“bluffs once home to Native Americans”
Petit Jean State Park is a 3471 acre state park in central Arkansas managed by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Petit Jean State Park is located atop Petit Jean Mountain on the Arkansas River in the area between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, in Conway County, Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park houses one of the largest and most magnificent Bluff Shelters in the state. Accessed via Rock House Cave Trail, the bluff shelter was once home to Native Americans well over a thousand years ago. These bluff dwelling Native Americans used the shelter as their house, and lived as nomads, hunters, and gatherers. They hunted with spears, for they had yet to invent the bow and arrow. The natives also left behind evidence of their existence. Today, evidence can be seen in the form of pictographs located high on the back wall of the cave. These pictographs were painted using minerals from the rocks in the area. The pictures all tell a story that was important to the Native Americans. Today, we can only imagine what they mean. Rock House Cave is an archaeological historical site, protected by state law.
Reviews of Petit Jean State Park Campground
46 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 4G
Confirmed by 14 users | Last reported on April 21, 2023AT&T 4G/5G
Confirmed by 15 users | Last reported on June 13, 2023T-Mobile 4G/5G
Confirmed by 4 users | Last reported on November 22, 2023
The Rangers took us to a hidden cave they called the "tunnel" that isn't advertised to keep it pristine... We went in December, turns out, mosquitos winter in this cave, which was news for the Rangers too. Check out the pictures! Really nice, friendly guys. Beautiful lodge. Cabins are very comfortable and modern, with maintaining the rustic feel. What a gem!
This park is amazing! Absolutely the best state park I have ever been to. The natural sights are breathtaking and visitor center folks were super friendly. Can't wait to head back there.
There is a lot to do up on this mountain as far as camping, hiking, paddling around and fishing in the little lake. Highly recommend eating at the lodge it is amazing and a beautiful view.
We camped here in Feb 2021 on a lake side spot. It was beautiful. The staff are friendly and the park is well maintained. The visitor center seemed brand new. Cedar Falls trail was closed but we saw it from the overlook. The lake was foggy and beautiful. The weekend was full but cleared out on Monday. Definitely would go back if we are in the area. Top notch state park.
I adore Cedar Falls trail!
There in late August. Hiked the Cedar Falls Trail in the morning. All staff I passed at Mather Lodge as I headed to the trailhead, were super friendly.
The falls were almost stopped, but the hike was fun and a nice trail.
Campground was almost empty, so quiet, clean and enjoyable (week day)
Would go again to hike the different trails.
Wonderful park, good hiking!
Great park, hiked two short trails. Wish I got to see more but I ran out of daylight. Stayed in a cabin one night - cabins were very nice and clean. Would go back.
Beautiful park. Will definitely go back for some more hikes. Bra
We booked our stay at Petit Jean with no prior information about the park, but when we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the park. Our site faced the lake, and our stay was quiet, peaceful, and definitely one of the best of 2016.
The approach to the park is a steep climb from the river valley from Morrilton, Arkansas, but the top of the plateau is a green and beautiful pine forest. The staff is pleasant and friendly, and the park has hiking trails to explore, excellent meals at the Park Lodge.
We wanted to keep this place a secret, but we'll share, anyway. Petit Jean is worth the trip.
Nightly Rate: $32.00
Days Stayed: 4
Site Number: -
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon 4G
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Petit Jean State Park Campground
Hours
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
- Back In RV Sites Count
- 22
- Last Nightly Rate
- 45.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 39.0
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 15.0
- Max Length
- 60ft
- Max Stay
- 14
- Pull Through RV Sites Count
- 26
- Sites Count
- 125
- Standard Tent Sites Count
- 125
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Swimming Pool
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Paved Sites
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Fifty Amp
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Full Hookup
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Rec Facilities
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Pull Through
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Tent Sites
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Dump Station
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Big Rigs
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Open Seasonally
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Age Restricted
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Back In RV Sites
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Boondock
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Cabin Sites
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Dispersed Sites
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Firewood
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Fulltime Residents
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Group Tent Sites
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Laundry
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Mobile Homes
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Permit Required
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Potable Water
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Propane
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Public Water
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Pull Through RV Sites
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Reservations
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Sewer Hookup
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Showers
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Sites
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Standard Tent Sites
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Vehicle Wash Permitted
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Water Hookup
Campground, Restrooms
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