The Top 10 State Parks in Arkansas

What better place to explore state parks than in the Natural State? Arkansas is home to gorgeous mountains, forests, and hot springs that attract visitors and new residents every year. If you’re seeking to move to or retire in Arkansas and want to live near the best of its natural beauty, check out this list of the top 10 state parks as reviewed by Google users.

Here are the top 10 state parks in Arkansas:

1. Cossatot River State Park

Google rating: 4.9

The title of best state park in Arkansas goes to Cossatot River State Park, located near the border with Oklahoma. The park extends 12 miles along the Cossatot River and includes ample hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic sites. Experienced kayakers are welcome to brave the river’s Class IV rapids; for those who prefer to stay on dry land, the sounds of the flowing river make for a peaceful backdrop while you’re hiking one of the four main trails. Be sure to check out the Cosstatot River State Park Visitor Center, which features exhibits and wildlife observation sites that are fun for the whole family. 

2. Petit Jean State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Petit Jean State Park is located approximately 61 miles northwest of Little Rock. If you’re looking for a great place to camp, look no further than this state park. Petit Jean State Park is home to a 24-room lodge, 33 cabins, and 125 campsites. Other facilities include swimming pools, playgrounds, boat ramps, and picnic areas. Enjoy hiking through forests and along canyons where you can admire natural rock formations and waterfalls. Petit Jean State Park is also one of the five state parks certified as a National Park Service Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site.

3. Mammoth Spring State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Mammoth Spring State Park is the place to be if you like natural springs. The park’s natural spring is the largest in the state and forms a lake spanning 10 acres and pumping more than nine million gallons of water per hour. Visitors can learn about local history at the Arkansas Missouri Power Company Museum and the Arkansas Welcome Center at Mammoth Spring. Facilities and attractions include playgrounds, campgrounds, and the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery. The park is located in the northern part of the state along the Missouri border. 

4. Mount Magazine State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Like Mammoth Spring State Park, Mount Magazine State Park is known for its spectacular natural wonders: With an elevation of 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is Arkansas’ highest peak. Work up a sweat for the best views in Arkansas in this 2,234-acre state park and the chance to hang glide. If heights make you uneasy, there’s plenty to do safely on the ground. Soak in the beauty of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests by going for a picnic, relaxing at the park’s pavilion, or exploring a hiking trail. The on-site lodge contains 60 guest rooms and all the amenities you’d expect of a state park hotel.

5. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Located approximately 16 miles west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a convenient drive from the state capital. If you’re a fan of mountain biking, you’re in luck; Pinnacle Mountain State Park features 22 miles of trails, 14 of which are dedicated to mountain biking. Take advantage of the flowing Big and Little Maumelle rivers by going canoeing or simply relaxing in the surrounding pavilions. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is another Arkansas state park certified as a Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. If you’re looking for more information about the park and its surrounding areas, be sure to check out the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.

6. Lake Ouachita State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Located 13 miles from Hot Springs Village, Lake Ouachita State Park contains the state’s largest lake. Make the most of 40,000 acres of water by going swimming, scuba diving, and boating to your heart’s content. A variety of fish can be caught in the lake; be sure to brush up on the lake and state fishing laws before you go. As far as camping goes, the state park offers 93 campsites and 12 cabins, which are also dog-friendly. For a new experience, go on a hiking tour with your family and learn about the beautiful sights you’ll encounter.

7. Mount Nebo State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Mount Nebo State Park resides in the Arkansas River Valley and is certified as a Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. Stay in one of the 15 rustic-style cabins and wake up to glorious mountainside views. Enjoy 14 miles of hiking trails throughout the park where you can admire wildlife such as white-tailed deer. Like the park at Mount Magazine, Mount Nebo State Park has a dedicated launch spot for certified hang gliders. Whether you prefer to mountain bike, hike, or simply kick back and relax at the lodge, there’s something for everyone at Mount Nebo State Park.

8. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Google rating: 4.8

As its name suggests, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in northwest Arkansas encompasses a Civil War battlefield commemorating the Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862. To learn more about the battlefield, check out the Hindman Hall Museum, where you can see artifacts recovered from the site. Every other year you can catch a historic reenactment of the battle on the first weekend of December. Beyond its historical significance, the state park also contains plenty of nature trails where you can enjoy the fresh air.

9. Devil’s Den State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Located in northwest Arkansas, Devil’s Den State Park is notable for its unique rock formations and rustic lodgings dating back to the 1930s. For camping, you have your choice of 17 cabins with kitchens, six camper cabins, and 135 campsites. Enjoy biking? Devil’s Den State Park hosts an annual Ozark Mountain Bike Festival that is designed for riders of all experience levels. Be sure to check out the Moonshiners Cave Trail, an 0.8-mile trail that leads to its namesake, an old cave structure that, according to legend, was used for making moonshine.

10. Hobbs State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Last but certainly not least, Hobbs State Park is the largest state park in Arkansas with more than 12,000 acres of landscape. Put on your hiking boots and explore 54 miles of trail systems where you can also bike and go horseback riding. The park provides access to the southern shore of Beaver Lake, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and beautiful views. Hobbs State Park offers a public outdoor shooting range and seasonal hunting. Check out the visitor center where you can learn more about the park’s history and natural resources in fun exhibits.

All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, Google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.