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Exploring Arkansas with my husband and son is always an adventure. We’ve loved discovering the state’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant heritage through its incredible network of state parks. While visiting all 52 Arkansas State Parks might seem overwhelming, our “Visit 52” series is here to guide you on a fun and achievable journey to experience them all in just 10 weekends.
From the rugged peaks of the Ozarks to the peaceful beauty of the Delta plains, this series highlights what makes each park special. Along with practical tips for planning seamless trips, we’re sharing the hidden gems and unforgettable moments we’ve uncovered during our own adventures. With this park-by-park, day-by-day guide, you’ll be ready to fill your passport, embrace Arkansas’s natural wonders, and join the prestigious Club 52.
Start your journey today and make 2024 your year of exploration and discovery!
Club 52 Passport Program
One of the best parts about visiting Arkansas State Parks is participating in the Club 52 Passport Program, which adds an extra layer of fun to your adventures. Here’s how it works:
When you visit your first state park, pick up a free passport booklet from the visitor center. At each park, you’ll find a unique stamp to collect. These stamps serve as a keepsake of your journey and mark your progress toward completing all 52 parks.
As you collect stamps, you’ll also earn rewards:
- Five parks: A colorful sticker to decorate your passport, vehicle or gear.
- Twenty-five parks: A custom deck of Arkansas State Parks playing cards.
- Fifty-two parks: An exclusive t-shirt to commemorate your accomplishment!
The passport program is a fantastic way to keep track of your visits and celebrate milestones along the way. It’s not just about the prizes—it’s about the memories you create while earning them.
Weekend Adventures
The 10-weekend adventures highlighted in these guides are meant to be an introduction to Arkansas’s state parks. Go, explore and note the ones you plan to return to for a longer visit. What’s great about these itineraries is that they are customizable. Complete each weekend in any order, switch where you stay and adjust the amount of time you spend in each park.
Photo by Julie Kohl.
Visit 52: Eastern Arkansas State Parks
- Lower White River Museum State Park
- Village Creek State Park
- Parkin Archeological State Park
- Mississippi River State Park
- Delta Heritage State Park
- Louisiana Purchase State Park
- Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park
- Plantation Agricultural Museum
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Photo by Julie Kohl.
Visit 52: Northeast Arkansas State Parks
- Jacksonport
- Lake Frierson
- Crowley’s Ridge
- Herman Davis
- Hampson Archeological
- Lake Poinsett
- Davidsonville
- Powhatan
- Lake Charles
Visit 52: Southeast Arkansas State Parks
- Cane Creek State Park
- Arkansas Post Museum
- Lake Chicot State Park
- South Arkansas Arboretum
- Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
- Moro Bay State Park
- Mark’s Mills Battleground State Park
- Jenkins Ferry Battleground State Park
Visit 52: Southwest Arkansas State Parks
- Historic Washington
- Millwood Lake
- Conway Cemetery
- Logoly
- Poison Springs
- White Oak Lake
Visit 52: Western Arkansas State Parks
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Daisy State Park
- Cossatot River State Park – Natural Area
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Visit 52: Arkansas River Valley State Parks
- Petit Jean
- Mount Magazine
- Lake Dardanelle
- Mount Nebo
Visit 52: Diamond Lakes Arkansas State Parks
- Degray Lake
- Lake Ouachita
- Lake Catherine
Visit 52: Northwest Arkansas State Parks
- Lake Fort Smith State Park
- Devil’s Den State Park
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
- Withrow Springs State Park
- Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
Visit 52: Bull Shoals and Mammoth Spring State Parks
- Bull Shoals-White River State Park
- Mammoth Spring State Park
Visit 52: Woolly Hollow and Ozark Folk Center State Parks
- Woolly Hollow State Park
- Ozark Folk Center State Park
Arkansas State Parks FAQS
Where do I get an Arkansas State Parks Passport?
The passports are available at state park visitor centers. You can also find them at Arkansas welcome centers.
Is an entrance fee charged at Arkansas State Parks?
Entry to all 52 Arkansas State Parks is free, and many park activities, including hiking, biking and picnicking, can be enjoyed free of charge. While most parks charge fees for camping, boat rentals, swimming pools and special activities, interpretive programs are typically available at no additional charge.
How do I reserve a park facility?
Campsites, cabins, pavilions and other facilities that require advanced registration can be booked online at ArkansasStateParks.com. You can also call the park directly if you need additional assistance.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Each season offers something special:
- Spring: Wildflowers and mild temperatures.
- Summer: Water activities and family fun.
- Fall: Vibrant foliage and cooler weather.
- Winter: Quiet trails and cozy cabins.
How do I get a stamp at parks that don’t have a visitor center?
The state parks that do not have visitor centers have installed rubbing stations, which you can use to mark your passport. Keep in mind that you will need to pick up a passport at another state park before visiting these as they do not have passports available. You will also want to bring along a crayon or pencil to complete the rubbing.
Photos are courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism unless otherwise noted.
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