The catalyst for development of Lakeview and our neighboring town, Bull Shoals, was construction of the Bull Shoals Dam, completed in 1951 by the U.S. Government to control frequent flooding on the White River and to provide hydroelectric power.
The two towns sprang up on either side of the gorge where the great span was to be built, to house the workers who would toil for years on the massive project. Upon the dam’s completion, the upstream river valley was flooded, creating an economic miracle that has sustained the region for more than half a century. Bull Shoals Lake, whose shoreline runs on for hundreds of miles, has become a frequent destination for professional fishing tournaments, and, downstream from the dam, the White River tailwater has yielded both trophy-sized trout and catch-and-release excitement to generations of anglers.
The decades that followed the dam’s construction have brought steady development of recreational facilities, both public and private, along these shores. Today, they represent the core of our regional economy, and offer the best of outdoor experiences available anywhere. Camping, fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba, biking, hiking and bird-watching are some of the activities that can be enjoyed here.
There are three large public campgrounds in the immediate area: the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Park in Lakeview, and Dam Site Park, operated by The City of Bull Shoals, just after crossing the dam from Lakeview. In addition, there are numerous private resorts and campgrounds on the lake and river.
Full service marinas in the area include the Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock and the Lakeview Cove Marina. The Trout Dock at the State Park rents riverboats, canoes and kayaks, as do numerous private campgrounds and resorts. There are many boat launches on both the lake and river. Marine and other services may also be obtained at other businesses listed elsewhere in this website.
Lodgings of every type are available, as are options for dining and other services.
