The Best And Most Beautiful Parks In Arkansas

Known for its spectacular mountains with a large variety of parkland, caves, and rivers, Arkansas is a particularly scenic state boasting a never-ending range of breathtaking views. Below is a list of the five best parks in Arkansas, which offer visitors a relaxing and tranquil experience.

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Mount Magazine State Park

With views of the Arkansas River Valley from heights of 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine State Park boasts incredible scenery offering views of the picturesque city. Providing visitors with the opportunity to go hand gliding, biking, horseback riding and more, this distinctive park has much to offer tourists, making it a particularly popular attraction. Situated on the state’s tallest mountain, the park offers exquisite cabins, creating the perfect weekend away.

Watch out for: beautiful views of broad river valleys and deep canyons

Devil’s Den State Park

Popular for its magnificent waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, Devil’s Den State Park is a well-renowned park situated in the West of Arkansas. Boasting wonderful views as well as many caverns and coves for visitors to explore, the park is also home to a range of beautiful forests. With an impressive 143 campsites located in the park, Devil’s Den State Park is an essential place to visit for tourists hoping to discover an array of spectacular views and an impressive variety of wildlife.

Opening hours: check with website for individual facility times

Watch out for: the yellow rock trail which takes visitors on a mountain bench to a high and steep bluff

Lake Charles State Park

Described as a peaceful park situated on the shore of a lake and at the foothills of the Ozark mountains, Lake Charles State Park is the perfect place to visit for a weekend of relaxation. Offering a swimming beach, hiking trails, picnic sites and a playground for children, this scenic park provides the ultimate family day out. Surrounded by an array of trees and beautiful plants, as well as a range of modern campsites, Lake Charles State Park is sure to create an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Opening hours: check with website for individual facility times

Watch out for: the park’s gift shop offering a range of gift items, camping supplies, live bait, and snacks

Hot Springs National Park

Described as a relaxing spa vacation getaway in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park offers visitors soothing thermal waters in order to feel healed and comforted in this welcoming environment. Giving tourists the opportunity to take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or to have a modern spa experience at the Quapaw Baths and Spa, Hot Springs National Park is ideal for visitors who wish to have a cozy retreat from the bustling state.

Opening hours: always open

Watch out for: the park’s picnic areas and scenic mountain roads

Degray Lake Resort State Park

Described as the finest of Arkansas resorts, Degray Lake Resort State Park can be found situated on one of the state’s most beautiful lakes which boast an astonishing 13,800 acres. Offering outdoor adventures and resort-class amenities, this incredibly popular tourist attraction proudly sits on its own island and offers visitors beautiful views of the distant mountains. Boasting a range of protected birds and wildlife as well as hiking trails, a beach and high-class accommodation, Degray Lake Resort State Park produces an endless range of possibilities and the perfect weekend away.

Opening hours: check with website for individual facility times

Watch out for: the luxury guestrooms offering visitors a large range of facilities inside the magnificent lodge

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.