Arkansas State Parks with Lodges

The 52 Arkansas State Parks have a variety of places for guests to stay including cabins, campsites of all kinds, even yurts! However, there are only five of the 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 conveniences.

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 to discover the trails and range 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.

Here are the wonderful state parks in Arkansas with lodges.

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. Not only that it has the perfect setting with spectacular views of Cedar Creek canyon.

This is a perfect place for any type of getaway.

There are 24 rooms in the lodge. Guests will also enjoy the restaurant with towering picture windows that frame the gorgeous view. 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. This is not Arkansas’s highest point but at only a few is feet shorter than Mount Magazine it is the second highest point in the state.

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. 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 and typically has nice breezes making this a wonderful place to escape an Arkansas heatwave. 

DeGray Lake Resort State Park

The DeGray Lake State Park is Arkansas’ only state park that 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 common areas are cozy and welcoming. These include the lobby and a lounge area with comfortable seating and a fireplace for chilly evenings. These spaces are perfect for relaxation and mingling with fellow visitors.

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 some are separated. Some have lovely views of the surrounding woods. The cabins have 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 basic, but clean, homey and comfortable.

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.

We believe that you will love staying in the Natural State.