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The 5 Best State Parks in Arkansas.
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If you could only pick 5 Arkansas State Parks to visit, these are the ones. These 5 parks make the cut as Best State Parks in Arkansas because of their beauty, atmosphere, and scenery.
Each of these parks has more than enough activities to fill your weekend (or week) full of adventure. Visiting these parks will cover just about everything you could want to do in an Arkansas State Park. Let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
Best State Parks in Arkansas #5
Devil’s Den State Park (2,500 acres)
Located in the Northwest section of the state, Devil’s Den State Park is one of the more popular parks to visit. The NW quadrant of the state has the least number of state parks, but it makes up for it with the diversity at Devil’s Den.
At Devil’s Den, you can hike, backpack, mountain bike, and horseback ride 11 trails leading to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. The most unique characteristics are the rock formations and caverns.
MORE ON DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK
With 135 campsites, 17 cabins, and frequent park activities, you can easily spend a week exploring this Arkansas State Park.
My favorite pick at Devil’s Den: hiking the Yellow Rock Trail.
Hiking Boots
My hiking boots: Columbia Women’s Facet 75 Mid Outdry Hiking Shoe
Check out the top 5 Hikes in Arkansas –>
Best State Parks in Arkansas #4
Bull Shoals-White River State Park (732 acres)
Bull Shoals-White River is about as far north in the state as you can go for an Arkansas State Park, and sits on the shores of Bull Shoals Lake and The White River. This area is known for some of the best trout fishing around.
The visitor’s center is an impressive 15,744 square feet and gives an amazing view of the Bull Shoals Dam. Camping at one of the 113 campsites along the river is a peaceful experience, often accompanied by nearby deer grazing.
Besides being the state’s premier park for trout fishing, the park also offers 6 trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Best State Parks in Arkansas #3
Crater of Diamonds State Park (911 acres)
Next up on the Best State Parks in Arkansas is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Arkansas, or the entire U.S. for that matter. At Crater of Diamonds State Park, you can dig for your own diamond. For a small fee, you can mine the 37.5-acre plowed field, where people frequently find small diamonds.
And…wait for it… they have a “finders, keepers” policy. Even if you don’t find a diamond, there are plenty of stones and gems that are worthy of making the trip home with you. You can keep anything you find in the field.
Get diamond mining tips for Crater of Diamonds –>
Best State Parks in Arkansas #2
Mount Nebo State Park (3,783 acres)
The next of the Best State Parks in Arkansas is Mount Nebo. The 2nd state park in Arkansas sits atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo and is known for its sunrise and sunset lookouts and some intense mountain biking. The drive to the top of the mountain is half the fun, with a tight winding drive all the way up the side of the mountain.
Many of the park’s 15 cabins and 34 campsites are located along the bluff and have views of the river valley below. Pair that with one of the 16 trails for hiking and biking, and you have a beautiful and action-packed experience waiting for you!
recommended book
Arkansas Waterfalls
Best State Parks in Arkansas #1
Petit Jean State Park (3,471 acres)
Topping the list of Best State Parks in Arkansas is Petit Jean State Park. This park easily ranks #1 because of its beauty, scenic overlooks, peaceful camping, Arkansas’s most photographed waterfall, and hiking.
Petit Jean is in central Arkansas and is the first Arkansas State Park.
I have (literally) hundreds of photos from Petit Jean State Park, but a few of my favorites include –>
(M.R. Memorial, Palisades, Cedar Falls)
I have been to Petit Jean State Park many times, and am still excited to go back every time. I continue to find new things to explore on each visit.
Do yourself a favor and plan at least a week to take in the entirety of this Arkansas State Park. With multiple overlooks, 8 hiking trails, and beautiful campgrounds, you will need a week to see all of the natural beauty this park has to offer.
Explore Petit Jean more in-depth –>
Arkansas State Parks
Full checklist of all 52 parks!
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My backpack: Lowe Alpine AirZone Active Backpack for Day Hiking
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I love your pictures from Petit Jean State Park – looks amazing! All of these parks in Arkansas sound wonderful.
Petit Jean State Park is a dream!
Never been to Arkansas. I an a nature lover so these state parks will definitely be a must visit when I visit. Thanks for sharing.
Yes sir! You must visit! Especially these 5 state parks.
Great post! I’ve never been to Arkansas…
It’s so beautiful here!
So many gorgeous parks! And those waterfalls look amazing! I’ve never been to Arkansas but your posts always make me want to go!
Brandi what a great article! I have always wanted to go to the crater of diamonds Park! I didn’t know about these other parks but Petit Jean looks beautiful. Thanks for doing this one!
Pinning this just in case I ever visit Arkansas. Thanks for sharing!
I have to pretty much agree with this list, especially 1 and 2. I am lucky enough to live just five minutes away from Nebo and less than an hour from Petit Jean. I visit both often. I love our state parks.
ooooooo, the nature enthusiast in me would LOVE to live closer to Central Arkansas!