Petit Jean State Park Camping
We made our way to Petit Jean State Park (first word pronounced “petty”), which is 3,500 acres located atop Petit Jean Mountain adjacent to the Arkansas River in the area between the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Plateaus. The elevation is about 1,200 feet, and toward the end of the journey we had to go up some “steep and curvy” roads at about 10 mph to get there. This final hairpin had a log trailer stuck in our lane after they lost their unsecured load, so all traffic had to use the one remaining lane to get around them. Fun stuff!
Planning a visit to Arkansas? We highly recommend you camp at the stunning Petit Jean State Park. Campground A is right along Lake Bailey and site #18 has great views of the lake. As you walk along the lake you reach a creek with 20 miles of awesome hiking trails, including the hike down to the beautiful Cedar Falls. Don’t have time to read this now?
Petit Jean State Park
The park is huge and well maintained with multiple sites for day use, tent camping, cabins, RVs, etc. There is also a historic lodge that acts as a hotel and includes a pool and restaurant if that is more your thing. There is plenty of space between sites so it’s not crowded, but still wooded enough that we were able to pitch our hammock.
Over three days, we got in about 25 miles of the best hiking we’ve experienced so far. The trails are well marked, mostly shaded since they cut through the forested sections of the park and are very technical so lots of fun and tiring! Bring good shoes and lots of water. There are several picture opportunities including an overlook pavilion, turtle rocks, and then you can hike down right to their famous Cedar Falls waterfall.
Petit Jean State Park Camping
- Location: Morrilton, Arkansas
- Cost: $37.48/day, including tax
- Site: Loop A, #18, table, fire pit, BBQ, and lantern hook. Trees for a hammock.
- Entry/Exit: The road up to the park is steep and curvy, with one hairpin turn.
- Pros: Amazing mostly shaded hiking, a lake view although you cannot swim in it, fishing, and a public pool within walking distance for $4 per person. It is half price if you go for the last hour, 5 to 6 p.m. One RV and one tent are allowed per site.
- Cons: Bugs.
- Comments: Restaurant at Mather Lodge.
Planning a trip to Arkansas? We highly recommend you check out the Hot Springs Arkansas Bathhouses. Get our comparison of Buckstaff and Quapaw including services, cost, our experience, and where to find free parking in our Hot Springs Arkansas Bath Houses article. Looking for things to do in Arkansas? Take a look at our Arkansas articles.
Petit Jean State Park Pictures
