson St.
THEP THAI
Phone: 479-443-0029
Location: 1525 S. School Ave.
NWA Attractions-Fayetteville
Crystal Bridges
112 Drive-In Theatre
www.112driveintheatre.com
Bikes, Blues, and BBQ
www.bikesbluesandbbq.org
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
www.bgozarks.org
Clinton House Museum
www.clintonhousemuseum.org
Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas
www.sonamusic.org
Terra Studios
www.terrastudios.com
Theatre Squared
www.theatre2.org
Walton Arts Center
www.waltonartscenter.org
Eureka Springs
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
www.crescent-hotel.com
Cosmic Cavern
www.cosmiccavern.com
Opera in the Ozarks
www.opera.org
Turpentine Creek
www.turpentinecreek.org
Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
www.crystalbridges.com
Jump Zone Party Play Center
www.jumpzoneparty.com
Museum of Native American History
www.monah.us
Example Title
Rogers
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
www.pinnaclehillspromenade.com
War Eagle Cavern
www.wareaglecavern.com
Siloam Springs
Cherokee Casino
www.cherokeecasino.com
Skydive Skyranch
www.skyranch.com
