The History: 101 Chelsea Road
Built in the 1970s as a private family home for George and Boyce Billingsley, 101 Chelsea Road–now home to Campfire Ranch Little Sugar–has deep roots in the story of Bella Vista. Boyce was the stepdaughter of John Cooper Sr., the visionary behind Bella Vista Village, connecting the property back to the early development of the community. The home was originally designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, whose influence can still be seen throughout the lodge in its use of natural materials, thoughtful gathering spaces, and connection to the Ozark landscape.
After its time as a private residence, the property later became the Inn at Bella Vista, operated by Beverly and Bill Williams for 25 years. When Campfire Ranch began restoring the property, the goal was never to erase its past, but to honor what made it special and carry it into its next chapter.
The renovation preserved the original details that give the lodge its unmistakable character: native stonework sourced from Arkansas limestone, warm cedar paneling, terracotta tile, original fireplaces, and the architectural elements that have made 101 Chelsea Road so special for decades.
One of the most beloved features of the property remains the expansive back patio, with sweeping views overlooking the Bella Vista landscape. Rather than redesigning the lodge, the goal was to thoughtfully modernize the space while preserving the craftsmanship, natural materials, and connection to the outdoors that made the original home so unique.
Today, Campfire Ranch Little Sugar represents the next chapter of 101 Chelsea Road, continuing its legacy as a place where people gather, slow down, connect with nature, and experience the beauty of Bella Vista.
A True Trailside Lodge
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow into one of the country’s premier mountain biking destinations, Campfire Ranch Little Sugar offers one of the most unique locations for riders looking to experience the region’s world-class trail systems and the new OZ Trails Bike Park. Guests can roll directly from the lodge onto the Little Sugar trail network and ride straight to the bike park, creating a true trailside experience that blends adventure, hospitality, and community.
Located just minutes from the park by car and connected through the surrounding trail system by bike, the lodge was designed around the rhythm of a great riding trip. Wake up surrounded by the natural beauty of Bella Vista, enjoy freshly brewed local coffee, spend the day on world-class trails, and return to a place built for recovery, connection, and sharing stories from the ride.
With bike-focused amenities, comfortable accommodations, and gathering spaces designed for community, Campfire Ranch brings the classic mountain lodge experience to the trails of Northwest Arkansas.
A Great Gathering Place
From its earliest days, 101 Chelsea Road has always been a property designed around connection. Since opening as Campfire Ranch Little Sugar in October 2025, the lodge has continued that legacy by becoming a gathering space for experiences that bring together the best parts of Northwest Arkansas: trails, music, nature, and community.
One example has been the lodge’s partnership with Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (FAST) and House of Songs for a series of community events built around biking and live music. The events began with group rides leaving directly from the lodge onto the Bella Vista trail system. Riders returned to food, drinks, and intimate songwriter performances on the back patio overlooking one of the best views in Bella Vista. The final event brought the experience full circle, with artists joining the ride and creating and performing original music inspired by their time on the trails.
From company retreats and brand gatherings to family celebrations and community events, Campfire Ranch offers a setting that feels different from a traditional venue. With overnight accommodations, expansive shared spaces, direct trail access, and one of the most recognizable views in Bella Vista, the property creates opportunities for groups to step away from the everyday and genuinely connect.
A Place For Genuine Connection
At the heart of Campfire Ranch is a belief that the best travel experiences are built around people. While beautiful properties and access to the outdoors create the setting, it is the human connection, conversations, and shared experiences that create lasting memories long after the trip is over.
At Campfire Ranch Little Sugar, that philosophy comes to life by creating an experience that feels less like a traditional hotel and more like being welcomed into a home. Whether guests are traveling across the country to ride the trails, gathering with friends and family, or simply exploring Northwest Arkansas, the goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable, connected, and like they belong.
Campfire Ranch believes hospitality is about more than providing a place to sleep. It is about creating spaces where people slow down, spend time outside, build relationships, and feel a genuine connection to the places they visit and the people they meet along the way.
