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Arkansas is home to 52 incredible state parks, each showcasing the unique charm of its region. Embarking on a journey to visit all of them might seem overwhelming, but it’s entirely doable with the right plan. In this series, I’ll show you how to explore all 52 Arkansas State Parks in just 10 weekends. This will be a whirlwind adventure, so be sure to note your favorite spots to revisit and savor at a more leisurely pace later on.
This weekend, you’ll be heading to the parks located southeast of central Arkansas. You will reach an important milestone on the quest to fill our Arkansas State Parks Passport. On this trip, you will stamp your 25th state park and earn your Club 52 playing cards! At the end of the weekend, you will have visited half of the Arkansas State Parks. Let’s go!
Southeast Arkansas State Parks
This weekend trip will focus on eight parks, which span from Pine Bluff to the Mississippi border to El Dorado and back toward central Arkansas.
- 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
Where To Stay:
For this leg of our 52 State Parks adventure, we spent one night at Lake Chico and one night at Moro Bay State Park. Both parks have camping facilities and cabins for rent. The cabins at Lake Chico are fully equipped, and they offer a swimming pool. Moro Bay’s cabins offer modern amenities like Wi-Fi and screened-in porches.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you’ll want to find a spot in Lake Village for the first night and make plans to enjoy some tamales at Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales. Rhoda passed in 2023, but her legacy lives on in her recipes. For the second night, travel to El Dorado, being sure to munch on some Spudnuts while you’re in town.
Day 1
You’ll want to head out early for this leg of the trip. You will explore two parks before settling in for the night at Lake Chicot. Pack a lot of snacks, charge your camera batteries and get ready to explore a beautiful yet often overlooked corner of the state.
Cane Creek State Park – 1-2 Hours
Cane Creek State Park offers a perfect getaway with its 2,053 acres of scenic woodlands, positioned between the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing in the 1,675-acre lake known for its warm-water fish, kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching. The Delta View Trail is popular among cyclists. Bring your bike or rent one at the visitor center.
Must See:
- Delta View Trail – Popular for hiking and amongst cyclists, bring your bike or rent one at the visitor’s center. As you hike, you will have the unique experience of following the division of the Delta and the Coastal Plain.
- Cane Creek Kayak Trail – If you love water sports, this trail winds through waters surrounded by both dead trees and live cypress groves that are hauntingly beautiful.
If Time Allows:
- If you can spend an extra night during this leg of the trip, Cane Creek is worth exploring. They offer camping and a rent-an-RV option.
Arkansas Post Museum – 1-2 Hours
The Arkansas Post Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history from 1877 to modern times through various exhibits, including a historic log cabin, a charming playhouse, and artifacts related to local agriculture and military history. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy programs tailored to diverse interests, and shop for unique Arkansas crafts in the gift shop, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.
Lake Chicot State Park – Overnight
Nestled in a grove of majestic wild pecans and surrounded by scenic cypress trees, Lake Chicot State Park offers visitors a tranquil retreat along Arkansas’s largest natural oxbow lake. This picturesque destination is perfect for fishing, boating and bird watching. Spend the night in the park’s cozy cabins or enjoy the great outdoors at the campground.
Must See:
- Fishing – Try your luck catching bream, crappie, bass, and catfish in the peaceful coves of the lake.
- Wildlife Watching – Spot raccoons, mink, bobcats, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and various species of waterfowl.
If Time Allows:
- Boating – Rent kayaks, fishing boats or gas-powered motors from the park marina.
- Playground – Let the kids enjoy the tree-shaded playground near the cabins.
- Explore the Great River Road – Discover the historical sites and scenic landscapes along this renowned route.
- Visit Lakeport Plantation in nearby Lake Village.
Day 2
Head out for an early morning paddle and watch the sunrise over the lake before heading to El Dorado. You’ll need to plan about two hours to travel from Lake Village to El Dorado, and you will visit three more state parks before the day ends.
South Arkansas Arboretum – 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
The South Arkansas Arboretum is a lush 12-acre botanical garden. It’s a living and vibrant collection of native plants and exotic species, offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature, with each season offering something new. As you meander through scenic trails, you’ll encounter diverse flora, charming water features, and educational exhibits highlighting the region’s unique horticultural heritage. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the arboretum provides a picturesque setting for exploration and relaxation.
Note: When we visited, there was not a passport station on site. One may have been added since, or you can inquire about getting a stamp at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources or Moro Bay State Park.
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources – 1- 2 Hours
Oil was king in the 1920s and Smackover was at the center of prosperity brought about by the oil boom. Cotton and timber industries were failing but by 1925, the Smackover oil field was one of the most prolific in the nation. The boom has ended, but oil is still an important industry in the region. The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is 25,000 square feet devoted to exhibits such as:
- The Earth Globe
- Bromine Gallery
- Undersea Diorama
- Industrial Revolution
- Boom Town Street
- The Circus Truck
- Oil Field Park
Each exhibit is well presented, and every bit of the museum is worth seeing.
Moro Bay State Park – Overnight
Moro Bay features five full-service cabins and 23 campsites for your overnight stay.
Must See:
- Ferry and Tug Exhibit – Explore the historical exhibit featuring a restored ferry and tugboat, highlighting the significance of river transportation in the region’s history.
- Visitor Center and Park Store – Begin your visit at the visitor center, where you can find a park store with grocery staples, bait and tackle, camping supplies, souvenirs and more. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped.
- Nature Trails – Enjoy the Deer Run Hiking Trail and the Low-Water Trail, offering scenic views of the forest and riverside environment around Moro Bay.
If You Have Time:
- Fishing and Boating – Take advantage of the marina and boat ramp for a day of fishing or boating on the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay.
- Picnicking – Relax at one of the two picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, water hydrants, and restrooms nearby for a fun day out with friends and family.
Day 3
As you head home, you will explore two important Civil War battle sites from the Red River Campaign that took place in March and April 1864. Neither Mark’s Mill nor Jenkin’s Ferry has a visitor center. Both sites have rubbing stations where you can mark your passports. If Mark’s Mill is your 25th park, you will need to take your book to a park with a visitors center to collect your commemorative playing cards.
Mark’s Mill Battleground State Park – 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
Mark’s Mills Battleground State Park commemorates a significant Civil War battle that ended in a victory for the Confederacy. Visitors can take a cellphone tour through interpretive exhibits and serene walking trails.
The location of the battlefield is actually several miles down the road near Mark’s Cemetery, which also includes informational markers and several war-era grave markers.
Note: This park does not have a visitor center or facilities. Bring along a green or blue crayon to mark your passport at the rubbing station.
Jenkin’s Ferry Battleground State Park – 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
Jenkin’s Ferry Battlefield State Park is a historic site where visitors can explore the grounds of a pivotal Civil War battle. One of the bloodiest battles in the Red River Campaign, the Union was the ultimate victor before returning to Little Rock. The site’s interpretive exhibits provide a reflective space to learn about Arkansas’s history and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Saline River.
Note: This park does not have a visitor center or facilities. Bring along a green or blur crayon to mark your passport at the rubbing station.
For this leg of our journey, we picked Moro as our favorite spot. The campsites were spacious, and site #7 had beautiful views of the water. Be prepared for the mosquitoes, though! They almost carried us away. There is a bit of road noise from the nearby bridge, but it’s still a beautiful park.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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