Skip to content

Top 18 State Parks in Arkansas

    Arkansas is a great place to visit!

    Arkansas is a U.S. state that is in the south of America. It has two borders, one with Tennessee and the other with Missouri. Arkansas is also home to many wonderful places such as Hot Springs National Park and Mount Magazine.

    Arkansas is full of natural beauty and there are many places to explore in Arkansas. These parks range from historical locations, such as Hot Springs, to beautiful waterfalls. These parks are all different. You can visit each one and find something you like.

    If you want an adventure or just some quiet, come on down! You won’t regret it! We can’t wait for you to explore all that Arkansas has to offer! A great adventure that won’t break your budget or require too much traveling time, then this list is perfect for you!

    1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    The Buffalo National River is a national park that was established by Congress, in 1972. The river flows through the Ozark Mountains for 135 miles and forms one of America’s most popular canoeing destinations. There are over 100 backcountry campsites along this stretch, as well as campgrounds with more amenities if you prefer not to carry yourBull Shoals-White River State Park

    Visitors can enjoy picnics and other activities. They can do this in various places. For example, they might enjoy picnics in areas that have picnic tables or take part in interpretive programs about different things like geology, wildlife conservation efforts, and more! There are also boat rentals available if you would like to explore this area. You can use your paddle to move through the water. The water is very clean and it surrounds all of the plants around here.

    Camping and Lodging: Bull Shoals-White River State Park has many campsites that are for people to sleep in when they visit. There are 113 sites, and they have areas for tents, RV’s, or even cabins. People can stay there all year.

    Pets: Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a wonderful place for people and their pets to spend time outdoors. You just have to make sure your furry friend stays on his leash so he doesn’t scare off the wildlife!

    Things to do: Enjoy the natural scenery and commune with nature in Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Camp under a blanket of stars while fishing for some delicious dinner or just enjoy a peaceful walk by the river! It is the perfect family destination for those looking to enjoy boat rides, water sports, or just a leisurely swim.

    Entrance Fee: No charge for admission – as a visitor to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, you won’t have to worry about paying any entrance fees into the park!

    Opening Hour: Open from 8 am till 5 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am until 4 pm on weekends this gem should not go unnoticed!

    2. Cane Creek State Park

    Cane Creek State Park

    With a gorgeous, scenic waterway and miles of walking trails to explore, Cane Creek State Park is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure. This 2,053-acre Arkansas state park in Lincoln County has much to offer—from cool caves with beautiful rock formations inside them and 1.75 million acres of forest that you can hike through or ride on horseback!

    The famed Cane Creek Lake borders Bayou Bartholomew which spans over 700+ miles from Louisiana all the way up into Illinois–making it one of America’s longest bayous!

    Camping and Lodging: Cane Creek State Park offers a great camping area for family vacations. The campsites are close to the lake with fireplaces and grills available on site!

    Pets: Cane Creek State Park is a place where people can bring their dogs. They must stay on leashes and be supervised by the owners or someone else who will make sure they do not disturb wildlife, other park visitors, or any natural resources in this beautiful sanctuary.

    Things to do: Cane Creek State Park is the perfect place to spend your day. With many of the amenities you could ask for, there’s something for everyone! Cane Creek has a visitor center with exhibits and a gift shop inside. This park also offers picnic sites, backpacking shelters, pavilions, and even fishing piers if that’s more up your alley.

    Entrance Fee: Cane Creek State Park has a $4 entrance fee. To enter you will need to pay, but admission is free if you’re on foot or bike!

    Opening Hour: Cane Creek State Park is open for you to explore from 7 am-9 pm.

    3. Crater of Diamonds State Park

    Crater of Diamonds State Park

    Diamonds can be found at Crater of Diamonds State Park. You don’t need to buy expensive equipment or go through a lot of training to mine for diamonds.

    This park has 37 acres of land for people to find diamonds. A lot of people come here from all across America (even around the world) every year to try and find a diamond.

    Camping and Lodging: Camping at the Crater of Diamonds State Park is a perfect way to experience Arkansas’s natural beauty. Each campsite includes picnic tables, fire rings, and grills for camp cooking as well as restrooms with showers available nearby. This beautiful state park also features an array of diamonds pulled from the earth by people that live near its borders!

    Pets: The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a great place to take your pet with you. They can go anywhere in the park, except for gift shop areas and certain restaurants where food might be consumed.

    Things to do: The Crater of Diamonds State Park has so many cool rocks! With volcanic rock that is just like ordinary riverbed stones, this place is fun for people who love to collect all sorts of things. The crater’s perfect smooth surface gives you pieces in an array of colors and shapes – it’ll be hard not to find something wonderful!

    Entrance Fee: The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a place where you can find diamonds. It’s located in Arkansas and the entrance fee to get into it is $10 for each vehicle that comes with two or more passengers.

    Opening Hour: The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a place where you can find diamonds. It’s located in Arkansas and the entrance fee to get into it is $10 for each vehicle that comes with two or more passengers.

    4. Crowley Ridge State Park

    Crowley Ridge State Park

    Crowley’s Ridge State Park is a 291-acre Arkansas state park in Greene County, which has one of the highest elevations east of the Mississippi. The area was once home to pioneer Benjamin Crowley and his family on their farmstead that dates back as early as 1801.

    CCC stands for Civilian Conservation Corps. It was a program from 1933-1942. This program helped people save money by planting trees, building dams, and making trails.

    Camping and Lodging: Crowley’s Ridge State Park campground has 26 single-family campsites next to Lake Ponder. There are 18 with RV hookups, 8 tent sites, and also 20 cabins for rent

    Things to do: Crowley’s Ridge State Park is a wonderful destination for people who love the outdoors. Camping, fishing, and boating are just some of the activities available to visitors. For those who like nature, there are many activities. There are hiking trails and bird watching opportunities!

    Entrance Fee: There are no entrance fees, and it provides for an escape from crowds as well as any other parks on this side of the state!

    Opening Hour: Crowley’s Ridge State Park is a peaceful place to visit. It opens at 8 am and closes by 5 pm, so plan your trip accordingly for an enjoyable day full of nature activities!

    5. Delta Heritage Trail State Park

    Delta Heritage Trail State Park

    The Delta Heritage Trail State Park is a place where you can get away from it all and enjoy some scenic outdoor activity. The park has 960 acres of land with trails for biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing in the ponds or lakes on-site – there’s something to do for everyone!

    Biking enthusiasts have beautiful bike paths in their state park. There are 73 miles of abandoned railroad tracks that now are for biking. They have 14 miles open now and more will be coming over time.

    Camping and Lodging: Delta Heritage Trail Campground is a seventy-one-mile trail that links two of Louisiana’s best-camping destinations. The terrain is flat, easy walking, and challenging climbs up steep hills with breathtaking views.

    Pets: Delta Heritage provides a scenic and fun hike for dog owners. The trail is wide enough to accommodate the entire family, even kids on bikes or strollers!

    Things to do: Delta Heritage Visitors can enjoy picnicking, a water fountain, and a bicycle repair station. They will also be able to camp in one of the two oversized tent pads with an accompanying large group charcoal grill!

    Entrance Fee: The Delta Heritage entrance fee is $14. You can buy a pass to come to the zoo for four visits. Or you can just buy tickets for two dollars each time that you want to visit.

    Opening Hour: Delta Heritage is open 8 am to 5 pm every day, so you can get the most out of your vacation.

    6. Devil’s Den State Park

    Devil’s Den State Park

    Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas is a 2 500 acre wilderness preserve. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and is over 1 000 hectares of land on the western edge of the Boston Mountains.

    There are many waterfalls in this park that have been eroding for a long time. There are also many caves to explore.

    Camping and Lodging: There is a campground and cabins that can sleep up to 16 people. There are also campsites for those who don’t have the space or time for an overnight stay, but still want to enjoy all of Devil’s Den State Park has to offer!

    Pets: Devil’s Den State Park is a fantastic place for well-behaved pets to explore and play. Dogs should be on a leash, cleaned up after, and are even allowed in some spots of the park!

    Things to do: Hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking are popular activities at the Devil’s Den State Park. You can explore the beautiful wilderness in Arkansas. One thing you could do is go snorkeling. There is also a rule that prohibits free swimming.

    Entrance Fee: There are no fees unless you plan on camping, in which case there will be an additional fee per night.

    Opening Hour: Devil’s Den State Park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, providing hours of adventure for all.

    7. Hot Springs Treehouses

    Hot Springs Treehouses

    There is a whole new way to experience the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and it revolves around hot tubs.

    Hop in your car, stop at Bathhouse Row downtown Hot Springs National Park if you want to see some historical tourism. Then continue up Northwoods Bike Trail until you reach an oasis outside the city limits with views of nature. The treehouses are close by but they offer more than that!

    Camping and Lodging: The Hot Springs Treehouses offer a unique and relaxing camping experience for guests. They also have romantic treehouses perfect to share with your other half!

    Pets: Hot Springs Treehouses is a pet-friendly resort. It has beautiful views of nature. You can meet other pets there who like the same things you do!

    Things to do: Hot Springs Treehouses you can enjoy Folk Art. Street art and murals are seen all over the city. Artists paint on buildings near sidewalks. When you’re traveling through this area, there is a high chance that you will see a national park or scenic spot because it is so close by. But there could be river spots that are cool too!

    Entrance Fee: Hot Springs Treehouses is a great place for guests looking to get away from it all. There are two treehouses. They cost $185 per night. You can explore nature or relax in hammock swings with friends.

    Opening Hour: Breath in the fresh air of nature at Hot Springs Treehouses. These treehouses offer an exhilarating experience that will make you feel like living on top of a mountain without any effort! From 9 am to 12 pm, we’ll be giving tours about our natural hot springs and amazing views from atop trees.

    8. Jenkins Ferry State Park

    Jenkins Ferry State Park

    In 1864, the American Civil War was in full swing and Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground State Park is a site for one of its most devastating battles.

    On Saturday, April 30th Union forces tried to go into Arkansas from Indian Territory. But the Confederate soldiers were shooting their guns at the Union forces.

    Camping and Lodging: Jenkins’ Ferry is a historic battleground from the Civil War that offers camping for visitors. The park has many campgrounds, some with electrical hook-ups and water or broth. There are also larger sites available in case you plan to bring your RV!

    Pets: Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground is a dog-friendly hike where dogs are allowed to enjoy the scenery while they meet fellow canine companions. 

    Things to do: Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground is a beautiful place for families to go. There are exhibits, picnic areas, water, and boats that you can ride on. Some programs tell you about the history of Jenkins’ Ferry.

    Entrance Fee: Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground is a great spot for history buffs. There’s no entrance fee, and the scenery on this historic battlefield will take your breath away.

    Opening Hour: Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground is open daily from sunrise to sundown. While the sun’s up, you can see historical artifacts and hear about what it was like back in 1864 when Union forces fought Confederate troops for control of West Tennessee!

    9. Logoly State Park

    Logoly State Park

    Logoly State Park is a 6-mile walk north of Magnolia and 0.75 miles east of McNeil. It features views of Arkansas’ Gulf Coastal Plain that showcase the natural landscape.

    The park has a place to eat lunch or relax. You can fish in the creeks. People have been stocking the lake with fish so that people new to fishing will be able to catch something.

    Camping and Lodging: Logoly State Park Logoly Campground has a great setting to enjoy the outdoors, including their warm and inviting group campsites.

    Pets: Logoly State Park has rules about dogs. All dogs must be on a leash and stay in the designated area. If they get out, the rangers will give them trouble.

    Things to do: The Logoly State Park is a place where you can have picnic tables and swings. You can swing on them while looking at the pretty views because they are outside.

    Entrance Fee: Logoly State Park is free to visit. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views and scenery of this park without any cost!

    Opening Hour: At Logoly State Park, you can enjoy many activities such as hiking and biking. The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm.

    10. Mount Magazine State Park

    Mount Magazine State Park

    Mount Magazine State Park is the tallest and oldest state park in Arkansas. The 2,234 acres of wooded trails will lead you to a beautiful view from atop Mount Magazine. There are over 3,000 feet of elevation that people can hike up on this mountain. This mountain has been an undisturbed natural area since the 1930s when it became part of Ouachita National Forest.

    This untouched forest soon gave way to WWII training grounds for American soldiers as well as being used during the Korean War. In 1941 ANF reclassified Mt. Mag again with its vast untapped timber resources becoming Ozark NF’s newest addition … Until finally on July 6th, 1985 this dormant volcano erupted into Mount Magazine State Park!

    Camping and Lodging: Mount Magazine State Park offers some camping options for any type of camper. They have 18 campsites available, ranging from “primitive” to full hookups and everything in between.

    Pets: Mount Magazine State Park has a dog-friendly lodge with rooms and cabins. Service dogs are allowed in the pet-friendly resort as long as they can provide proof of disability, qualifying under ADA standards for service animals.

    Things to do: Mount Magazine State Park is a place to enjoy scenic mountain views, explore nature and wildlife, or partake in your favorite type of outdoor recreation. Located high atop the Ozarks on Arkansas’s eastern border with Missouri, this state park offers an unforgettable experience for visitors from near and far.

    Entrance Fee: Mount Magazine is a great place for the whole family to visit. There’s no admission fee, and it offers plenty of hiking trails in addition to scenic views from its summit.

    Opening Hour: Mount Magazine State Park is open 24 hours and provides a scenic drive for visitors who are looking to experience the beauty of Arkansas’s highest peak.

    11. Mount Nebo State Park

    Mount Nebo State Park

    Mount Nebo is a mountain where you can see Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. The park is bordered by Mt. Ida, one of the tallest peaks in Oklahoma at 3,610 feet (1 mile).

    This beautiful state park was developed to preserve its natural beauty, which is from when Native American Tribes hunted here for buffalo in historic times!

    Camping and Lodging: Mount Nebo State Park is a great place to go camping. There are 34 campsites, with 24 Class B sites and 10 hike-in tent sites available for you to explore the park at your own pace!

    Pets: Mount Nebo State Park is a great place for pet owners to bring their furry friends. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on leash and clean up after themselves.

    Things to do: Mount Nebo State Park is a beautiful place for visitors of all ages. The park has many different activities to enjoy including, hiking trails and scenic overlooks. There are lots of ways to get a rush of excitement. People can go downhill biking on the Chickalah Trail, or they could do running around Hayes Creek Run!

    Entrance Fee: The state park is open to the public for free and it has a natural habitat that will allow you to hike, camp, or just enjoy nature.

    Opening Hour: Mount Nebo is the perfect spot for a picnic. It’s open 8 am-5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends, so come armed with your favorite sandwich or blanket.

    12. Old Davidsonville State Park

    Old Davidsonville State Park

    Davidsonville Historic State Park, the destination for anyone looking to get away from their busy life and enjoy nature. This 163-acre Arkansas state park is situated on a border between The Ozarks and the Arkansas Delta where you can see how one region blends into another with ease.

    It is an abandoned frontier town that was built in 1836 by settlers. It was part of General Winfield Scott’s army as they followed him through Missouri Territory during the War of Mexican Independence. Now, it has been restored so people can go explore this piece of history now!

    Camping and Lodging: Davidsonville State Park is a place where you can go camping. You can pitch your tent and enjoy all of the nature that it has to offer. It is close enough to civilization so you are not far away, but it still feels like camping.

    Pets: Davidsonville is a great place for family and friends to spend the day, but don’t forget your furry friend! Dogs can run around off-leash within this state park as long as they are on six-foot leashes. 

    Things to do: Fishing is a major activity at Davidsonville Historic State Park, as the park borders both the Black River and fishing lake. Pedal boats are available for rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

    Entrance Fee: Davidsonville Historic State Park is like a breath of fresh air. The park has no entrance fee and takes only ten minutes to see everything, so you won’t have any excuse for not going with your family on the weekend!

    Opening Hour: Davidsonville Historic State Park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, perfect for anyone who wants a leisurely day. 

    13. Petit Jean State Park

    Petit Jean State Park

    Petit Jean State Park is a 3,471-acre park in Conway County. It has an interesting history. The area was used by Native Americans for hunting, and settlers called it “Poverty Point” because the land wasn’t good to farm on.

    It wasn’t until 1954 when it became protected land that this beautiful state park came into existence.

    Camping and Lodging: Petit Jean State Park is a popular destination for those seeking to camp out in quiet. With 125 campsites, there’s plenty of space available, with 35 being Class AAA sites and 90 proposing as a more budget-friendly option. Aviation enthusiasts are invited to come to the airport’s campground with tents. There are five tents and each one has water, a picnic table, and a grill. You can also use the lanterns in your tent at night too!

    Pets: Petit Jean State Park is a pet-friendly park perfect for anyone with furry friends. 

    Things to do: The most impressive part about Petit Jean State Park in Cedar Falls, which cascades down a 95-foot drop when the water flow is high. This great waterfall would make for an amazing sight to see and explore!

    Entrance Fee: Petit Jean State Park is a place where the community can enjoy nature for free. 

    Opening Hour: Petit Jean State Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with your family or friends. It’s open from 8 am -8 pm, making it easy for you and your loved ones to plan an entire day of fun activities!

    14. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

    Pinnacle Mountain State Park

    Straddling the border of Pulaski County and Saline County, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a 2,356-acre state park home to an iconic landmark.

    An area is a place that people like to visit. People enjoy fishing in the bottomlands of the Little Maumelle River and hiking on its trails.

    Camping and Lodging: Camping is not allowed inside Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The good thing is that there are other campgrounds close by.

    Pets: Dogs are welcome, as long they remain on the leash and clean up after themselves.

    Things to do: The top of Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the best place to go for a picnic, outdoor games, mountain climbing, and biking. There are also many other activities available such as hiking or fishing to make your day more enjoyable!

    Entrance Fee: Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, with no admission fee. 

    Opening Hour: The Pinnacle Mountain State Park is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and you can see the Arkansas valley below with its mountains, rivers, streams, forests, and lakes.

    15. Queen Wilhelmina State Park

    Queen Wilhelmina State Park

    Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a place of natural beauty. There are 7 different mountain ranges with a beautiful view around every corner.

    The original “Castle in the Sky” lodge was built on Rich Mountain at 2,681 feet above sea level back in 1898 when Arkansas was still known as Indian Territory.

    Camping and Lodging: Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a park that has places for people to enjoy outdoor activities. There are 41 campsites. Eight of them have running water and electricity, and 27 don’t have power or running water. People will want to go there because they can connect back to nature.

    Pets: Queen Wilhelmina’s State Park is the perfect place to take your furry friends. Make sure you keep them on a leash and make sure they’re clean when you leave!

    Things to do: Queen Wilhelmina State Park has lots of things to do. There are swimming pools, picnics, canoes, and hiking. You can also take a train ride or visit the museum.

    Entrance Fee: Queen Wilhelmina park has a free entrance fee which makes it the perfect spot for those who want to spend their time camping in nature but don’t have funds available

    Opening Hour: Queen Wilhelmina is known for its beautiful scenery with an effortless 24 hour opening period. 

    16. Village Creek State Park

    Village Creek State Park

    Village Creek State Park is a serene place unlike any other. The park was formed as the result of an ambitious land study commissioned by Arkansas’ General Assembly, and now spans 6,909 acres in Cross County as well St. Francis County with its expansive wildlife reserve, towering pine trees reaching to touch the sky like fingers from some unearthly being pulling their way out of hell below us all; this magnificent nature preserve that will leave your heart feeling numb when you walk away – just so much beauty to take it all in at once!

    Camping and Lodging: Village Creek State Park is a unique state park that offers fun for the whole family. With 33 miles of multi-use trails and 10 cabins, this place has something to offer everyone. The campgrounds have facilities like bathhouses as well as class B campsites perfect for horseback riding enthusiasts!

    Pets: Dogs can run wild in this park, which is great for owners and their four-legged companions. They’re allowed throughout the entire property including camping grounds!

    Things to do: Village Creek State Park offers many activities for everyone. Camping, picnicking, and swimming is just a few of the things visitors can do at this location. They also offer hiking, fishing as well as nature study, and bird-watching opportunities.

    Entrance Fee: The Village Creek State Park entrance fee is only $4 and includes access to a variety of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, wildlife viewing areas, and more.

    Opening Hour: The beautiful Village Creek State Park which lies in the heart of Texas, is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. 

    17. White Oak Lake State Park

    White Oak Lake State Park

    White Oak Lake State Park is a refreshing oasis of natural beauty in the southeast United States.

    It’s surrounded by tall pine trees, providing shade from the scorching sun and shelter for those who enjoy nature on foot or pedal-powered modes of transportation.

    Camping and Lodging: White Oak Lake State Park is a beautiful place to go if you want to get away from the city and enjoy nature. You can walk through its scenic trails, fish in the lake, or camp under an oak tree with your friends on one of 45 campsites (including 4 Class A sites). The park has been recently renovated so make sure not to miss this opportunity!

    Pets: White Oak Lake State Park is a place where people love to take their dogs for walks. They enjoy the scenic views and have plenty of room for exploration, as well as swimming in cool water on hot summer days!

    Things to do: White Oak Lake State Park has a variety of water sports, hiking trails, and wildlife to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts can bring their own boat or rent one on the lake for a day in nature’s beauty!

    Entrance Fee: White Oak Lake State Park is a great place to swim and relax. They have no entrance fee, making it the perfect activity for everyone in your family!

    Opening Hour: It’s open from sunrise to sundown, perfect for those who want to spend the day exploring and getting some fresh air!

    18. Woolly Hollow State Park

    Woolly Hollow State Park

    Wooley Hollow State Park is a place in Arkansas. It has 375 acres and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration to supply water for nearby towns like Greenbriar.

    Today, visitors can go on a boat that goes around the lake. The lake is full of trees. The leaves are green and reach out from the tree’s branch tips.

    Camping and Lodging: Wooly Hollow State Park in Tennessee offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to camp under the stars.

    Pets: Arkansas’s state parks are a good place for people with pets to let their dogs run free. The only exception is if the dog needs some special treatment, like being on medication strictly prescribed by its veterinarian or in need of surgery; then it must be kept under control and away from public buildings at all times.

    Things to do: Wooly Hollow State Park has many campsites. They are near the lake and let you get a good night’s sleep before going on one of the many adventures Wooly Hollow State Park has to offer: hiking, fishing, water sports, or flatbottom boating.

    Entrance Fee: The state of Virginia’s Woolly Hollow State Park is free to enter. Just don’t forget your hiking shoes and nature guide!

    Opening Hour: Wooly Hollow State Park is a place where you can be outside all day. The park opens at 8 am and closes around 10 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to take in nature’s beauty during any season!

    With such a variety of outdoor activities, Arkansas is the perfect state for any family. Whether you are an avid hiker or prefer to spend your time on the golf course, there’s something in this Natural State that will excite and delight everyone. Come see what all Arkansas has to offer!