Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River
Windchimes Cabin — Ouachita River Seclusion in the Heart of the Ouachitas 1,500 square feet of private retreat on the banks of the Ouachita River, nestled within our intimate four-cabin resort deep in the National Forest. The nearest traffic light is 35 miles away. The river is seconds from your door.
Sleeps 12 — Spread Out in Style Windchimes is built for big groups and multigenerational getaways, with comfortable sleeping arrangements across two levels. Downstairs — Private queen bedroom with a full bath, perfect for the couple or parents who want their own space. Upstairs Loft — Two queen beds, a twin trundle, and a full-over-full bunk bed, served by a second full bath. Everyone has a place to land, and the downstairs bedroom gives whoever needs it a proper door to close.
The Windchimes Experience Windchimes invites you to slow down the moment you walk in. The space is entirely yours, shared only with the people you brought with you. No strangers. No crowds. Just 1,500 square feet of comfortable, private cabin life with 1,000 feet of river frontage stretching out beyond your door. One neighboring cabin sits 130 feet away — the only one you'll ever see from your cabin. Everything else is forest, river, and sky.
Life on the River The Ouachita runs just 212 feet from your cabin, with easy walk or drive-down access to the water. Spend your days canoeing past towering rock bluffs draped in wildflowers, floating a lazy tube downriver, swimming in clear pools, or dropping a line for smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and more. The river is gentle and family-friendly — mostly Class I–II rapids between long stretches of flat, glassy water — and completely free of commercial development. On-site activities include canoeing and kayaking rentals, swimming, fishing, and hiking, Shuttle service is available for floats-rentals and shuttles should be pre-booked. March through November brings the most popular conditions, with spring wildflowers, summer shade, and fall's brilliant color — but every season here has its own quiet reward.
Truly Unplugged There is no cell service on the property, but there IS Starlink wifi for streaming, wifi calling, social media, etc. We encourage you to step away from your device as much as possible. This is a place to be present and enjoy nature.
Nights to Remember Gather around the campfire after dark, roast marshmallows, and look up. We're located near one of the darkest sky areas in Arkansas — the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights, and fireflies drift through the trees by the thousands in season. Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and the occasional Roadrunner round out the wildlife sightings during the day.
Explore Beyond the Cabin Short trails into the National Forest begin just steps away. Venture further and you'll find the Womble Trail, Ouachita Trail, and Lake Ouachita Vista Trail — world-class routes for mountain biking and hiking. Secluded forest trails like Fourche Mountain Trail are ideal for ATV riding. Nearby, horseback riding, crystal mining, and biking add even more to a full itinerary. And don't miss Mount Ida, the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World, just a short drive away — a one-of-a-kind experience for rock hounds of every level.
We're Here When You Need Us We live on-site and are reachable via text or VRBO message for your needs.
Pet friendly — $40 per pet, per stay
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Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1324389vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Pencil Bluff
Pencil Bluff is home to this holiday home. Mountain Harbor Marina and Turtle Cove Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ouachita National Forest and Dragover Recreation Area. Nirvana Star Farms and Gee & Dee Crystal are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby canoeing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Fulton Branch Recreation Area - 13 min drive - 14.1 km
River Bluff Recreation Area - 15 min drive - 15.2 km
Nirvana Star Farms - 16 min drive - 23.2 km
Lake Ouachita - 19 min drive - 24.6 km
Restaurants
P & R Dairy & Grill - 6 min drive
La Pasadita - 11 min drive
Yellow Store - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River?
As of 19 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River on 20 May, 2026 start from S$400, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Windchimes Cabin — Where the Forest Meets the River located?
Situated in Pencil Bluff, this holiday home is steps from Ouachita National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Dragover Recreation Area and Fulton Branch Recreation Area. Rich Mountain Community College and Ouachita Artists Gallery and Studio are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Sorry we had rain and the river got too high to kayak. The weather is something that we have no control over, but we do help you find other things to do like crystal mining, zip lining, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, exploring streams.
Our cabins are located in the forest which we share with a lot of insects and animals. We do not like to use harsh chemicals in our cabins for the health and safety of our guests. If you had let me know that you were having a problem I would have provided you with a vinegar spray solution which works well to discourage the spiders and ants and is a safe product to use. Wish I had known you were having a problem.
The views shown in the add were not what we had when we got there. We had no view of the river or the recreation area due to poor land management. Lots of brush and trees have obviously grown up since the inception of the property. The Windchime is at the top of a steep hill, providing a long walk from our cabin to the recreation area. Not recommend for older persons not in excellent condition for their age, or small children or baby strollers. The fully equipped kitchen looked like it was stocked from a garage sale. The towels provided were as well. The shower water has a distinct odor of sulphur. Seen and eliminated a few German Roaches. The outside decks are covered in mildew and other tree emitted juices and are in need if pressure washing. They were extremely slippery whet wet. The 10 seat dining table consists of 3 old restaurant tables placed end to end. The sofa and recliner are old. The upside was the 3 window AC units did a good job of keeping the cabin cool. Thankful we brought extra towels, trash bags, plasticware, the cabin sleeps 14, however other accommodations ie. forks & towels might have been enough for 6 and we had 8. Unfortunately the area recieved 10 inches of rain in tbe middle of August
and within the previous 24 hours of our arrival. So the beautiful clear water river looked more like the Red River, and flooded out of its banks. Canceling any possibility of canoeing, kayaking, tube floating, fishing etc. That ofcourse was no fault of the establishment . And after about 700 bucks later after finding other activities to do at Lake Ouachita our 4 day trip was fabulous. Check the weather reports for Pencil Bluff before booking your stay. Ask questions and requests more photos of views from your cabin.
Leo D.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug, 2020
The cabin is exactly as pictured in our ad. (See write up of other people who do not agree with you, they think our pictures are very accurate). We advertise the property as having a "seasonal view" of the river - meaning that in the summer when the trees are full of leaves, the view is blocked. There are 3 pictures from the upper and lower decks that show a lot of trees and no river. The cabin is on a hill because it has to be out of the flood plain. We are fortunate to have a road that lets you drive down to the river if you prefer not to walk down. Because we are in the National Forest we are on well water that sometimes has sulfur gas in it. This gas has an odor but is harmless. We try to keep harsh chemicals out of the cabins as much as possible but we sprayed the interior after reading your review. The sofa and recliner are only 3 years old. Glad the AC was OK. If you had let me know that you needed additional towels, garbage bags or utensils - they would have been provided. Your cabin had 8 towels, 8 wash cloths, 4 hand towels and 4 kitchen towels. You are absolutely right, we needed more forks. Plenty of spoons and knifes were there but I have added more forks. We live on site and are available 24/7 for anything that you might need to make your stay more enjoyable.
The unit was very comfortable and access to the river was good. We spent a lot of time in the river, which was pretty clear. Caught a couple of fish, but did not fish seriously. Had a good time at the fire we had every night.. they supplied the wood. A place for marshmallows and friends to get toasted. It was great having my pets with me.
My friends and I always find a river getaway to celebrate once a year for our oldest dear friends birthday! We float the river and relax all weekend and catch up. This was our first visit to ORH and it was wonderful! Highly Recommend!!
Very comfortable, peaceful, close proximity to the river, hiking trail and lots of other activities. Cabin is stocked with all the kitchen utensils, big BBQ grill and a cool fridge. Cabin has two patio to enjoy the outdoors. Would recommend the hospitality of Casey and beauty of Arkansas to family and friends.
We were on a three day trip arriving around 5. We were met by Jan, our hostess, and checked in(easy) and were escorted by Jan to our cottage. She reviewed the features and with us and made sure we were set. The cottage was just what we expected. The two of us only needed the downstairs so most of the sleeping arrangements were not needed. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils. The unit wasn’t as clean as it could have been but there’s a lot of space to clean. We were satisfied.
We arranged a 9 mile canoe trip for day two and were transported right from the property. That meant, of course, that the trip ended back at the property — which was nice because its easy to second guess yourself on how far you’ve gone and maybe passed your takeout point. The canoeing was great, the river peaceful and only 2 other small groups on the river.
Day three we hiked at the Brushy Creek Nat’l Park 7 miles from our cottage. A map for the trails was in the cottage for us. We only hiked 4 miles but it took us close to four hours to finish. We were pooped and returned to the cottage.
All nights were nice and quiet.
Day four we packed and checked out. No problem.
Carl H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct, 2020
We're so glad you folks enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you both again soon!
We had a wonderful time swimming, kayaking and just spending time with family. "Unplugged" for the whole weekend. Cabin was clean and well stocked with everything we needed! We will visit again!
We had 8 of us and three very well house broke dogs (including their kennels) stay 4 days, 3 nights. We are from Texas so of course it is gorgeous up there. Our cabin was up on a hill so we could look down and see some of the park area and the river. The guys enjoyed fishing several times a days. The girls enjoyed the swings that swing out over part of the river. All the kids played some in the kayaks and canoe. Very nice they were available at no charge. Not a fancy cabin but it felt very home like. The A/Cs Kept it plenty cool the whole time we were there. We loved sitting on the back porch. There was even a box fan for us to use. There is 99% no cell service. About 2 times a day someone’s cell would be just in the right spot and download messages then no service again. It was nice to see the kids without phones though. The lady at the office was just super sweet!!! It was a very much needed vacation!
We rented this cabin for the weekend for my daughter's 16th birthday. I loved that the phone service was limited an the kids had to enjoy the outdoors instead of playing on their phones the entire time. The hosts were great, and we absolutely loved the kayaks and canoes that were available for use. After a long day of playing in the water, we roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. We had so much fun! I would love to visit again soon! Thank you for an amazing trip!
We all had a great time...kids and adults. Very peaceful and beautiful scenery. Staff was great! Will be back again!.
kerry d.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
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Verified
8/10 Good
Joyce J.
31 Aug, 2018
The cabin was great
Good
Joyce J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr, 2020
Glad the cabin met your family's needs. We will be updating this cabin during the month of September. Thanks for submitting a review. Jan
About the host
Hosted by Amanda Sullivan
Hi! Our names are Casey and Amanda Sullivan. We were married in August 2020, and closed on this beautiful property in October 2020. It was a whirlwind year to say the least!
Why they chose this property
We love this property because it is so secluded and peaceful. Surrounded on 3 sides by National Forest and the Ouachita River on the other really sets it apart from anywhere else. Our children (and ourselves) get to discover new and exciting plants and creatures we have never seen all the time, and go on fun river trips together.