Arkansas, nicknamed The Natural State, has 52 state parks! As you might imagine selecting the 10 best state parks in Arkansas was a difficult task
However, after visiting all of the state parks we have chosen the 10 that we believe offer the most to the visitor in the way of accommodations, hiking, biking, views, beauty, nature, or any combination of those.
These are our favorites, but obviously your list may vary! Let us know which state parks that you love!
Who are we? We are Karen and Emily, a mother daughter duo who travel all over the state of Arkansas finding the best restaurants, hidden gems, things to do around our home state.
10 Best State Parks in Arkansas
Arkansas is blessed with an abundance of well-maintained and beautiful state parks. They are all special in their own way.
These are just the ones that we love the most. But I highly recommend visiting as many Arkansas state parks as possible!
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park was an easy choice. I think if you asked locals to name their favorite state parks almost all would have Petit Jean on their list.
And rightfully so!
Petit Jean has it all: history, gorgeous views, a stunning waterfall hike, a variety of lodging options, fishing, boating, hiking…
You can immediately sense that this is a special place as you make your way up and up the winding road to the mountain top. There are lush forests and epic cliffs that overlook the Arkansas River Valley.
You can stay in the CCC built lodge, cabins, or choose to camp overlooking the Arkansas River. There is even a restaurant on site to enjoy.
Everyone knows about the hike to Cedar Falls. It is gorgeous. However, we also love the Seven Hollows Trail in Petit Jean State Park. It is truly an Arkansas hiking gem and one of our favorites!
You can go all out on adventure here, or just sit in a rocking chair in the shade on the porch of the lodge and enjoy the views. Petit Jean State Park is honestly not to be missed and is definitely one of the best state parks in Arkansas.
- Location: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road Morrilton, AR 72110
- More Information: Petit Jean State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park might not be on everyone’s list because it is a day-use only park. However, it is one of our personal favorites. Perhaps that is because I grew up in the city of Little Rock and have climbed Pinnacle Mountain more times than I can count.
In many ways Pinnacle Mountain State Park acts as a backyard for the residents of Little Rock.
One of the best things about Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the great diversity of landscapes. You can climb the mountain for beautiful sunset views or walk a trail through a cypress swamp.
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail even has one of its terminus points in the park.
You can also kayak, birdwatch, rock climb, picnic and so much more.
Petit Jean State Park also has a really nice and new interactive visitor center and on the weekends there is an outpost for Loblolly ice cream.
We also have a list of more great outdoor activities in Little Rock!
- Location: 9600 Highway 300 Roland, AR 72135
- More Information: Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Mt. Nebo State Park
We really love Mount Nebo State Park. It has a relaxed, easy, and friendly feeling.
The hikes are lovely and easy to follow with stunning views. There is amazing mountain biking on Mount Nebo and you might even see some people hang gliding off of the mountain! (Not us!)
One thing that is important to know is that although there are campsites on the mountain, the road to the top is very steep and winding. It has 11 switchbacks some of which are hairpin turns. Because of this no campers over 24 feet are permitted.
However, there are 15 cabins you can rent and 12 of those have views overlooking the valley below.
- Location: 16728 West State Hwy. 155. Dardanelle, AR 72834
- More Information: Mount Nebo State Park
Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is another state park that is a paradise for outdoor lovers.
It is especially known for its rock formations and caverns. There is also waterfall and a beautiful lake with an impressive rock dam.
The park’s hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest.
The Devil’s Den trail is the most popular and will take you to caves, waterfalls, and some of the most unique rock crevices you’ll find in the state. The yellow rock trail leads to one of the most beautiful vistas in the park.
There are also many CCC built structures, cabins to rent, campsites, and more.
Just before you get to Devil’s Den State Park is a very unique hike called Moonshiners Cave Trail that you might be interested in doing!
- Location: 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774
- More Information: Devil’s Den State Park
Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area
If you are wanting to get away from crowds and out into beautiful unspoiled nature…then Hobbs State park is the place for you. This is a particularly great park for mountain bikers.
Hobbs is the largest state park in Arkansas. It has 12,054 acres and sits partially along the southern shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas, Beaver Lake.
The park has 54 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Several of the trails are multi-use.
The only places to stay in the park are for primitive camping, both hike in and even bike in sites. In fact, the bike in sites are the first of their kind in the state. Some of the sites have views of the lake.
Hobbs State Park is near Rogers, Arkansas. You might be interested in checking out the War Eagle Mill and Bridge and the War Eagle Cavern while you are in the area!
- Location: 20201 East Hwy. 12 Rogers, AR 72756
- More Information: Hobbs State Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Northeast Arkansas often gets overlooked but there are some really nice state parks in the area. In our opinion Crowley’s Ridge State Park is one of the best.
Located in eastern Arkansas, situated on top of the unique geological formation of Crowley’s Ridge, this park has a rich history combined with natural beauty.
There are charming CCC built cabins, a serene lake 31 acre fishing lake with a swimming beach, walking and hiking trails, campsites, and more.
We think that this is such a lovely park that is particularly beautiful in the spring and perfect in the summer due to the water features.
- Location: 2092 Hwy. 168 North Paragould, AR 72450
- More Information: Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Bull Shoals-White River State Park
One of our favorite activities in Arkansas is trout fishing on the White River.
The Bull Shoals-White River State Park sets just below the dam on this amazing Arkansas River. From this state park you can enjoy the White River or spend time on Bull Shoals Lake.
In our opinion it is one of the best places to camp in the state. There are 109 campsites and three Rent-An-RV sites.
You can fish right from the bank of the river at the park or even better you can rent a boat and everything you need from the camp’s marina.
There are also hiking trails and you will definitely want to go up to the amazing nearby James A Gaston visitor center for an amazing view over the dam and river.
In addition to the state park you might also want to check out Gaston’s resort which is right down the road and has a good restaurant as well as a grass landing strip.
- Location: 153 Dam Overlook Lane Bull Shoals, AR 72619
- More Information: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Ozark Folk Center State Park
The Ozark Folk Center State Park is one of the most unique state parks in Arkansas. This is a park dedicated to the preservation of the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks.
At this park visitors can see more than 20 working artisans demonstrate and create handmade items such as leather goods, baskets, pottery, stained glass, quilts, knives and more. They are all great! We were visiting with Emily’s young daughter and she especially liked watching the blacksmith.
There is also an herb garden where old-time plants, medicinal herbs, native plants, and edible herbs are grown.
The heart of the park is music. Particularly music made by instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, autoharp, and more to produce that gorgeous Ozark Mountain sound.
At this park you will find live music going on all during the day. In addition there is a 1,000 seat concert hall for live concerts featuring legendary artists.
This is also one of the state parks in Arkansas that has a lodge for visitors. The rooms are nice and spacious with lovely views of the surrounding forest.
- Location: 1032 Park Avenue Mountain View, AR 72560
- More Information: Ozark Folk Center State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita is q 40,000 acre lake with some of the cleanest water not just in the state but in all of the United States. It is one of our favorite of the Arkansas lakes and is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.
This gorgeous park also offers great camping and a couple of hiking options, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure. There are 93 campsites, some of which are right on the water.
The historic three sisters spring which was the site of an old homestead is also located in the park.
Of course there is also a marina with boat and kayak rentals and all the supplies you will need. Have fun exploring the clear waters and gorgeous islands of Lake Ouachita!
Lake Ouachita is near the historic town of Hot Springs so you will want to check out our excellent guide to Hot Springs if you plan to go into town!
- Location: 5451 Mountain Pine Rd Mountain Pine, AR 71956
- More Information: Lake Ouachita State Park
Cossatot River State Park – Natural Area
This is another park that really allows you to get away from it all. It extends for 12 miles along the National Wild and Scenic Cossatot River.
The river forms Cossatot Falls, which is a rocky canyon with Class IV rapids when there has been sufficient rainfall. Obviously this is for experienced kayakers and canoeists only.
The visitor center has a nice interactive display that tells about the Cossatot River in all seasons.
There are several different areas in the park. The Brushy Creek Recreation Area offers picnic sites, restrooms, and river access. There are tent sites located at the Cossatot Falls Area, the sandbar area, and Ed Banks area
Hikers can enjoy four scenic trails spanning nearly 20 miles.
- Location: 1980 Hwy. 278 West Wickes, AR 71973
- More Information: Cossatot River State Park
From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes and hidden geological wonders, Arkansas’ state parks offer something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
No matter which park you choose, you’re sure to leave with incredible memories and a newfound appreciation for the Natural State.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Let us know which is your favorite Arkansas State Park!
