Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Crowley's Ridge State Park in northeast Arkansas exists in part to safeguard historical and cultural resources, such as the structures built by the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. In addition, the park offers a protected habitat to animals like northern mole crickets whose sounds you can hear in this video.

Freshwater jellyfish are fascinating animals that you can sometimes observe at Crowley’s Ridge State Park while pedal boating on Lake Ponder. Located in northeast Arkansas, this park exists in part to safeguard the natural resources found within, like the freshwater jellyfish and its habitat.

As bright mornings give way to chillier weather and the leaves start to turn to auburn, garnet and gold, you’ll feel the pull to get outside. Whether you want to spend an entire weekend living around nature’s beauty or want to feel the thrill of speed as you race down a Monument Trail, Arkansas State Parks has something for everyone this autumn.

What exactly is a Monument Trail, you ask? It’s a world-class mountain biking trail crafted by some of the world’s best trail builders to show off a specific area’s natural, iconic beauty. And Arkansas State Parks has the only four of these sustainably designed paths just waiting for you to visit. They include Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park...

Summer isn’t just a season — it’s a state of mind. And Arkansas is the perfect place to explore that sun-kissed bliss of nights around a campfire, hair drying from a jump in the lake, making gooey s’mores feel. Explore 5 state parks to find where you should kick your heels up for the warm months.

Part of our mission at Lake Ouachita State Park is to provide access to Lake Ouachita, which is filled with many wonderful natural resources. One of the most unique sights – a huge roost of purple martins – is only visible for a small portion of the year. From mid-July to mid-August, thousands of purple martins flock to a small island on the lake to gather and rest before...

Arkansas’s largest lake, Lake Ouachita, has 1000 miles of pristine shoreline and over 200 different islands to explore. Lake Ouachita State Park, located in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, exists in part to provide access to the lake’s recreational and educational opportunities.

One of the most awe-inspiring birds you can witness is the Bald Eagle. Once endangered, the Bald Eagle has made an encouraging comeback and now nests along rivers and lakeshores throughout the state. Now, you can find our national emblem in dozens of sites across Arkansas, particularly along shores of lakes and rivers. The most common time to experience Bald Eagle...

New year, new you? Challenge yourself to visit a different Arkansas state park every month. These beautiful places are open for adventure and learning with something for absolutely everyone in your family and friend group. You can bike a trail, discover the history behind Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, go horseback riding or find a quaint cabin or lodge for a...

Arkansas is lush with State Parks that people travel from all over to discover. But check out this list of parks that fly under the radar with hidden beauties and a secluded environment.