The 52 Arkansas State Parks have a variety of places for guests to stay including cabins, campsites of all kinds. Some of the parks even have yurts!
However, there are only five Arkansas State Parks with lodges.
By lodge I am referring to a facility similar to a hotel that will accommodate overnight guests.
The style of the lodges in these parks range from resort-rustic to very modern.
There is even one that was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) back in the 1930’s. They are similar in that they all offer guests nice rooms and modern amenities.
Emily and I have actually stayed in each of the lodges within the last few months!
Here are the wonderful state parks in Arkansas with lodges.
Here are the Arkansas State Parks with Lodges
Petit Jean Mountain State Park
Petit Jean Mountain State Park is one of the most popular parks in Arkansas…and for good reason…this state park has a little of everything and is a must visit.
First of all, it is very centrally located in the Arkansas River Valley and only a little over an hour from the capital city of Little Rock.
At Petit Jean State Park you can camp, stay in cabins or yurts, or relax in the historic Mather Lodge.
Mather Lodge is a famous Arkansas building. In fact, it is the only CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) built lodge in Arkansas. You will love seeing this stunning native stone and wood structure.
It also has the perfect setting with spectacular views of Cedar Creek canyon.
This is a perfect place for a state park getaway.
There are 24 rooms in the lodge. The rooms are small but are clean and comfortable. Best of all is quick access to the restaurant with towering picture windows that frame the gorgeous view. And the glorious views that are directly behind the lodge.
In the evenings you definitely will want to spend some time in one of the rocking chair on the breezeway to experience the sunset over the mountains.
Some of the rooms are dog friendly and in the summer guests have access to one of the park’s swimming pools.
There are also some amazing hiking trails at Petit Jean. The Cedar Falls trail which is just behind the lodge leads to a glorious 95-foot waterfall.
Seven Hollows trail is a beautiful 4 mile loop and one of our favorite hiking trails in the state!
Nothing beats the natural beauty of Petit Jean.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is located high atop Rich mountain in Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
Rich Mountain is the second highest point in the state and only a few feet shorter than Mount Magazine which is the highest point.
This park and lodge are located near the town of Mena, Arkansas and are on the Ouachita National Hiking Trail as well as the Talimena Scenic Drive. This drive leads from the town of Mena into Oklahoma and has stunning overlooks all along the way.
The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is very modern and feels much like a hotel. There are 40 guest rooms which are all clean and spacious. Many of the rooms have breathtaking views off the mountain top.
You can choose from two queen beds or a king bed room or even a king bed suite. Four of the rooms have a gas fireplace which would make this a perfect getaway in the fall or winter. Several even have a huge spa tub.
The lodge has a nice open lobby as well as a large restaurant and dining area with windows looking onto the view of the valley below.
The park also has campsites and a few hiking trails as well a pretty picnic area, a playground, and other day use spaces.
Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas.
The lodge is situated right on top of the mountain in Mount Magazine State Park and has some of the most stunning views in the state.
You may feel as if you are in an aerie as birds swoop and soar before you right at eye level. There is a large stone patio which is graced with rocking chairs so that guests can relax and take in the beauty of the scenery below.
You might even be lucky enough to see a hang glider passing by as this is one of two state parks in Arkansas that allow hang gliding.
There are 60 rooms in this lodge all of which have breathtaking balcony views. The rooms are very nice and comfortable.
This is also one of the most well appointed of the lodges in the Arkansas State Parks. There is a restaurant serving southern cuisine, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a gift shop.
You will enter the lobby and immediately see the huge two story stone fireplace and large windows overlooking the valley below.
During the hot summer months Mount Magazine is always a few degrees cooler than the valley below and typically has nice breezes making this a wonderful place to escape an Arkansas heatwave.Â
More Interesting State Parks in Arkansas
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
The DeGray Lake Resort State Park combines the outdoor adventure of an Arkansas state park with the amenities of a resort.
The lodge, situated on an island on the north shore of the picturesque DeGray Lake, provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
It is also not too far from the tourist town of Hot Springs which has Hot Springs National Park.
The lodge features a rustic yet modern design that perfectly matches the feeling of this lovely state park and resort.
The rooms are comfortable and have views of the lake. The grounds are very pretty and well maintained with walking paths alongside the lake and trails through the woods.
The common areas are cozy and welcoming. These include the lobby and a lounge area with comfortable seating and a fireplace for chilly evenings.
There is also a restaurant, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
The park also has a number of amenities including an 18-hole championship golf course, a disc golf course, swimming beaches, tennis courts, horseback riding, hiking trails, a full service marina, and so much more.
This lodge also has a large conference center which would be perfect for a business retreat.
Ozark Folk Center State Park
The Ozark Folk Center State Park is an Arkansas favorite. This is a park dedicated to preserving the music and culture of the Ozark Mountain people.
If you are wanting to hear live southern mountain music then this is the place for you!
The Ozark Cabins at Dry Creek are nestled near the town of Mountain View. These are different than the other Arkansas state parks with lodges that I have mentioned above.
They are all on the ground level and have nice porches for relaxing. Some have lovely views of the surrounding woods. The cabins come in a variety of sizes and configurations. You can definitely find a lay-out to suit your stay.
Some have full kitchens and if you are traveling with a larger family or group there are even rooms with connecting doors between them.
The decor is clean, homey and comfortable. We found our stay here to be so relaxing!
There is a game room and swimming pool as well as conference and meeting facilities.
The state park also has a restaurant called The Skillet which specializes in southern country cooking.
I hope that you enjoy learning about the Arkansas state parks with lodges. Consider one of these places the next time that you are planning a couples retreat or a family getaway.
Besides lodging, these state parks offer plenty of other amenities and outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming pools, and many other fun activities.
I recommend that you always stop by the visitor center at each of the parks to discover the trails and ranger led events at your site. The Arkansas State Parks system offers excellent brochures with maps and information.
These Arkansas State Parks with lodges are perfect for a couples getaway or a family vacation. They would also be an excellent choice for family reunions, conferences, or meetings.
We highly recommend staying in one of the state park lodges in the Natural State.
