🌤 Weather at Ozark Folk Center State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–78 °F | 66–91 °F | 39–84 °F | 28–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mountain View, 3 mi away, elevation 716 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ozark Folk Center State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Mountain View in Stone County. Spanning 637 acres and established in 1973, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Mountain View |
| County | Stone |
| Park Size | 637 acres |
| Established | 1973 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (700 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Ozark Folk Center State Park is located near Mountain View, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 35.8822, -92.1188.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best state parks in the Ozarks?
Top Ozark parks include Devil’s Den (sandstone caves), Petit Jean (canyon views), Mount Magazine (Arkansas’ highest point), and Hobbs State Park (lakeside trails near Beaver Lake).
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Ozark Folk Center State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Ozark Folk Center SP — the only state park in America dedicated to preserving Ozark Mountain folk culture. The park’s Ozark forest, herb garden, and mountain terrain support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds. The Heritage Herb Garden grows over 500 varieties of herbs.
Nearby Attractions
Mountain View — adjacent — the “Folk Music Capital of the World” (nightly jam sessions on the courthouse square). Blanchard Springs Caverns — 15 miles north.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Blanchard Springs (a short drive away) or Bull Shoals-White River State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ozark Folk Center State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Ozark Folk Center State Park?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Ozark Folk Center State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
