Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Arkansas is one of our favorites!
We don’t think that it gets the acclaim that it deserves. It is a lovely park that we have also included in our list of the best state parks in Arkansas.
Who are we? We are Emily and Karen a mother daughter duo who travel all around our home state of Arkansas finding the best places, food, and stays to share with you! You can join in the fun on our Instagram here or on our Facebook page here!
About Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Here are some of the things that you need to know before you go!
Location of Crowley’s Ridge State Park
The address of Crowley’s Ridge State Park is: 2092 Hwy. 168 North Paragould, AR 72450
It is located right on Crowley’s ridge in the Northeastern part of the state.
The park is conveniently located:
- About 9 miles west of Paragould, Arkansas
- 30 minutes from Jonesboro
- 1.5 hours from Memphis
- 2 hours from Little Rock
Hours and Admission
Like many of the state parks in Arkansas admission is free!
The park is open year-round, and day use areas are generally open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
The visitor center and boat rentals have seasonal hours, so it’s best to check the official Arkansas State Parks website before you go.
Camping at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Year-round camping is available in a secluded area among the tall trees. We drove through the cam ground on our most recent visit and the sites are super shaded and nice.
There are 26 campsites (18 RV sites with water/electricity and 8 tent sites.)
There is also a clean and modern ADA accessible bathhouse.
Campers must register at the visitor center before occupying a campsite. All sites may be reserved up to one year in advance.
You will definitely want to reserve as the campsites are very popular.
Cabins at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
There are two modern heated and cooled duplex cabins that have kitchens, utensils, and linens. They even have fireplaces available for use during the winter months! This would be a great winter getaway.
The cabins also have picnic tables and grills and can be reserved up to one year in advance.
Lodging for Groups
This state park also has some of the most sought after group lodging in the state!
Overlooking Walcott Lake there are 5 rustic bunk cabins, a dining hall, and a bathhouse. These will accommodate 60 people.
There is also an open pavilion and volley ball court.
Best of all these facilities were constructed by the CCC back in 1935. They are constructed of large cypress logs with gorgeous stone foundations.
Trails
We loved walking the trails at Crowley’s Ridge!
- Dancing Rabbit Trail: This is a beautiful 1.25 mile loop trail that begins and ends right beside the visitor center. One highlight is a gorgeous little suspension bridge.
- Lake Ponder Trail: An easy half mile easy trail on a boardwalk from which you can see many CCC structures near the lake.
- Spider Creek Trail: A one mile trail that begins near the picnic area of the park. This nature trail meanders through the woods and is great for kids.
- Walcott Lake Trail: This is an easy half mile trail on top of the fishing lake levee. It even has a vantage point with a view of where the Delta farmland meets the ridge.
Lakes at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
One of the best things about this park is that there are two beautiful lakes!
Ponder Lake is a perfect spot for families when the weather is warm because it has a nice swimming beach and the lake stays cool because it is spring fed. They also have lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Near the lake is a massive and beautiful log and stone structure near known as the CCC Pavilion. It has a dance floor, snack bar, and bath house.
A portion of the lake has been sectioned off for use of pedal boats and kayaks, which are available for rent.
There is also a fenced playground and beach volleyball court near the swimming beach.
Walcott Lake is the second lake in the park. This is a 31-acre fishing lake stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and more.
This lake has a barrier-free fishing pier and a boat launch ramp. They only allow electric motors but fishing boats and kayaks are also available for rent at the visitor center.
What is Crowley’s Ridge?
Crowley’s Ridge is a geological phenomenon in the northeastern section of Arkansas.
If you’ve ever driven across the flat farmland of eastern Arkansas, you know that you can see the ridge from miles away.
It rises about 250 – 400 feet seemingly out of nowhere and runs from southern Missouri to the town of Helena, Arkansas on the Mississippi River. However, it is only about 1 – 12 miles wide throughout its length.
It’s like an island of green rising out of the rich Delta farmland. In fact, geologists believe it may have once been an island.
The ridge is one of the things that makes this park, and the entire region, so unique.
You can learn more about this area in our post about the geography of Arkansas!
Quick History of the Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is situated on land that was homesteaded by pioneer Benjamin F Crowley. His gravesite is even located within the park!
In 1933, Belle Hodges Wall, who was the secretary of the Paragould Chamber of Commerce, led a campaign to make Crowley’s old home site a state park.
On July 21, 1933, it became the fourth of Arkansas’s state parks. It is one of several Arkansas State Parks with CCC built structures. The others are:
Final Thoughts
One of the things to know about Crowley’s Ridge State Park is that it is extremely family friendly. We are often traveling with Emily’s young daughter so this is something that we notice!
Most of the trails are easy and short, the swimming beach is perfect, and there are some wide open fields for kids to run and play.
But our favorite thing about the park is its quiet beauty.
It might not have sweeping vistas or plunging waterfalls, but it has a timeless charm. The tall trees, the soft rise of the ridge, and the historic stonework all make it feel like stepping back into a simpler era.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in northeastern Arkansas, Crowley’s Ridge State Park is a wonderful choice.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
