Arkansas has one of the top state park systems in the nation and these destinations, which are open year-round and free to enter, can be found across the state in a range of landscapes. Whatever one is on the lookout for, there is more than likely a state park to fit their interest. 

“The State Parks of Arkansas are special places set aside as public lands because of statewide significance of a particular natural, cultural or historical resource,” said Kelly Farrell, chief of interpretation and program services for the Division of Arkansas State Parks. “They are places for connecting with Arkansas’ remarkable landscape and history, and making fun outdoor recreation memories with family and friends. Our 52 state parks are scattered across the whole state, in every natural division. Every Arkansan has at least one state park within an hour’s drive from home.” 

State parks serve as an entry point to the outdoors and hiking, biking, birding, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, or simply relaxing and recharging are among the options one can find in them. Each state park has its own experience to share and park staff help connect visitors to this. “Park interpreters are rangers who specialize in helping guests have fun experiences in the parks,” said Farrell. “Through guided adventures, demonstrations, workshops, and other programs, interpretive rangers inspire guests to understand what things in the park mean, how it all fits together, and why they matter.”

Park programs are routinely scheduled for visitors to experience.These programs are as varied as the parks themselves and range from nature programs to guided hikes to sunset lake cruises. A list of events and programs can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/events.

“Arkansas’ state park interpreters lead more than 14,000 programs per year for over 150,000 guests,” said Farrell. “You can experience ranger-led activities in several ways including attending an open, public program, scheduling something for a private group like Scouts, churches and civic groups, and reserving a field trip for a school group and experiencing curriculum-based presentations. You can search the online calendar of events for planned activities, or contact a park directly to set up a special program pending staff and facility availability.”

The Arkansas State Parks Club 52 passport program is a way to document your adventures and explorations. These free passports can be picked up at state park visitor centers and then stamped to mark your visit there. These stamps can then be redeemed for various rewards. More information about this program can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/passport. 

There is also a free youth Arkansas State Parks Explorer conservation program available year-round which can be done at a self-guided pace at any state park in Arkansas. The program is centered on introducing youth to state parks and park stewardship concepts. More details about this program can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/about/education/become-park-explorer.

Arkansas State Parks have outdoor terrain for all skill levels and locations in a variety of landscapes. There are mountain parks, parks by lakes and rivers, historic parks, museums and more. For those wanting to overnight, there are campsites, lodges, cabins and more. 

“Parks are for everyone,” said Farrell. “We welcome those who have loved parks for generations within their families, and those who are just discovering them. There are opportunities to play and make memories for all. Together, we share the privilege of enjoying these special places and ensuring they exist for future generations.”

Below is an introduction to some of the state parks that can be found in Arkansas and the breadth of experiences they offer. 

Petit Jean State Park stands out in that it is Arkansas’ first state park. The park has many trails to discover including Cedar Falls Trail, which leads to one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state.  

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a popular state park for many reasons, including its location near Little Rock. While here one can trek to the top of Pinnacle Mountain, hike and mountain bike the park’s trails, paddle on the Big and Little Maumelle rivers and visit the park’s new visitor center. This state park has many trails to take on including the famous Monument Trails, which are world-class mountain biking destinations within Arkansas State Parks. These shared use trails have terrain for all skill levels. Other state parks with Monument Trails include Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area,  Devil’s Den State Park, and Mount Nebo State Park. 

DeGray Lake Resort State Park, known as Arkansas’ resort state park, showcases DeGray Lake, one of the five Diamond Lakes in the southwest region of the state. 

Bull-Shoals White River State Park is located along the shores of Bull Shoals Lake and the White River and is well-known for its fishing opportunities. 

Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle is Arkansas’ second oldest state park. This state park is located on top of Mount Nebo and mountain biking and hiking are popular pursuits here. Historic cabins to stay at while visiting include Cabin 1, the first rental cabin for Arkansas State Parks. 

Arkansas’ highest point is Mount Magazine and Mount Magazine State Park and its resort mountain lodge can be found here to enjoy the views from. Trails to explore here include Signal Hill Trail, which takes one to the highest point in Arkansas. 

Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena is located on Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in Arkansas. The famous Talimena National Scenic Byway leads to this state park and its mountaintop lodge. 

The second largest state park in Arkansas is Village Creek State Park near Wynne. This park lies on a unique geological formation called Crowley’s Ridge. This park has many miles of multi-use trails and is a popular destination for horseback riding.

At Delta Heritage Trail State Park one can experience hiking and biking a rails to trails route through the Arkansas Delta. 

Lake Ouachita State Park is located on Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in the state. There is a marina where you can rent boats, kayaks and canoes to explore the lake from. The park’s Caddo Bend Trail is also a land based way to experience the beauty of the lake.

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area in Wickes can be found along a 12 mile stretch of the Cossatot River. 

Historic Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas has the largest collection of 19th-century buildings in the state. 

One can learn about Arkansas’ Native American heritage at Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park near Scott. While here you can see the tallest Native American mound in the state. 

Louisiana Purchase State Park shares the story of the Louisiana Purchase. A boardwalk there leads to a monument that marks the beginning point of the Louisiana Purchase land surveys. 

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View is open seasonally and helps preserve the culture and heritage of the Ozarks. 

The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources near Smackover tells the story of the 1920s oil boom. 

Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott helps preserve the farming history of the state. 

This is just a quick introduction to some of the state parks in Arkansas. Visit Arkansasstateparks.com for more details on all 52 state parks of Arkansas.