Is Petit Jean State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Petit Jean State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Petit Jean State Park before I book?

Yes! Petit Jean State Park has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Petit Jean State Park?

Petit Jean State Park is open Open year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Petit Jean State Park?

Yes, Petit Jean State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Petit Jean State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Petit Jean State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Petit Jean State Park?

Petit Jean State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Petit Jean State Park?

Popular activities at Petit Jean State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Petit Jean State Park

4.87

120 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Arkansas State Parks / ReserveAmerica Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Arkansas State Parks / ReserveAmerica Official Website

Get Directions

Petit Jean State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Rates vary by site type and season; Area A includes lakeshore sites with full hookups (30/50-amp) while other areas offer wooded sites. No nightly...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

888-289-2757; 501-682-7777

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Petit Jean State Park

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Petit Jean State Park

35.1275, -92.9193

Weather at Petit Jean State Park

Best Time to Camp at Petit Jean State Park

This year-round destination transforms with the seasons, each offering its own appeal. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming in the pool and paddling Lake Bailey, drawing families and outdoor enthusiasts to the mountain. As autumn arrives, cooler temperatures and brilliant fall foliage make hiking the canyon trails irresistible. Winter offers a quieter retreat, where you can explore frost-touched overlooks by day and warm yourself by the crackling fireplace in the historic lodge by evening.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall foliage transforms the mountain and overlooks; seasonal highlight noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round

About Petit Jean State Park

Perched atop Petit Jean Mountain, this stunning campground invites you to explore deep forested canyons, witness the dramatic 95-foot plunge of Cedar Creek Falls, and relax along the shores of Lake Bailey. Historic hand-hewn stonework built by the Civilian Conservation Corps adds timeless character to both the rustic lodge and your choice of lakeshore or woodland campsites, with Area A offering the convenience of full hookups.

Developed campground with Area A offering lakeshore sites with full hookups, wooded sites in other areas (B–D), plus cabins, yurts and a historic lodge on the mountain.

Historical Significance

One of Arkansas's earliest state parks featuring Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)–built log and stone structures from the 1930s, including Mather Lodge; the park also contains rock shelters with Native American imagery.

Weather and SeasonsThis year-round destination transforms with the seasons, each offering its own appeal. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming in the pool and paddling Lake Bailey, drawing families and outdoor enthusiasts to the mountain. As autumn arrives, cooler temperatures and brilliant fall foliage make hiking the canyon trails irresistible. Winter offers a quieter retreat, where you can explore frost-touched overlooks by day and warm yourself by the crackling fireplace in the historic lodge by evening.

Natural Features and SceneryCedar Creek Canyon drops away beneath towering bluffs, where a 95-foot waterfall spills through layers of ancient rock into the forested gorge below. Scenic overlooks reveal sweeping views across the mountain landscape, while 100-acre Lake Bailey provides a peaceful waterfront escape. The park's network of trails winds through mature hardwood forest, passing beautifully crafted CCC stonework that has stood for generations—rustic shelters, bridges, and walls that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Geological RegionPetit Jean Mountain, between the Ouachita Mountains and the Ozark Plateaus; includes Cedar Creek Canyon and Lake Bailey

Scenic ViewsPanoramic canyon and mountaintop views from Mather Lodge and multiple overlooks; lakeshore views from campsites in Area A.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Weekend minimums commonly 2 nights
holiday minimums commonly 3 nights
reservations accepted up to 12 months in advance.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReserveAmerica (UseDirect-based)

Best CampsitesArea A along Lake Bailey for lakeshore views and full hookups (30/50-amp) when available; Areas B–D offer wooded, sheltered sites. Pull-through sites are recommended for larger RVs; popular dates sell out so reserve early.

Need help booking Petit Jean State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The park has 144 campsites (55 Class AAA, 67 Class B, and 22 rally style (water and 30 amp only, no ground fires).

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

WiFi

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Petit Jean State Park features extensive trail networks, overlooks and waterfall access, lake-based recreation on Lake Bailey, pools, and courts/amenities at the lodge and developed areas.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep and potentially strenuous trail sections (notably the waterfall hike with an uphill return), some rough access roads, and limited cell reception in many areas.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Petit Jean State Park

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.9

120 reviews

Top-Rated

Petit Jean State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about scenery, trails, waterfall, Lake Bailey, cabins and the historic lodge. Guests report clean bathhouses and many recreational options, though some campers note uneven or small campsite pads and occasional cleanliness/noise issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 120 reviews

What Campers Love

Epic canyon and mountaintop views, excellent hiking (waterfall and overlooks), Lake Bailey for boating and fishing, historic CCC structures and Mather Lodge with restaurant and pool, clean modern...

Based on 120 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early (many recommend booking up to 12 months ahead for weekends/holidays). Area A is preferred for lakeside/full‑hookup RV sites; bring linens for yurts and expect popular dates to sell out....

Based on 120 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Gorgeous area with a great bike trail and many hikes!” — “Sites were all unlevel, small and dirty. My firepit had trash in it.” — “Have wifi but most area no cell reception. Great and hot shower.”

Based on 120 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Hikers and families who want a waterfall, lake, pool, and lodge restaurant in one trip. Area A lakeshore sites with full hookups book fast; reserve 12 months out for fall weekends.

Skip if

No cell service covers most of the park and Wi-Fi only reaches near the lodge, so remote workers should know that going in. Tight, unlevel site pads also frustrate larger rigs looking for easy setup.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

3.8

(121)

Cherokee (Arkansas River)

#1 Quincy Road, Morrilton, AR 72110

Cherokee Campground sits on the Arkansas River near Morrilton, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake recreation area. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups for RVs, tent sites, and group camping options with river access for fishing and boating. Open seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit, the campground provides standard amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.