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Camping and Hiking in Arkansas
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Cane Creek State Park
Developed by Arkansas State Parks and the Soil Conservation
Service, this 2,053-acre park is situated on timber-filled,
1,675-acre Cane Creek Lake. Two of Arkansas's physiographic
regions come together here -- the Mississippi Delta and the
rolling hills of south Arkansas's Gulf Coastal Plain. This is a
recreation haven rich in flora, fauna and outdoor opportunities.
Facilities include 30 Class A campsites including Preferred
sites, picnic sites, a standard pavilion, visitor center with
exhibits and gift shop, launch ramp, barrier-free fishing piers,
trail, bathhouse, rest rooms and playground. For information
call: (870)628-4714
Lake Chicot State Park
The Mississippi Delta's quiet beauty and abundant recreational
opportunities come together on Arkansas's largest natural lake.
A 20-mile long oxbow lake, cut off centuries ago when the mighty
Mississippi changed course, is a peaceful site for fishing and
boating. Fishing for crappie, bass and bream is popular,
especially on the upper end of the lake during spring and fall.
Fishing for catfish is outstanding year-round. Nestled in a
pecan grove, the park offers 127 campsites (Premium with sewer,
Preferred, Class A and Class B), 14 fully-equipped cabins with
kitchens (many with lake view patio and fishing dock), pool
(summer), picnicking, standard pavilions, laundry and
playground. You'll find food and gifts at the store/marina plus
boats, motors, fuel, bait and a launch ramp. A visitor center
presents the area's history and natural resources through
exhibits and programs, plus offers bicycle rentals. Located in
the Mississippi Flyway, the park offers outstanding bird
watching. The staff host party barge tours of the lake, levee
tours and programs for viewing a wide variety of birds and other
wildlife. For information call: (870)265-5480
Logoly State Park
At Arkansas's first environmental education state park,
interpreters present workshops on ecological and environmental
topics. The park's natural resources provide a living laboratory
for students and nature lovers. Most of Logoly's 368 acres
comprise a State Natural Area with unique plant life and
numerous mineral springs. Facilities include six group tent
sites (no hookups), a bathhouse with hot showers, standard
pavilion (free to educational groups), picnic sites, trails and
a visitor center with an exhibit area and indoor classroom.
NOTE: Educational groups have preference and must make
reservations. Individuals may use campsites on a first-come
basis, but must vacate for scheduled groups. For information
call: (870)695-3561
Lake Fort Smith State Park
Nestled in an Ozark valley adjacent to the Ozark National
Forest, this park offers some of Arkansas's most beautiful
scenery, facilities and backpacking opportunities (the 178-mile
Ozark Highlands Trail begins here). The park's scenic beauty is
enhanced during spring and fall rains with a cascading spillway
created by the Lake Fort Smith dam. Facilities include 12 Class
A campsites (no sanitary trailer station), picnic sites, a
standard pavilion, olympic-size pool, tennis courts (unlighted),
trails, a launch ramp and eight fully-equipped cabins with
kitchens. The visitor center offers rental canoes, fishing boats
and motors. A group dormitory with kitchen and dining hall is
also available for rent. For information call: (501)369-2469
Petit Jean State Park
The natural beauty of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation
of the Arkansas State Park system. Combining Rustic-style with
modern conveniences, facilities of log and stone constructed by
the Civilian Conservation Corps are nestled throughout the park.
The focal point is Mather Lodge, a grand retreat (24 rooms) that
hugs the bluff of an impressive canyon. A meal at the lodge
restaurant guarantees a breathtaking view. Nearby are 32
fully-equipped cabins (20 w/kitchens), and many share the same
bluff as the lodge. The canyon is the work of Cedar Creek, which
cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Upstream, a rock
dam on the creek forms Lake Bailey, 170 acres for fishing and
pedal boating. The boathouse overlooking the lake offers a snack
bar, boat rentals and fishing supplies during summer. Trails
lead you along forests, canyons, streams, meadows and
mountainsides. Campsites (127 Class A including Premium and
Preferred sites) are near Lake Bailey and in secluded woodlands.
The park also offers a rally-style area, two "rent-a-camp"
sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a recreation hall,
launch ramp, pool and tennis courts. Interpreters host programs
and special events highlighting the resources of this
unforgettable state park. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to
the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic
cars. Petit Jean's airport is open for daytime use only. For
information call: (501)727-5441
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