State Parks in Arkansas

1. Bull Shoals - White River State Park

Located below the 45,000 acre lake formed by the damming of the White River, the Bull Shoals - White River State Park is one of the best parks in Arkansas for water-sport enthusiasts. The park covers over 732 acres along the White River, where it offers unsurpassed fishing as well as many other activities.

You are advised to start your tour at the Visitor’s Center where you can climb the observation tour for a great overview of the park.

Besides fishing and boating, you can enjoy hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, picnics and camping, either at one of 20 primitive camp sites or at one of over 70 services campsites spread out along the river.

Bull Shoals – White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619, Phone: 870-445-3629

2. Cane Creek State Park

Perfectly located at the junction of the Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Delta, the Cane Creek State Park offers visitors the chance to explore an amazing outdoor recreation area. The best way to explore the park is to linger for a few days; you can bring along your tent or RV and enjoy camping under the stars. There is a scenic picnic area with tables and grills for day visitors and activities include walking the 2.5-mile Nature Trail, canoeing or kayaking (guided wild-life watching kayak tours available), cycling the Delta View Trail (rental bikes available on site), fishing or wild-life watching.

Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Rd, Star City, AR 71667, Phone: 870-628-4714

3. Cossatot River State Park, Arkansas

The Cossatot River State Park protects one of the most spectacular and rugged river corridors in the country. The remarkable landscape includes beautiful exposed rock formations, deep river gorges, cascading waters and exciting river rapids. The park is very popular with river-rafting enthusiasts who can test their skills along a series of Class III, IV and V rapids, while land lubbers can explore the beautiful landscape on foot along four scenic trails. The longest of these is the 14-mile River Trail which connects several of the river access points. There is an interesting Visitor’s Center where you can pick up trail maps and info and primitive campsites are available close to the river.

Cossatot River State Park, 1980 Highway 278, West Wickes, AR 71973, Phone: 870-385-2201

4. Crater of Diamonds State Park

Why not do something really different on your next family vacation by visiting the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Southwest Arkansas. This intriguing field of diamonds (and other precious stones) covers an area of over 37 acres of ploughed field, where you are invited to enjoy the chance to find your very own diamond. The precious stones were brought to the surface by a volcanic eruption and over 33,000 diamonds have been found by the public. You are advised to start your adventure at the Visitor’s Center where you will learn what to look out for and how to go about bagging your own gems. Other park activities include hiking, fishing and camping.

Crater of Diamonds State Park, 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, Phone: 870-285-3113, Video

5. Crowley’s Ridge State Park

Crowley’s Ridge State Park is an ideal destination for an action-packed family vacation in northeastern Arkansas. The scenic park was once a campground for Native Americans and now offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers the chance to enjoy acres of hardwood forests and two lakes for fishing, boating and swimming. You can rent a modern self-catering cabin or bring along a tent or RV so that you can enjoy a few nights at the Park. Activities include swimming and beach fun on Lake Ponder and boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Walcott Lake. In addition there are four and half miles of hiking trails to explore and various ranger-led activities are available in summer.

Crowley Ridge State Park, 2092 Hwy. 168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, Phone: 870-573-6751

6. Daisy State Park

Daisy State Park is located at the northern end of Lake Gleeson, which is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by the scenic Ouachita Mountains, Daisy State Park attracts many outdoor enthusiasts to come and enjoy scenic hiking, boating, cycling and camping. You can hire a Yurt or bring your RV or tent to the campground which offers over 100 campsites, a boat ramp, pavilion and children’s playground. You can try your hand at fishing or kayaking (equipment rentals available) or go on a boat tour of the lake to admire some impressive rock formations not seen from the shore. Other available activities include hiking, scuba diving and water skiing.

Daisy State Park, 103 East Park, Kirby, AR 71950, Phone: 870-698-4437

7. DeGrey Lake Resort State Park

Conveniently located close to Hot Springs and Little Rock, DeGrey Lake Resort State Park nestles along the shore of beautiful DeGrey Lake, offering year-round activities and top-notch accommodation. You can choose from a Lodge room or bring your camping gear to the serviced campground, which also offers three Rent-A-Yurts. Amenities are extensive and include an 18-hole golf course (with pro-shop and driving range), a full-service marina and tennis courts. You will be spoiled for choice with a large number of activities including hiking and biking, guided horse-back riding, kayaking, canoeing and pedal-boating. Lodge guest can also use the swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center.

DeGrey Lake Resort State Park, 2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarck, AR 71929, Phone: 501-865-5810

8. Delta Heritage Trail State Park

A visit to the Delta Heritage Trail State Park will uncover a 21-mile long state recreational treasure, the Delta Heritage Hiking and Biking Trail, which forms the first section of what is hoped to eventually become an 84-mile long-distance trail. Today’s visitors can spend many happy hours walking or cycling through the Delta, passing a variety of interesting natural habitats including wetlands, forests, river crossings and extensive farmlands, for which the area is famous. There are several trailheads which you can use to access the trail including the Arkansas City Trailhead where you will find picnic grounds, a water fountain and a bicycle repair station.

Delta Heritage Trail State Park, 5539 Highway 49, West Helena, AR 72390, Phone: 870-572-2352

9. Devil’s Den State Park

Nestled in the Lee Creek Valley, Devil’s Den State Park has been beckoning nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts since the 1930’s. The park is home to some of the most stunning Ozark Mountain scenery you are likely to find anywhere, featuring creeks, caves, crevices, a stone dam and amazing overlooks. You can book one of the 17 rustic self-catering cabins or bring your tent, RV (and horse-trailer too) to one of 146 campsites. If you visit during the summer you can enjoy swimming and a variety of water sports – rental equipment available. Other year-round activities include guided hikes and nature walks, junior-ranger programs for the kids and mountain bike and equestrian trails.

Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, West Fork, AR 72774, Phone: 479-761-3325

10. Lake Catherine State Park

Surrounded by the forest-clad Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine State Park is a beautiful and serene location for a family vacation, located close to Hot Springs in Arkansas. For a great lake-side experience you can rent one of the 20 fully equipped cabins which are dotted along the lake shore, each offering their own pier and boat slip. If you enjoy camping your can bring your gear to one of the beautiful lake-side campsites, many of which offer hook-up. The emphasis at this park is on water activities and your can rent fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and water bikes at the Marina. Children will enjoy the sandy beach and the children’s playground and everyone will enjoy a guided hike or nature walk.

Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, Phone: 501-844-4176