Petit Jean State Park is one of our favorite places for a getaway in Arkansas. Staying on the mountain makes a visit even better. You have several very different lodging options to choose from, both inside the park and nearby on Petit Jean Mountain.
Inside Petit Jean State Park, you can stay at historic Mather Lodge, rent a park cabin, camp or try one of the park’s yurts.
There are also vacation rentals and a small locally owned lodge near the park on Petit Jean Mountain. The nearest chain hotels are in Morrilton, with additional options a little farther away in Russellville.
We’ve stayed at Mather Lodge, in the park cabins, and at one of the Beaumont Cottages, so we’ll share some of our own experiences along with other options to consider.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic cabin, a place for a large family gathering or simply somewhere comfortable to sleep after a day of hiking, these are some of the best places to stay near Petit Jean State Park.
For help planning the rest of your trip, see our complete guide to Petit Jean State Park, including the best trails, overlooks and things to do.
Places to Stay Inside Petit Jean State Park
For the full Petit Jean experience, staying inside the state park is hard to beat. You can choose from rooms at historic Mather Lodge, cabins, campsites and yurts.
Petit Jean is one of Arkansas’s most popular state parks, so weekend and fall reservations can be difficult to get. We recommend making reservations as early as possible, particularly if you want a specific cabin or a weekend stay.
Mather Lodge
Petit Jean is one of only 5 Arkansas state parks with lodges. Historic Mather Lodge sits on the edge of Cedar Creek Canyon and has one of the most beautiful locations in the park.
The rustic wood-and-stone lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and contains 24 guest rooms as well as the park restaurant, a gift shop and meeting spaces. Lodge and cabin guests also have access to a seasonal swimming pool.
We have stayed at Mather Lodge several times over the years. The rooms are very small, but clean and comfortable.
The appeal here isn’t luxury; it’s the experience of staying in a historic lodge in the heart of the state park. We especially love being able to enjoy the canyon views, watch the sunset and have dinner at the lodge without having to drive anywhere.
Cabins
Petit Jean State Park has 33 cabins, and they vary considerably in size, style and amenities.
Some are historic CCC-built cabins with stone fireplaces and plenty of rustic character, while others are more modern duplex-style accommodations. Twenty-one of the cabins have full kitchens, while the cabins without kitchens have smaller food-preparation amenities such as a mini-fridge and microwave.
Many of the cabins are located near Mather Lodge, and several are positioned along the bluff overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon.
We’ve stayed in the park cabins and love their location and atmosphere. However, because the layouts and amenities vary, we suggest looking carefully at the description of the specific cabin you are reserving.
Families with young children should also be aware that Petit Jean Mountain has steep bluffs and drop-offs in several areas, including near some of the cabins.
Camping
Petit Jean is also one of Arkansas’s most popular state parks for camping.
The park has 144 campsites, with options for RVs, trailers and tent camping. The campground includes Class AAA sites with water, 50-amp electric service and sewer hookups, as well as Class B and rally-style camping areas.
Because the park is so popular, especially during beautiful spring and fall weekends, reservations are highly recommended.
Rent-A-Yurts
Want a camping experience without bringing all your own camping equipment?
Petit Jean State Park has four Rent-A-Yurts available year-round. The yurts have electricity, wood floors, screened windows and a lockable door. Rentals also include cots, a lantern, a stove and an ice chest, although guests need to bring their own linens.
We especially like their location near Lake Bailey. The yurts are a fun option for anyone who wants a more outdoorsy stay without sleeping in a traditional tent.
You might also be interested in learning about: Seven Hollows Trail which is one of our favorite hikes in the state park. And Rock House Cave where you can see amazing ancient pictographs.
Petit Jean Mountain Accommodations at a Glance
| Best for | Our pick |
|---|
| Historic park experience | Mather Lodge |
| Cabin inside the park | Petit Jean State Park cabins |
| Stylish mountain getaway | Beaumont Cottages |
| Families | Mammaw’s Mountaintop Retreat |
| Large groups | Petit Jean Cliffside Retreat |
| Couples | Petit Jean Coffeehouse King Room |
| Simple mountain accommodation | Cedar Falls Lodge/Motel |
Hotels Near Petit Jean State Park
There are no large chain hotels on Petit Jean Mountain, so travelers who prefer a traditional hotel will want to look in nearby Morrilton.
Morrilton has several familiar hotel options and is a practical choice if you want predictable hotel amenities, complimentary breakfast or easy access to restaurants and services in town.
Keep in mind that staying in Morrilton means driving up and down the mountain to visit the state park. The road is paved and well traveled, but it is steep and winding in places. Personally, we prefer staying on Petit Jean Mountain when possible because it allows you to spend more of your time enjoying the park.
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Morrilton. is probably the best choice for travelers who prefer a traditional chain hotel. There are also several more budget-friendly motel options in town.
Places to stay on Petit Jean Mountain
All of the following accommodations are located on Petit Jean Mountain near the state park.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you book through my link I may earn a small commission. However, there is no extra charge to you.
Beaumont Cottages
We recently stayed in one of the Beaumont Cottages and they are simply amazing! I highly recommend these cabins as a slightly more upscale stay for either couples or families. They have full kitchens, nice living areas, and comfortable bedrooms.
The most impressive feature of these cottages may be the simply stunning views!
They are all on the same property along the edge of Petit Jean Mountain and are named after places in the park.
The Bear Cave is family friendly with bunk beds in one room and will sleep 6 people.
The Cedar Falls Cabin is a bright and airy 2 bedroom 2 bath.
The Seven Hollows Cabin, which is where we stayed, is similar to the Cedar Falls Cabin, but with a darker, and so pretty, color scheme.
Cedar Falls Motel
Cedar Falls Motel is an old-fashioned motor court on the mountain just minutes from the park.
The accommodations are rustic and fairly basic, but spotlessly clean and comfortable. I love that it is family owned. The hosts are wonderful and will go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Edge House – Petit Jean Cabin with Stunning View
The Edge House on Petit Jean mountain is private and secluded and has stunning views. It is situated on 1.5 acres along the north brow of the mountain with gorgeous views of the Arkansas River and the valley below.
This three bedroom house will provide the perfect escape from city life.
Mammaw’s Mountaintop Retreat
Mammaw’s Mountaintop Retreat combines the best of indoor and outdoor living. This is a three bedroom 2 bath house that will sleep 8 people.
It is located on 1.38 acres and is across the street from Petit Jean State Park and Lake Bailey. Here you will find ample space both outdoors and inside.
In my opinion this is a perfect home for a family with children who are visiting Petit Jean State Park.
Petit Jean Coffeehouse King Room
The Petit Jean Coffeehouse is a fixture on the mountain. In fact, it is a must visit place during your visit. But did you know that the coffeehouse also has a luxury King room accommodation?
The room has its own private entrance and the walls are double insulated. However, the coffee shop does open at 6:30 so this stay is not recommended unless you are an early riser.
On the other hand, if you are an early riser what could be better than being greeted upon waking by the smell of baked goods and coffee!
Petit Jean Cliffside Retreat
Petit Jean Cliffside Retreat is a 4800 sq ft home that sits right at the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. This is a gated home with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2 large balconies, a full eat-in kitchen, a media room and other living areas.
The views are also phenomenal. How perfect would this house be for a large group!
Petit Jean Cabin with Stunning View
This is a beautiful cabin on 10 acres! It has a large screened-in porch where you can enjoy gorgeous views. In the main cabin there is a a king bedroom and a loft with another king and 2 twin beds.
There is also a detached bunkhouse only a few feet from the cabin with 4 sets of bunkbeds! This makes this a perfect place for a reunion, a retreat, or a getaway for several families.
Petit Jean Mountaintop Retreat
Petit Jean Mountaintop Retreat has a beautiful and peaceful setting on the south brow of Petit Jean Mountain. You can enjoy your morning coffee on the deck while admiring the valley below.
There is also a wood burning fireplace, full kitchen with eating area, formal dining room, living room, 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
Petit Jean is without a doubt one of the best state parks in Arkansas. It has everything! Although it can be done as a day trip we love staying at least one or even better, two nights to fully experience all that Petit Jean has to offer.
Other nearby state parks that might interest you are:
