Arkansas’ first state park continues to earn national recognition for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and exceptional camping experience.
Camping at Arkansas’ oldest state park just received another national endorsement.
Petit Jean State Park has been named one of The Dyrt’s 2026 Best Places to Camp in the Southeast, earning a spot among the region’s top 10 campgrounds based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s nationwide community of campers. The annual rankings recognize campgrounds that consistently provide outstanding outdoor experiences across the southeastern United States.
The recognition places Petit Jean alongside some of the Southeast’s most sought-after camping destinations and highlights Arkansas’ growing reputation as a premier outdoor recreation state.
A National Favorite Returns to the List
This is not the first time Petit Jean has received national recognition from The Dyrt.
The campground ranked No. 2 in the Southeast in 2024, with campers praising its spacious campsites, clean facilities, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, and lakeside setting. The campground has also appeared on previous regional “Best Places to Camp” lists, demonstrating its lasting appeal among outdoor enthusiasts.
The Dyrt bases its rankings on millions of user reviews, photos, ratings, and tips submitted by campers across the country rather than relying on expert panels or paid evaluations.
Why Campers Love Petit Jean
Located atop Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton, Petit Jean State Park offers far more than a place to pitch a tent.
Established in 1923 as Arkansas’ first state park, the 3,400-plus acre park combines dramatic overlooks, waterfalls, forests, historic structures, and miles of hiking trails into one destination. Visitors can explore the famous Cedar Falls Trail, Seven Hollows Trail, Bear Cave, Rock House Cave, and numerous scenic overlooks across the Arkansas River Valley. The park’s iconic Mather Lodge and many of its trails and buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, adding a rich historical dimension to the outdoor experience.
Camping accommodations are equally impressive. (Book Now)
The park offers more than 140 campsites for tents and RVs, including full-hookup sites, modern bathhouses, playgrounds, nearby access to Lake Bailey, and easy connections to the park’s extensive trail system. Cabins and lodge rooms provide additional overnight options for visitors seeking a little more comfort.
Good News for Arkansas Tourism
The recognition comes at a time when Arkansas continues to build momentum as an outdoor destination.
Recent tourism figures show the state’s outdoor recreation assets continue to attract record numbers of visitors, and accolades from nationally recognized outdoor organizations like The Dyrt help reinforce Arkansas’ reputation among travelers planning camping vacations. National rankings often influence trip planning, particularly among RV travelers and families looking for highly rated destinations.
For Arkansas campers, the recognition also serves as a reminder that one of the country’s most highly regarded campgrounds is only a short drive away.
Whether visitors come for Cedar Falls, the panoramic overlooks, historic CCC architecture, mountain biking, fishing, or simply a quiet weekend around the campfire, Petit Jean continues to prove why it remains one of the South’s most beloved camping destinations.
With another national honor added to its long list of accolades, Arkansas’ first state park continues to set the standard for camping in the Natural State. Article for The Dyrt.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
