Types of Parks

Whether you are seeking to connect with history, enjoy time on a lake, take in a scenic mountain view or plan an outdoor adventure, there is a memorable state park experience in store.

Arkansas State Parks have a park for every week of the year! Our 52 state parks cover a range of activities perfect for any excursion or gameplan. 

From wildlife watching to outdoor adventures to learning about Arkansas history, you can experience an unforgettable trip during your state park visit.

There is a load of fun waiting whether you visit our historic parks, our parks by lakes and rivers, our mountain parks or our adventure parks.

Historic Parks

Our historic parks help preserve our state's history and heritage and are places where you can experience where history happened. Among our historic parks are Historic Washington State Park, which shares the 19th century history of the town of Washington, Arkansas. At Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park you can take in Native American culture and visit the largest mound site in Arkansas. At Louisiana Purchase State Park you can see the survey point for the Louisiana Purchase and experience a rare headwater swamp. Looking for more options?

Lake & River Parks

There are an abundance of beautiful lakes and rivers accessible from our state parks where you can boat, fish, kayak, swim and more to experience what our state parks by the water have to offer. You can spend a night camping under the stars at Lake Ouachita State Park, kayak among cypress trees at Mississippi River State Park, enjoy an island lodge at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, fish the peaceful waters of Moro Bay State Park and more. Want more ideas?

Mountain Parks

It is easy to get lost in the wonder of our mountain parks. You can take in the scenic views from the tallest mountain in Arkansas at Mount Magazine State Park, where you can find everything from rock climbing to a beautiful mountaintop lodge. Striking scenery can also be found at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, which also has a mountaintop lodge on Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in the state. And at Pinnacle Mountain State Park you can hike a summit trail to the top of the mountain itself. Still searching?

Adventure Parks

Arkansas State Parks are also a route to adventure. There are adventurous activities for everyone to experience from rock climbing to mountain biking and more. You can head to Crater of Diamonds State Park for a family fun adventure of searching for diamonds, float or white-water raft down the Cossatot River at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, check out the hang gliding launch sites at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo state parks, and more!

With all the variety of types of Arkansas State Parks to choose from, making a getaway to one is easy. You can also plan to stay at a lodge, cabin or camp out to further take in all that our state parks have to offer.