Welcome to Ridgecrest Resort Cottages and Boat Slips where you’ll find sunny Ozarks weather, crystal clear waters, squeaky clean accommodations, the comforts of home and friendly family atmosphere! If you’re in a hurry and would like to skip this info, give us a call at 870-405-3497 for info about our resort.
About the Lake. Our place is a small, family-operated vacation spot on Bull Shoals Lake at the Howard Creek area (on your Arkansas map, look at the extreme eastern end of the lake, northwest of the town of Mountain Home in Baxter County). Bull Shoals Lake is the larger and we think, lovelier, of the “twin lakes” (the other is Norfork Lake). Our crystal clear, clean waters offer some of the best water sports and fishing. Bull Shoals Lake is the site of numerous bass and walleye tournaments. The lake is fishable even in the coldest winter temperatures. However, anytime is a good time to visit the Ozarks and enjoy some great fishin’, boatin’ and sightseein’! About our place. Our clean one-, two-bedroom cottages are just that; not just a big room with several beds. Each also has a fully equipped kitchen – including dishes, cookware, stove, fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, etc. Your cottage has its own Weber grill – don’t forget the charcoal! We have one lovely deluxe cottage available. The Honeymoon Suite has an in-room whirlpool tub, private deck, gas fireplace, king-size bed and fantastic views and can accommodate a small family group. No smoking is allowed in any of our buildings, though you can light up on your porch or deck, or anywhere on the grounds. Our lighted, covered dock, the casual swim area and uncrowded public boat launch is a short walk from our driveway. You can dock your boat for free or rent one nearby for a lazy day on the lake. Just relax –on our large common deck overlooking the water, your own screened porch or deck, depending on your cottage or with a massage from our very own resident Licensed Massage Therapist (me!) – just call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Things to do. Want to do some fishing? There’s largemouth, smallmouth, black, white bass; bream, crappie, walleye and catfish to contend with. Bull Shoals Dam is just six miles from us; there, a beautiful Visitors Center features history and nature displays and programs. Around the bend, the White River offers world class floats and trout catching thrills. Need help? We’ll steer you to some of the best guides in the area. Year round attractions offer something for everybody – cave tours, nature hiking and biking, horseback riding, winery, golf, sightseeing, music and arts and crafts. The Buffalo National River – one of our favorite places - and its famous float trips and spectacular hiking trails are about a 40-minute drive. Day trips to Mountain View, Blanchard Spring Caverns, Eureka Springs, Crystal Bridges Art Museum, Old Hardy Town, Springfield and even Branson, Missouri, are easy scenic drives up to two hours each way.
The birds, beasts and feasts. We are amateur birders and regularly see American Bald Eagles, hummingbirds and migratory warblers, buntings and mockingbirds, among others. Email cindy@ozarksridgecrest.com for a comprehensive Bird List, observer/compiler John S. Stump. (Please put Resort Bird List in the subject line.) Hunters find our abundance of deer, wild turkey, quail, and other game enticing. Our local restaurants range from casual to elegant, inexpensive to pricey – and all delicious. Kids enjoy swimming right at the bottom of the hill, local attractions and lake time.
What to bring. We welcome well-behaved pets for a fee and by prior arrangement only. Please discuss this with us when you call for a reservation or for more info. Anything else? Bring comfy clothes, water shoes, groceries, trash bags, fishing gear and swimsuits and beach towels – just about everything else is already here. We even have wi-fi internet for those who can’t leave the office behind!
Ridgecrest Resort FAQs Do you have a swimming pool or restaurant?Sorry, we don’t. There is an informal swimming area adjacent to the boat launch. The walk to the water from our place is about the length of a football field. Nearest restaurant one mile!
What about maid service? Our cottages are “housekeeping,” meaning you take care of the day-to-day, wash dishes, take out the trash, and tidy up before departure. You may trade soiled towels for clean ones every third day of your stay. We encourage you to save recyclable plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard and newspaper in our provided bin. We do the heavy cleaning between rentals, but leave cleaning items for you to do touch up as desired.
Is there a minimum stay required? We are sensitive to the needs of our guests in these uncertain times. Where we previously required a four-day minimum reservation, we now accept shorter stays, particularly in the fall and spring. Though we are not a motel, we accept one- and two-night stays which may be charged at the high season rate and/or subject to an additional fee. Our summer season weekly rentals book well in advance—be sure to call early for the best selection. The seventh day of your stay is free!
Do you accommodate large groups? We can accommodate about 25 people, and our large common deck overlooking the lake is a popular spot for potlucks and family celebrations. We have a number of family groups, church and club retreats here every year. If you need rooms for additional people, we’ll help you locate comparable facilities close by.
Do you have cable TV? We have 70+ channels, plus WIFI access to the internet. Sorry, we don’t offer phone service in the cabins.
Do you allow pets?We love animals, and have our own extended family of pets. You may bring yours under the following conditions: 1) Prior approval, when you make your reservation, preferably; 2) Pay a daily fee of $10 plus tax for your small, quiet, well-behaved pet; 3) Pick up after and pay for any damage incurred by your pet to our property or the property of other guests; 4) Crate or kennel your pet whenever leaving it alone in your cottage. Please keep your pet off the furniture.
Any other questions? Just give us a call--we’re looking forward to hearing from you! See you soon! Remember, Ridgecrest is your family place on the lake! Cindy and Rob Martin 971 Howard Creek Road Midway, AR 72651 870-405-3497 cindy@ozarksridgecrest.com