Petit Jean State Park Campground

About

Petit Jean State Park holds the distinction of being Arkansas's first state park, established in 1923 atop Petit Jean Mountain in the Arkansas River Valley. The park's 144 campsites are distributed across multiple loops, offering options from full-hookup Class AAA sites with water, 50-amp electric, and sewer connections to Class B sites with water and 30-amp electric. A rally-style area provides 22 sites for group gatherings, though ground fires are prohibited there. Each standard campsite features a moveable metal picnic table on a concrete pad, pedestal BBQ grill, fire ring with cooking grate, and lantern hook pole. Modern heated bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets serve each camping area, and a sanitary dump station is centrally located near the rally-style section. WiFi coverage extends to all camping loops. Beyond camping, the park features the historic 24-room Mather Lodge with an on-site restaurant, 33 rental cabins, four yurts, and the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center open daily. The park's 20-plus miles of trails lead to highlights like the 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows canyon system, and Bear Cave. Lake Bailey offers fishing, kayak rentals via self-serve kiosk, and a boat launch. Two swimming pools operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additional amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, an amphitheater, and even a small on-site airport.

Directions

From Little Rock, take I-40 west to Exit 108 (AR-9 toward Morrilton/Oppelo). Head south on AR-9 for approximately 9 miles, then turn right onto AR-154 west. Follow AR-154 for about 12 miles to the park entrance at the top of Petit Jean Mountain.