Arkansas State Parks

Welcome to the main page for Arkansas State Parks. This page is designed to provide information related to the many state parks located in the state of Arkansas. Below you will a list of all the state parks in Arkansas along with the address of the parks. Click on the links below for the individual state parks where you can find detailed information specific to that park.

The State of Arkansas Park Quick Facts:
46 State Parks | 12 State Wildlife Management Areas | 9 National Wildlife Refuges | 3 National Forests | 2 State Fish Hatcheries | 2 State Fish Hatcheries | 1 State Forest | 1 State Historic Site | 1 State Natural Area | 1 National Park | 1 National Memorial | 1 National Historic Site
So many beautiful resources in one State; Priceless

Arkansas State Parks Video Highlight

Take a look at the Arkansas State Parks highlight video.

Arkansas State Parks Activities

Camping in Arkansas State Parks

With stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, camping in one of Arkansas’ many state parks is an unbelievable experience! Camp in the shadows of Petit Jean Mountain at Petit Jean State Park, which has 127 individual campsites to choose from. Pitch your family tent, set up your camping stove, and maybe a camping hammock. Camping equipment may even be rented, in case you don’t have your own.At Lake Ouachita State Park, a favorite camping spot is Denby Point, situated on the southern side of the lake. With over 67 sites, beaches, and boat ramps, there are plenty of activities for every member of the family.

In DeGray Lake Resort State Park, the only resort state park in Arkansas, campers have a choice between the lakeshore and the woods. A tent-like yurt, equipped with electricity, may even be rented by those who want a more unique camping experience.

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Hiking in Arkansas State Parks

The North Rim Trail at Mount Magazine State Park offers wonderful views of the Arkansas River Valley. The route is easy enough for inexperienced hikers although one should take extra precaution when coming up on the trail’s high bluffs. You never know when you might have a rain shower come through so you may want to check out our best rain poncho review. They pack up super small and can also be used as a tarp, ground cover, or a protective cover for your gear if left outside your tent.

At Devil’s Den State Park, the 5-6 mile Yellow Rock Trail is a popular day hike especially during the autumn season with its views of Devil Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Most families also enjoy the Devil’s Den Trail, which passes through beautiful rock formations, caves, and crevices.

One more thing to consider while hiking is the possibility of running into a bear. We always suggest bringing bear spray with you just in case.

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Backpacking in Arkansas State Parks

Daring backpackers looking for adventure may want to traverse the Ouachita National Recreational Trail, the longest backpacking trail in the Ouachita National Forest at approximately 214 miles. The panoramic views of the fog-covered mountains and lush forests are unmatched!

An easier backpacking experience would be the Ozark Highlands Trail, which can be found along Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stunning vistas, waterfalls, and the breathtaking Ozark Mountains await backpackers.

Fishing in Arkansas State Parks

State parks in Arkansas offer access to over 12 rivers and 29 lakes and this, combined with the region’s diverse fish habitat, makes it an angler’s paradise! Millwood State Park is known all over the United States for its largemouth bass while those who prefer smallmouth bass may opt for the tranquil streams at Withrow Springs State Park.

On the other hand, those who want to try their hand at fly fishing may do so at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. The park is also renowned for offering the best crappie, catfish, and bream fishing experience in the state.

Geocaching in Arkansas State Parks

The many historic state parks in Arkansas are home to some of the best geocaching sites in the country. An easy find would be the cache hidden at the Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, situated at the junction point of three different counties. Participants up for a challenge should head over to the sites hidden among the many historical points at Conway Cemetery State Park.

Day Use Areas in Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas’ state parks make for a great day trip and picnic excursion! Sit down for a meal at Lake Chicot State Park and enjoy a great view of the lake and the surrounding pecan grove.

Moro Bay State Park is also known for its great picnic sites. Inside the park, an exhibit featuring a historic tugboat and barge may be found.

Those who want to combine history and education with their picnic trip may do so at Powhatan Historic State Park, which preserves a river port town in the county that had once been a hub for the state’s commerce, industry, and government.

Biking Trails in Arkansas State Parks

The 9.8-mile Fern Hollow Trail at White Oak Lake State Park is popular among bikers for its unique terrain that features loamy sandhills. In addition to resurrection ferns and Loblolly pines, deer and herons may also be glimpsed along the trail.

More experienced bikers may want to try their hand at the Jackfork Trail in Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The trail runs for approximately 5 miles and may be considered rather challenging due to its abundance of rocky slopes.

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Boating in Arkansas State Parks

With over 600,000 acres of lakes and about 9,000 miles of rivers and streams, Arkansas is the ideal destination for those big on water activities! If you don’t have a regular boat and space is limited for you, you can always consider getting an inflatable kayak.

At Lake Chicot State Park, take a barge lake and swamp tour to discover the wonders of Arkansas’ wilderness.

Avid water sports fans will enjoy the facilities offered by Lake Dardanelle State Park, known as a paradise for sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.

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On the other hand, those who want a more relaxing day on the water may want to opt for the lakes at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, whose clear waters make for a great kayak ride.

Bird watching in Arkansas State Parks

With its unique mix of southern and midwestern habitats, Arkansas is one of the premier Bird-watching hotspots in the country! The state’s large national forests, composed of oak, hickory, and pine trees, as well as its deep reservoirs and sweeping bottomland hardwoods are home to thousands of different bird species. Grab your binoculars and enjoy the great variety of birds.

Millwood State Park may be famous for its largemouth bass, however, waterbirds are in abundance year-round and songbirds may also be observed during the spring and autumn migration season. Lucky Birders may also glimpse rare species, such as Little Gulls and Sooty Terns, at the park.

At Petit Jean State Park, Birdwatcher’s may have an opportunity to cross off Greater Roadrunners and Brown-headed Nuthatches from their bucket list.

Arkansas’ highest point, Mount Magazine State Park, also boasts of hundreds of bird species including rarities like Rufous-crowned Sparrows and Townsend’s Solitaires.

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Swimming in Arkansas State Parks

For families with young kids, Crater of Diamonds State Park is a popular vacation spot due to its mining experience and Diamond Springs Water Park, an aquatic playground featuring water jets, cascades, huge water slides, and spray geysers. Parents can play along with their kids or relax on the spacious deck beside the pool.

Those who want a more natural experience may find the clear waters of DeGray Lake at DeGray Lake Resort State Park more to their liking. Cool off in the lake’s clear waters on scorching summer days!

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Rock Climbing and Mountaineering in Arkansas State Parks

As its name suggests, Mount Magazine State Park has plenty of climbing routes whose difficulty levels range from beginner to advanced. The daunting overhanging of The Nose is a classic among experienced climbers wanting to challenge themselves while the steep Pepsi Challenge is great for newbies to the sport. If your looking for a new pair of shoes, check out our list of the best rock climbing shoes for beginners.

The rising and cracked cliffs of Pinnacle Mountain State Park is another rock-climbing hotspot in Arkansas. The best and hardest route to take on is called Release the Kraken, a steep ascent that climbers find challenging and interesting. On the other hand, the Alien Umbrella is perhaps the easiest climbing route in the park.

ATV Trails in Arkansas State Parks

Fun ATV trails and off-road parks in Arkansas make the state a popular vacation destination! Those on the Bear Creek Cycle Trail at Daisy State Park will marvel at the gorgeous views of Lake Greeson and the Ouachita Mountain Range. The trail is approximately 31-miles long and passes through rocky outlays and lush forests filled with pine and oak trees.

Golf Courses in Arizona State Parks

The golf course at DeGray Lake Resort State Park is considered to be the top choice for avid golfers visiting the state! It is a scenic 18-hole championship course with sloping greens and hidden water hazards. Those who want to improve their golfing skills may do so at the course’s practice green and chipping area.

Horseback Riding in Arkansas State Parks

Enjoy views of the rolling hills and beautiful forests atop a horse at Village Creek State Park where over 25 miles of trails may be explored while on horseback. The park also offers stalls equipped with ceiling fans and electricity to owners so their horses have a place to cool off and rest.

Inexperienced equestrians or those looking for a fun excursion may avail of the seasonal guided trail rides at Lake Catherine State Park whose diverse wildlife habitats are best enjoyed on the back of a horse.

Recreational Equipment Rentals in Arkansas State Parks

Visitors who want to explore the beautiful scenery of Lake Catherine may rent boats from the full-service marina at Lake Catherine State Park. The marina offers fishing boats, party barges, and other recreational equipment, such as water bikes, pedal boats, canoes, and more.

At Lake Ouachita State Park, boats and kayaks may be rented, as well. Anglers can also purchase bait and supplies from the park’s marina and visitors may also avail of several programs, including guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours.

Caves or Caving in Arkansas State Parks

Explore the wonders of Rock House Cave located within Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton. Observe prehistoric rock art images on the cave walls and try to spot a distinctive pictograph of a fish. The cave’s subtle beauty is worth the short and rather challenging hike to get to it.

Restaurants and Dining in Arkansas State Parks

Enjoy traditional Southern fare in a rustic atmosphere at Skycrest Restaurant in Mount Magazine State Park. Panoramic views of Blue Mountain Lake and the Petit Jean River Valley may be enjoyed from the dining room’s large windows.

Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park is also renowned for its delicious food and stunning views of the Cedar Creek Canyon. Larger groups and receptions may avail of the restaurant’s meeting room.

Winter Activities in Arkansas State Parks

The snowy scenery of Arkansas makes the state an ideal winter destination. Observe the large herds of deer roaming about Mount Nebo State Park and bask in the stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley. The park is also popular with winter hikers who aim to catch a glimpse of the 1830s water route of the Trail of Tears and the icy Lake Dardanelle from high above the mountain.

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in Arkansas State Parks

The large and clear bodies of water in Arkansas attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the country. Among the best snorkeling spots is at Bull Shoals-White River State Park, home of the largest man-made lake in the state. The lake is filled with a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout and lunker bass. Visitors may also rent kayaks and boats from the marina to explore the waters further out.

Cossatot River State Park is also another diving hotspot and the park offers guided snorkeling trips in the summer season. Explore the park’s many swimming holes and coves, and try to catch a glimpse of crawfish and smallmouth bass.

Those who love fishing and snorkeling have the opportunity to do both at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, which offers spear gun fishing to all visitors.

Complete Arkansas State Park List and Addresses

Here is a complete list of all the state parks in Arkansas along with the address for each park. Enjoy all that Arkansas has to offer for outdoor actives and natural beauty.

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Explore America’s State Parks From Coast To Coast

Below is a table for the 50 States in the US, with a link to the state parks pages for each state. Each state park page has a list of state parks, along with the address. You can link to the individual parks from there.

State Parks By State

Alabama State Parks	Indiana State Parks	Nebraska State Parks	Rhode Island State Parks
Alaska State Parks	Iowa State Parks	Nevada State Parks	South Carolina State Parks
Arizona State Parks	Kansas State Parks	New Hampshire State Parks	South Dakota State Parks
Arkansas State Parks	Kentucky State Parks	New Jersey State Parks	Tennessee State Parks
California State Parks	Louisiana State Parks	New Mexico State Parks	Texas State Parks
Colorado State Parks	Maine State Parks	New York State Parks	Utah State Parks
Connecticut State Parks	Maryland State Parks	North Carolina State Parks	Vermont State Parks
Delaware State Parks	Massachusetts State Parks	North Dakota State Parks	Virginia State Parks
Florida State Parks	Michigan State Parks	Ohio State Parks	Washington State Parks
Georgia State Parks	Minnesota State Parks	Oklahoma State Parks	West Virginia State Parks
Hawaii State Parks	Mississippi State Parks	Oregon State Parks	Wisconsin State Parks
Idaho State Parks	Missouri State Parks	Pennsylvania State Parks	Wyoming State Parks
Illinois State Parks	Montana State Parks	Puerto Rico State Parks	Washington DC State Parks

America’s State Parks

See the latest on our homepage at www.americasstateparks.org.