Experience America's most popular racquet sport surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark forest at Forest Springs Resort
America's fastest-growing sport has found a stunning new home in the Ozark hills. Pickleball—the addictive hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—is the perfect complement to a wellness retreat at Forest Springs, offering spirited competition surrounded by ancient trees and fresh mountain air.
With over 36 million players in the United States alone, pickleball has exploded from a backyard game to a nationwide phenomenon. The sport appeals to players of all ages and skill levels—from retirees seeking low-impact exercise to competitive athletes looking for strategic gameplay. What makes it so irresistible? It's easy to learn, endlessly social, and provides a genuine workout without overwhelming intensity.
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball. The smaller court means less ground to cover than tennis, making it accessible for all fitness levels while still demanding quick reflexes and tactical thinking.
Doubles format encourages connection and friendly competition
Most beginners are playing rallies within 15 minutes
Lower impact than tennis, easier on knees and shoulders
Our courts are tucked into the Ozark woodland
Our courts are nestled in a natural clearing surrounded by towering oaks and hickories, offering a pickleball experience unlike any other in Arkansas. The dappled sunlight, fresh forest air, and birdsong create an atmosphere that transforms a simple game into something memorable. It's competitive sport merged with nature immersion.
Forest Springs provides complimentary paddles and balls for all guests. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, our staff is available to explain the rules, demonstrate basic strokes, and help you find playing partners. Most guests are rallying confidently within their first session.
Courts can be reserved in advance or accessed on a first-come basis. We recommend morning play when the forest is cool and the light filters golden through the canopy—though evening sessions offer their own magic as the day winds down.
The energy on the courts is contagious—pickleball brings people together
Unlike tennis, where skill disparities can make mixed-level play frustrating, pickleball's compact court and strategic nature create natural equalizers. A well-placed dink (soft shot just over the net) can neutralize power, making it genuinely enjoyable for partners of different athletic backgrounds to play together.
For groups, the quick games (typically 15-20 minutes to 11 points) mean everyone gets court time. Many guests develop rotating doubles competitions, with the winners staying on and new challengers rotating in. It's an ideal way to meet other guests and build vacation friendships.
At Forest Springs, we see pickleball as a vital element of holistic wellness—movement that's playful rather than punishing, social rather than solitary. A morning game gets your heart pumping and muscles engaged, preparing your body for deeper relaxation in the Nordic sauna or forest bathing session later.
Many guests develop a satisfying daily rhythm: play in the morning, spa and rest in the afternoon, reconnect with fellow guests in the evening. The physical exertion enhances sleep quality, and the social bonds formed on the court often continue over dinner.
The Ozarks region has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm. Beyond our on-site courts, Eureka Springs and Northwest Arkansas offer numerous public courts and active player communities. For guests looking to extend their play, we're happy to recommend local courts and connect you with the regional pickleball network.
"We've played pickleball at resorts across the country, but nothing compares to playing in a forest. The setting is magical—it doesn't even feel like exercise, just pure joy."
Book your stay at Forest Springs Resort and experience Arkansas's most scenic pickleball courts surrounded by the Ozark forest.
Forest Springs
A sanctuary in the Ozarks