There’s no better way to explore the beauty of Arkansas than by getting out there and hiking, camping or fishing at one of its 52 state parks. Take a look at these gorgeous photos, and you’ll have to agree that these are some of the best state parks to visit in Arkansas.

1. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
AR Nature Gal/flickr
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located in the Ouachita Mountains. The views from this 1,011-foot mountain are just gorgeous.
2. Woolly Hollow State Park
Woolly Hollow Road, Woolly Hollow Rd, Arkansas 72058, USA
Dave Thomas/flickr
You'll never run out of things to do in Woolly Hollow State Park. Enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking and more here.
3. Cossatot River State Park
Cossatot River, Arkansas 71846, USA
Jonathan Ball/flickr
The Cossatot River has some of the most incredible whitewater in the country. The park encompasses 12 acres along the river, which is not only thrilling, but very photogenic, too.
4. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
AR Nature Gal/flickr
Cedar Falls is just one of many beautiful spots in this 3,471-acre park in Morrilton.
5. Crowley's Ridge State Park
Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
Dave Thomas/flickr
This pretty state park was once the site of Benjamin Crowley's homestead. Now it's a scenic spot to camp and make family memories.
6. Mount Magazine State Park
Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Jonathan Ball/flickr
At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is the tallest mountain in Arkansas. You can bet the views here are incredible.

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7. Devil's Den State Park
Devils Den Creek, Florida 32656, USA
Jonathan Ball/flickr
You'll want to stay overnight in Devil's Den State Park. In addition to fantastic hiking and picnicking, the lodge and cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and they're absolutely charming.
8. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, USA
Debby Conway/flickr
Located in the Arkansas River Valley, the 34,300-acre Lake Dardanelle offers some great fishing and some gorgeous sunsets.
9. Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo, Mt Nebo, Arkansas 72834, USA
Granger Meador/flickr
Mount Nebo rises 1,350 feet from the valley floor. You'll find excellent hiking opportunities here, along with some spectacular views.
10. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, 506 E Douglas St, Prairie Grove, AR 72753, USA
Carol Von Canon/flickr
Civil War history comes alive in this state park. On December 7, 1862, a battle was fought here that resulted in the loss of about 2,700 young men.
11. Mammoth Spring State Park
Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Roland Klose/flickr
Mammoth Spring is Arkansas's largest spring, and it pumps nine million gallons of water out every hour. The beautiful 10-acre lake is perfect for fishing or exploring.
12. Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA
Granger Meador/flickr
Lake Ouachita State Park is a great place to view wildlife, and its crystal-clear waters are truly beautiful. This is the largest man-made lake in the state, and you definitely need to explore it.
13. Toltec Mounds State Park
Toltec Mounds, Arkansas 72142, USA
Farther Along/flickr
This incredible archeological site is home to three ancient American Indian mounds, ranging in height from eight to ten feet tall.

What are your favorite State Parks to visit in Arkansas? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments!

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State Parks to Visit in Arkansas

Sara Dager | February 09, 2022

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