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Petit Jean
Overview
Petit Jean State Park stands as Arkansas's flagship state park, blending rugged natural beauty with historic CCC-era craftsmanship. Situated high atop Petit Jean Mountain, this destination provides a distinct high-altitude escape overlooking the lush Arkansas River Valley. RV travelers frequently choose this park for its legendary status and its ability to offer a serene, nature-focused retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of modern interstate travel.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Morrilton, Arkansas, the park sits on a plateau surrounded by dramatic bluffs and steep ravines. The local environment is characterized by ancient rock formations and dense forests of oak and hickory. The unique geography of the mountain creates a microclimate that is often cooler than the surrounding lowlands. Visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas from the scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views of the river and distant Ozark peaks.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers 125 well-maintained campsites divided into four loops. For those traveling in larger coaches, Area A provides 35 full-hookup sites featuring water, sewer, and 50-amp electrical service. The remaining sites offer water and electricity for a more traditional feel. On-site amenities include modern bathhouses, a dump station, and access to the historic Mather Lodge, which serves as a community hub with its restaurant and seasonal swimming pool for guests.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many is the hike to Cedar Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. Beyond the falls, visitors can explore the Seven Hollows Trail to see a natural stone bridge or visit Rock House Cave to view authentic Native American pictographs. For a touch of local lore, the grave of Petit Jean offers a quiet spot for reflection, while the Museum of Automobiles showcases a world-class collection of vintage vehicles just outside the park gates.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent choice for adventure-seeking families and avid hikers who want to step directly from their RV onto a world-class trail system. It is best suited for travelers who value scenic tranquility and historic charm over the flashy amenities of a commercial resort. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a quiet mountain escape or a family exploring Arkansas history, the park provides a classic, high-quality outdoor experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Charles Bowman
We had a group of 8 camping in 4 RV's. This park has beautiful views. The waterfall is very small this time of year, but in the spring it is large. Many sites to see with a short walk. The Rockefeller's have a place & airport on the mountain on the East side. Call colors were perfect this time of year. We spent the day exploring
DJ Stewart
Petit Jean State Park absolutely stole our hearts. From hiking two of its signature trails—Cedar Falls Trail and Seven Hollows Trail—to cozying up in Cabin 10 by historic Mather Lodge, and savoring a great meal at the lodge restaurant, it was the perfect Arkansas escape. Trail Highlights Cedar Falls Trail Distance and difficulty: ~2 miles round-trip; moderate with a steep initial descent and climb back out. What we loved: The trail drops about 200 feet into a lush canyon, following Cedar Creek. The payoff is Cedar Falls, a stunning waterfall around 95 feet high—misty, powerful, and photogenic. Cool rock formations and shaded stretches make the trek feel immersive, especially after rainfall when the creek and falls are lively. Tips: Start early to beat crowds and heat. Wear sturdy footwear—the stone steps and creekside sections can be slick. Leave time to linger at the base; it’s a true “wow” moment. Seven Hollows Trail Distance and difficulty: ~4.5-mile loop; moderate, with rolling terrain. What we loved: A sampler of everything that makes Petit Jean special—bluff lines, sandstone formations, box canyons, and quiet forest. The Grotto spur is a must: a serene alcove with a seasonal waterfall and a mossy, cool oasis feel. A natural stone bridge and sculpted rock corridors give the hike a sense of discovery around every bend. Tips: Bring water and a snack; it’s longer and more leisurely than Cedar Falls. Clockwise or counterclockwise both work—just take the short spur to the Grotto when you see it. Cabin 10 at Mather Lodge Our stay in Cabin 10 near Mather Lodge was wonderfully cozy—quiet, tucked among trees. The cabin felt inviting from the moment we stepped in, with that classic state-park charm and the kind of calm you only get in the woods. We loved winding down there after hiking—simple, comfortable, and restful. Dining at Mather Lodge Restaurant The lodge restaurant delivered exactly what we hoped for after the trails: hearty, satisfying food and friendly service. The portions were generous, the flavors hit the spot, and the dining room’s big-window views made every meal feel special. It’s the kind of place where you relax into your chair, swap trail stories, and consider dessert even if you swore you were “too full.” Final Take Petit Jean State Park blends natural drama with genuine comfort. Cedar Falls Trail gave us that iconic Arkansas waterfall moment; Seven Hollows Trail felt like an adventure through sculpted stone and hidden grottos. Cabin 10 at Mather Lodge was the coziest home base, and the lodge restaurant rounded out each day beautifully. If you’re looking for an Arkansas getaway where the trails are inspiring and the evenings feel like a hug, this is it.
Jessica D
Petit Jean State Park is absolutely beautiful! You can catch an incredible sunrise with no hiking required — just pull up and enjoy the view. The trails are excellent and well maintained, and the waterfall is truly breathtaking. Mather Lodge has gorgeous views from the restaurant, and staying in one of the cabins makes the experience even more special. There are also nice coffee shops and gift shops nearby, which make it a perfect getaway spot. Highly recommend visiting!
Turn By Turn
Petit Jean is a really nice AR state park. The trails are marked pretty well. We stayed in dog friendly cabin #29. It was clean and the bed was very comfortable. They give free firewood because there is a wood burning fireplace inside (but also heated and cooled). There is ample room to store your things and the bathroom area is spacious and nice. We had adjoining neighbors and there was no problem with noise (they had a dog too) or lack of hot water. The swing on the porch is super nice. There is a small fridge and coffee pot with coffee and set ups. Don't forget to visit Mather Lodge Restaurant. The food was very good, avg price ($$) and the view is absolutely beautiful! It's best not to arrive for the first time after dark though!
A Loftin
The beauty of this place is just breathtaking. My husband and I decided to head here after helping our daughter move to Missouri. We grabbed a cabin & we were able to see the sunset & sunrise at the cliff by the Mather Lodge. We didn't get to see everything or do trails but we did get to take some beautiful pictures and realize how much we have taken for granted in life . We will be going back again!