Our 7 Favorite Arkansas State Parks

Want to experience the best the outdoors have to offer? If you find yourself in Arkansas, you are up for a treat! We have put together a list of our favorite state parks and why you should check them out this weekend!

1. Petit Jean State Park - You know that Petit Jean would be our first pick! Petit Jean has it all. Where else can you explore slot canyons, see a 95-foot waterfall, and visit a brand new visitor center? This is our top pick for so many reasons. We did a lot of growing up at Petit Jean. And in my time working there I discovered that it is a special place for anyone who gets to visit. The memories that are sewn into the wood beams of every building are filled with the sweetest laughs and the best inside jokes. The views are incredible. You just have to go and check it out! Check out the "Pitter Patter at Petit Jean" post to see what you should do on your day trip to Petit Jean State Park!

2. Devil's Den State Park - Devil's Den is a heartthrob state park for us. We love the Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, the rugged (cell phone service-free) vibe of the place, and the dreamy day-use area that features a beautifully structured bridge, Iron Mike statue, and cascading dam. Devil's Den has the most incredible history and the sweetest little visitor center. The whole place just takes you back to a simpler time. The mornings are cool and the atmosphere is just outright epic! We stayed in a camper cabin here one time and it was the best time. The proximity to Fayetteville just enhances the food options, too.

3. Crowley's Ridge State Park - Not ironically so, Crowley's Ridge is also a park built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. (Are you catching a trend here yet?) We first explored this park for the first time late last year. The park is small, but packed with rich history and beautiful trees! I am normally not one to rave about anything in northeast Arkansas, but this park really deserves it. This is a place to wind down and take a relaxing weekend off. There aren't many miles of hiking trails to explore, but I loved getting to sit on a bench and check out the lake from a historic walkway built almost 100 years ago.

4. Hobbs State Park - Hobbs State Park is a conservation area located right outside of Rogers in the almighty northwest Arkansas area. (It's a perfect day trip if you are staying in a cabin at Devil's Den!) We love this park. They have the coolest visitor center (we are talking a bat's head the size of a toddler), awesome hike-in campsites, and the biggest Arkansas State Park! I soaked up this park so much on my own visit that I took no pictures. We have to go back soon!

5. Cossatot River Natural Area State Park - Cossatot River is a wild and scenic river located south of Mena. The beauty of this area is unmatched, in my opinion. Nestled into the Ouachita Mountains, this very flashy river is the best whitewater between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges. The river is so clear, the mountains are dramatically tall, and the overlooks are dreamy. All of their campgrounds are primitive. If you want to camp out make sure you have all of your necessities before heading to your campsite. The highlight of this park's facilities is by far the group camp area. It is PHENOMENAL! And I do not say this lightly. I would live at this campsite if I could. Rent it out. And go check out this super cool park.

6. Lake Fort Smith State Park - This standout park is near Mountainburg, just north of Fort Smith. This is where the Ozark Highlands Trail begins. They have a great campground area. The group facilities and cabins are that new style of park architecture that is so interesting and modern. And they have full access to Lake Fort Smith with a boat launch and marina during the summer. It's a fisherman's paradise!

7. DeGray Lake Resort State Park - We had to put DeGray on the list. This was the first park that I worked at. We love this lake and this park. They have everything you can imagine a resort could have. A lodge, pool, swim beach, boat ramps, marinas, cruises, snorkeling tours, and so much more. This is THE place to have your next summer adventure. (And while you're at it say hi to Kayla the interpreter. You will absolutely adore her. She gives a killer kayak tour!)

Summer is right around the corner and it's time for you to plan your next Arkansas adventure! Which Arkansas State Park are you headed to next? Share in the comments below!

And as always, inspire + go!

- Following the Fernweh