Camping at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
If you are looking for one of the best mountain biking destinations in the United States that is also incredibly vanlife friendly, Bentonville Arkansas should be at the top of your list.
In this first episode of Detour Diaries, we spent the week living out of our van at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, riding some of the best trails in the country, exploring local spots, and getting a taste of what makes Bentonville such a unique outdoor hub.
Watch the full video below and keep reading for everything you need to know if you are planning a trip.
Why Bentonville Arkansas Is a Must Visit for Outdoor Lovers
Bentonville has quickly become one of the most talked about outdoor destinations in the country, and for good reason.
It offers:
World class mountain biking trails for all skill levels
A growing vanlife and outdoor community
A walkable downtown filled with food, coffee, and events
Access to the Razorback Greenway and surrounding trail systems
What makes Bentonville stand out is how everything connects. You can ride straight from your campsite to downtown, grab food, and be back on the trails without ever needing to drive.
Camping at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
One of the biggest highlights of this trip was staying right at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. This is not your typical campground. It is a fully designed outdoor space built around mountain biking, with trail access right from camp.
What makes Coler so good for vanlife
Direct access to world class trails
Designated camping areas for vans and small setups
Clean facilities and easy parking
A relaxed and community driven atmosphere
Waking up and rolling straight onto the trails without packing up or driving anywhere is hard to beat. If you are planning a trip here, make sure to check availability ahead of time since spots can fill up quickly.
Riding at Coler and Around Bentonville
Coler is one of the best trail systems in Bentonville and offers a mix of flow, technical riding, and progression features.
Some of our favorite things about riding here:
Well built flow trails that are fun for all levels
Technical features and drops if you want to push it
Shaded riding areas that stay cool even on warmer days
dsWe also spent time riding the Razorback Greenway, which connects Bentonville to nearby towns and gives you a completely different experience from the trail systems.
Exploring Downtown Bentonville
One thing that makes Bentonville different from other outdoor destinations is how strong the town scene is. After riding, we spent time exploring some of the best local spots.
The Hub
The Hub is a go to hangout for riders. It is part bike shop, part cafe, and part community space. It is the perfect place to relax after a ride, grab food, and meet other people in the scene.
The Barber
If you are looking for a solid meal and a great atmosphere, The Barber is a must stop. It is a local favorite and a great place to unwind after a full day on the bike.
Bentonville Farmers Market and First Friday
We happened to be in town during one of the best times to visit. The Bentonville Farmers Market is packed with local vendors, food, and a great community vibe. It is a perfect way to spend a slower morning.
First Friday brings even more energy to downtown with live music, vendors, and a really fun atmosphere. If your trip lines up with it, it is definitely worth checking out.
Vanlife and Remote Work in Bentonville
Bentonville is one of the easiest places we have stayed when it comes to balancing vanlife and work.
You have:
Reliable service in most areas
Coffee shops and places to post up
Easy access to food and groceries
Outdoor spaces that double as work friendly environments
We were able to work full time while still riding and exploring every day, which is exactly what we look for in a destination.
Final Thoughts on Bentonville Arkansas
Bentonville is one of those places that lives up to the hype and then some.
It is rare to find a destination that combines world class riding, a strong community, and true accessibility for vanlife and travel. Whether you are here for a weekend or a longer stay, it is easy to see why so many people keep coming back.
If you are planning your next road trip or looking for a place where you can ride, explore, and still stay productive, Bentonville Arkansas should absolutely be on your list.
