Devil’s Den State Park

Nestled in the Lee Creek Valley of Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains, Devil’s Den State Park is a landscape of mystery and wonder. Sandstone bluffs rise from forested hillsides, ancient caves and crevices wind through the rock, and hand-crafted stone structures from the 1930s give the park a timeless, almost magical quality. This is Arkansas’s most visited state park—and one of the finest examples of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture anywhere in America.

The name “Devil’s Den” comes from the park’s network of caves, crevices, and bluff shelters—places early settlers considered too eerie for anything but the devil himself. Today, these geological wonders are the park’s main attraction. Squeeze through narrow rock passages on the Devil’s Den Trail, climb to panoramic overlooks on Yellow Rock Trail, or simply wander the forest where fossils from ancient seas are embedded in the stone.

The CCC workers who built this park in the 1930s left behind a legacy of stone and wood that looks as if it grew from the landscape itself. The café, the dam, the cabins, and even the swimming pool—all were crafted by hand during the Great Depression, and all still serve visitors nearly a century later. At Devil’s Den, you don’t just experience nature; you experience history.

Park Fast Facts

Devil’s Den opened as Arkansas’s first state park in 1933 and was developed extensively by the CCC between 1933 and 1941. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its exceptional CCC architecture.

Admission

Caves & Crevices

The geological formations at Devil’s Den are the park’s namesake and main attraction. Millions of years of erosion carved the sandstone bluffs into a labyrinth of caves, crevices, and rock shelters. While most caves are closed to protect bats from White-nose syndrome, the crevices and rock formations along the Devil’s Den Trail remain accessible.

Important: Many caves are closed to protect bats from White-nose syndrome. Please respect closures—you can still explore impressive sandstone crevices and bluff shelters along the trails.

Trails

Devil’s Den offers over 22 miles of trails through the Lee Creek Valley, ranging from easy creekside strolls to challenging bluff climbs. Many trails are open to both hiking and mountain biking.

CCC History

Devil’s Den is widely considered one of the finest examples of CCC craftsmanship in the United States. Between 1933 and 1941, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps built nearly everything you see in the park today—all by hand, using native stone and timber.

The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its exceptional CCC architecture. Walking through Devil’s Den is like stepping back into the 1930s—a testament to the craftsmanship and vision of the young men who built it.

Cabins

Devil’s Den features 17 historic cabins, most dating to the CCC era. Each has been renovated with modern amenities while preserving the rustic stone-and-timber character.

Camping

The park offers over 135 campsites spread across several campgrounds, with options ranging from primitive tent camping to full RV hookups.

Lake Devil & Swimming

Lake Devil is an 8-acre lake created by the CCC’s stone dam on Lee Creek. The lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating.

Wildlife

The Lee Creek Valley supports diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for these common species:

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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