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State ParksArkansas State Parks
Beaver Lake State Park
The 11,646-acre Hobbs State Management Area (HSMA) is open for limited outdoor recreation and nature study, and offers undeveloped access to 28,000-acre Beaver Lake. Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission jointly manage the HSMA property. The Management Area includes an all-weather public firing range and regulated seasonal hunting opportunities. Three trails offer 11 miles of hiking and five remote, primitive campsites. Beaver Lake State Park, within HSMA, is in its initial development. Approximately 2,400 acres are planned for future park development including camping, cabins, picnicking and educational opportunities. Park staff are on site. For information call: (501)789-2380
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Bull Shoals State Park
The Ozark Mountains, you'll discover one of the nation's finest fishing and boating combinations: the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. The two form a much-touted "fishing paradise." The White River, one of mid-America's premier trout streams, is famous for record rainbow and brown trout. A dam forms the 45,440-acre lake where anglers enjoy lunker bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bream-filled waters. Situated below the dam, Bull Shoals State Park shares the lakeshore and riverside. The park features 105 campsites along the river-- Eight Premium Class A, 77 Preferred Class A sites, 20 tent sites with no hookups, two "Rent-A-Camp sites and one "Rent-An-RV." Park facilities include picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds and trails. A trout dock offers boat, motor and canoe rentals; supplies and equipment; and gifts. For information call: (870)431-5521
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Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds offers a one-of-a-kind adventure the chance to hunt for and keep real diamonds. Search a 36-acre field (the eroded surface of an ancient, gem-bearing volcanic pipe), the world's only diamond site where you can prospect for and keep any gems you find. Prospectors enter the field through the park visitor center that includes exhibits and an A/V program explaining the area's geology and tips on recognizing diamonds in the rough. Diamonds were first discovered here in 1906. Over 70,000 have been found including the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam"--the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States, the 16.37-carat "Amarillo Starlight," and the 15.33-carat "Star of Arkansas." Since Crater became a park in 1972, over 20,000 diamonds have been carried home by visitors. Amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, quartz and more can also be found. Digging tools are available for rent. The park staff provides free identification and certification of diamonds. The park offers 60 Class A campsites, picnic sites, a cafe, laundry, gift shop, trail and interpretive programs. For information call: (870)285-3113
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Devil's Den State Park
At Devil's Den, in a picturesque Ozark valley, you can explore caves, crevices and bluff overlooks. Selected as a park site in the 1930s, Lee Creek Valley provided materials for the Civilian Conservation Corps to build the park's Rustic-style wood and stone structures that today offer modern conveniences. The mountain stream forms a small 8-acre lake before cascading over a magnificent native stone dam. Hiking and backpacking trails access backcountry areas of this nature park. Thirteen fully-equipped cabins with kitchens and fireplaces (fireplaces avail. mid-Sept. thru mid-May) are nestled in the natural beauty of this enchanting park. A cafe and pool (both open in summer only) overlook the lake. Groceries, gifts and snacks are available at the park store. Campsites (154 sites: 57 Class A including Preferred sites; 15 Class B; 32 tent; 43 sites with water and electricity in the Horse Camp) are spaced along the valley, and a horse camp area and riding trails are also available. The park includes a group camp, a standard pavilion and mountain bike trails. Interpreters provide hikes along several miles of trails including the 14-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail, plus games and programs daily during summer. Programming is available year-round by request. For information call: (501)761-3325
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Lake Dardanelle State Park
This park offers two lakeside areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,000-acre lake on the Arkansas River. The Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping (83 sites: Russellville - Premium with sewer, Preferred and Class A; Dardanelle - Class A;), launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnicking, rest rooms and bathhouses with hot showers. A visitor center, marina (Dardanelle also), barrier-free fishing pier, miniature golf course and hiking trail are part of the Russellville Area. For information call: (501)967-5516
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Camping and Hiking in Arkansas
Cane Creek State Park
Developed by Arkansas State Parks and the Soil Conservation Service, this 2,053-acre park is situated on timber-filled, 1,675-acre Cane Creek Lake. Two of Arkansas's physiographic regions come together here -- the Mississippi Delta and the rolling hills of south Arkansas's Gulf Coastal Plain. This is a recreation haven rich in flora, fauna and outdoor opportunities. Facilities include 30 Class A campsites including Preferred sites, picnic sites, a standard pavilion, visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, launch ramp, barrier-free fishing piers, trail, bathhouse, rest rooms and playground. For information call: (870)628-4714
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Lake Chicot State Park
The Mississippi Delta's quiet beauty and abundant recreational opportunities come together on Arkansas's largest natural lake. A 20-mile long oxbow lake, cut off centuries ago when the mighty Mississippi changed course, is a peaceful site for fishing and boating. Fishing for crappie, bass and bream is popular, especially on the upper end of the lake during spring and fall. Fishing for catfish is outstanding year-round. Nestled in a pecan grove, the park offers 127 campsites (Premium with sewer, Preferred, Class A and Class B), 14 fully-equipped cabins with kitchens (many with lake view patio and fishing dock), pool (summer), picnicking, standard pavilions, laundry and playground. You'll find food and gifts at the store/marina plus boats, motors, fuel, bait and a launch ramp. A visitor center presents the area's history and natural resources through exhibits and programs, plus offers bicycle rentals. Located in the Mississippi Flyway, the park offers outstanding bird watching. The staff host party barge tours of the lake, levee tours and programs for viewing a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. For information call: (870)265-5480
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Logoly State Park
At Arkansas's first environmental education state park, interpreters present workshops on ecological and environmental topics. The park's natural resources provide a living laboratory for students and nature lovers. Most of Logoly's 368 acres comprise a State Natural Area with unique plant life and numerous mineral springs. Facilities include six group tent sites (no hookups), a bathhouse with hot showers, standard pavilion (free to educational groups), picnic sites, trails and a visitor center with an exhibit area and indoor classroom. NOTE: Educational groups have preference and must make reservations. Individuals may use campsites on a first-come basis, but must vacate for scheduled groups. For information call: (870)695-3561
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Lake Fort Smith State Park
Nestled in an Ozark valley adjacent to the Ozark National Forest, this park offers some of Arkansas's most beautiful scenery, facilities and backpacking opportunities (the 178-mile Ozark Highlands Trail begins here). The park's scenic beauty is enhanced during spring and fall rains with a cascading spillway created by the Lake Fort Smith dam. Facilities include 12 Class A campsites (no sanitary trailer station), picnic sites, a standard pavilion, olympic-size pool, tennis courts (unlighted), trails, a launch ramp and eight fully-equipped cabins with kitchens. The visitor center offers rental canoes, fishing boats and motors. A group dormitory with kitchen and dining hall is also available for rent. For information call: (501)369-2469
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Petit Jean State Park
The natural beauty of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of the Arkansas State Park system. Combining Rustic-style with modern conveniences, facilities of log and stone constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps are nestled throughout the park. The focal point is Mather Lodge, a grand retreat (24 rooms) that hugs the bluff of an impressive canyon. A meal at the lodge restaurant guarantees a breathtaking view. Nearby are 32 fully-equipped cabins (20 w/kitchens), and many share the same bluff as the lodge. The canyon is the work of Cedar Creek, which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Upstream, a rock dam on the creek forms Lake Bailey, 170 acres for fishing and pedal boating. The boathouse overlooking the lake offers a snack bar, boat rentals and fishing supplies during summer. Trails lead you along forests, canyons, streams, meadows and mountainsides. Campsites (127 Class A including Premium and Preferred sites) are near Lake Bailey and in secluded woodlands. The park also offers a rally-style area, two "rent-a-camp" sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a recreation hall, launch ramp, pool and tennis courts. Interpreters host programs and special events highlighting the resources of this unforgettable state park. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic cars. Petit Jean's airport is open for daytime use only. For information call: (501)727-5441
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Hunting and Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas Hunting
White-tailed deer remain Arkansas' number one big game animal; and liberal seasons are set for archery, muzzleloaders and modern guns. Wild turkey and small game are abundant, and waterfowl hunting along the famous Mississippi Flyway of eastern Arkansas is tops. For more information on hunting Call: 800-364-GAME
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Crowley's Ridge State Park
This popular recreational retreat lies atop a narrow arc of rolling, forested hills called Crowley's Ridge. The park occupies the former homestead of Benjamin Crowley, whose family first settled the area. Cozy log and stone structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps set the mood for the park's rustic warmth. Facilities include four fully-equipped, duplex modern cabins with kitchens; group cabin area with rental kitchen and dining hall; 26 campsites--18 Class A, eight tent sites; picnic areas; snack bar; trails; standard pavilions; baseball field; 30-acre fishing lake (electric motors only); and swimming lake. For information call: (870)573-6751
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Daisy State Park
Lake Greeson, the Little Missouri River and Daisy State Park make a winning combination in the Ouachita foothills. Greeson-7,000 acres of clear water and mountain scenery-delights water enthusiasts. Black and white bass, stripers, crappie, catfish and bluegill account for the lake's popularity with anglers. The Little Missouri joins four other popular float streams that offer challenging spring and early summer trout fishing. On Lake Greeson, Daisy State Park offers a base camp for enjoying these outdoor recreational opportunities. Facilities include 118 campsites-97 Class A including Preferred sites, 21 tent sites; picnic areas, a standard pavilion, playground, launch ramps, hiking trails and a motorcycle/mountain bike trail. Many visitors to Crater of Diamonds, just 23 miles south, enjoy camping at Daisy's lakeshore campsites. For information call: (870)398-4487
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Old Davidsonville State Park
The park preserves the site of historic Davidsonville, established in 1815. The town included the Arkansas Territory's first post office, courthouse and land office. Bypassed by the Southwest Trail, an overland route from St. Louis to the border with Mexico, the town faded by the 1830s. Exhibits provide information on this important frontier town. Fishing is a major activity at Old Davidsonville. The park borders the Black River (boat launch ramp) and a 12-acre fishing lake (no launch ramp) offering a boat dock, barrier-free fishing pier, fishing boats (trolling motors only) and pedal boats. Using the park as a base camp, anglers may also choose the nearby Spring and Eleven Point Rivers. Facilities include 49 campsites (24 Class A; 25 tent sites), picnic areas, two standard pavilions, playground, two hiking trails and a self-guided walking trail thru the old town site. For information call: (870)892-4708
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White Oak Lake State Park
This haven for anglers and nature lovers lies on 2,765-acre White Oak Lake, a timber-filled favorite for crappie, bass and bream fishing. Rich in wildlife, the park has regular sightings of great blue heron, egret, osprey and green heron. Bald eagles are often spotted in winter. Facilities include 42 campsites (38 Class A including Preferred sites; four tent); a store offering supplies, bait and gifts (year-round); a marina (year-round); launch ramp; barrier-free fishing pier; standard pavilion; picnic sites; playground; beach and swimming area. Trails wind through the park's woodlands. The visitor center includes exhibits and a CD interactive program. For information call: (870)685-2748
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Woolly Hollow State Park
This peaceful retreat is nestled in the Ozark foothills of central Arkansas. The waters of 40-acre Lake Bennett offer one of the best swimming and fishing holes in central Arkansas. Canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats and motors are for rent. Boating is limited to electric motors, and a launch ramp is available. (Bring bait and other fishing supplies with you.) A snack bar and bathhouse with hot showers are located near the swimming beach. Facilities include 32 campsites (20 Class A including Premium sites; 12 Class B w/o hookups) picnic area, a standard pavilion, gift shop and a trail encircling the lake. Woolly Cabin, the log home of the area's first settlers, offers a historic perspective to the beautiful hollow. For information call: (501)679-2098
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Other Arkansas Outdoor activities
Arkansas also offers the following outdoor activities:
