These great locales across the Natural State are excellent for a family day trip. Take some time out of your day for some fun, exploration, and a nice stop off to grab a bite to eat! Make these gorgeous state parks in Arkansas your next destination, no matter where your travels might take you!

15. Logoly State Park: Not only does this park provide an excellent setting for a picnic, but it also is the first environmental education state park where interpreters present workshops on ecological and environmental topics.
Logoly State Park, 2370 Columbia Rd 47, Magnolia, AR 71753, USA
city-data.com
Directions: From U.S. 79 at McNeil, go one mile east on County Road 47 (Logoly Road) to the park.
14. Lake Chicot State Park: Nestled in a pecan grove, Lake Chicot State Park offers 122 campsites, 14 cabins, a swimming pool (open in summer), a playground, and excellent picnicking facilties.
Lake Chicot State Park, 2542 State Hwy 257, Lake Village, AR 71653, USA
Flickr/Stuart Seeger
Lake Chicot State Park is on Ark. 144 eight miles northeast of Lake Village.
13. Lake Frierson State Park: Along with picnic facilities at this location near Paragould, the park includes campsites [four Class B with water and electric hookups, and three Class D (no hookups)] with tables and grills, restrooms, picnic sites, an enclosed climate-controlled pavilion, playground, self-guided trail, launch ramp, barrier-free fishing pier, and visitor center with interpretive exhibits.
Lake Frierson, Arkansas, USA
Wikipedia
The park also offers rental fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats. Lake Frierson is 10 miles north of Jonesboro on Arkansas 141.
12. Millwood State Park: In recent years, the park experienced some flooding, but today it's open for fishing, camping, bird watchig, hiking and more.
Millwood State Park, 1564 AR-32, Ashdown, AR 71822, USA
Bo Loftis/Google
Park facilities here include 45 campsites (27 Class AAA, 2 Class A, 13 Class B, and three primitive tent sites), superb picnic sites, a standard pavilion, self-guided nature trail, and a bicycle trail.
11. Moro Bay State Park: Park facilities include 23 Class AAA campsites, excellent picnic sites, a store, marina with boat rentals and gas pump, standard pavilion (screened), playground, trails, and the Moro Bay Ferry exhibit featuring a historic tugboat and barge.
Moro Bay State Park, 6071 Hwy 600 S, Jersey, AR 71651, USA
Nelson Hernandez/Google
Moro Bay State Park is your gateway to the waters of Moro Bay, Raymond Lake and Ouachita River. Enjoy fishing, water sports, and the wildlife watching opportunities that abound here.
10. Powhatan Historic State Park: Have lunch with the family on historic ground! Powhatan Historic State Park preserves a small nineteenth-century river port town in Lawrence County, once a hub of northeast Arkansas commerce, industry, and government.
Powhatan Historic State Park, 4414 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The park is open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The interiors of the buildings can be visited by guided tour only, with the exception of the visitor information room of the courthouse.
9. Mount Nebo: Visitors can have a full day of fun at this state park, which features include a pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, extra-large enclosed and standard open pavilions and, a ball field.
Mount Nebo, Mt Nebo, Arkansas 72834, USA
arkokhiker.org
Mount Nebo State Park is one of the Arkansas state parks system's two parks offering launch sites for hang gliding enthusiasts.

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8. Wooly Hollow: This state park, connected to lovely Lake Bennett, is perfect for a picnic at a scenic location or a lazy morning of fishing.
Woolly Hollow State Park, 82 Woolly Hollow Rd, Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
Flickr/Adam Bartlett
The park offers canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing boats for rent. Anglers will need to bring bait and fishing supplies since there are no commercial docks on the lake.
7. White Oak Lake: The picnic areas and hiking trails are gorgeous at this state park, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Camden, Arkansas.
White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
Flickr/Woman of Scorn
Though totaling 2,667 acres, Arkansas Highway 347 divides White Oak Lake into an upper lake of 1,032 acres and a 1,645-acre lower lake.
6. Village Creek: This state park features two lakes - Lake Austell & Lake Dunn. At Lake Austell, the picnic sites are near a sandy beach and sun deck.
Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396, USA
Wikipedia
Horseback riding is a popular activity at this park, located near Wynne, Arkansas. Twenty-five miles of multi-use trails wind through the rolling hills of Crowley's Ridge. The horse trails are open throughout the year.
5. Queen Wilhelmina: This state park in Mena, Arkansas, which has recently undergone renovation, but is open again to the public for picnics and is a great day trip getaway just in time for summer.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, 3877 AR-88, Mena, AR 71953, USA
TripAdvisor/Tim the Traveler
Of the 52 Arkansas state parks, Queen Wilhelmina is one of the state park system's eight mountain state parks.
4. Mount Magazine State Park: Groups can rent the scenic Greenfield Picnic Area, which is a large pavilion at this state park, or utilize the grills and tables at the Benefield, Brown Springs, or Cameron Bluff picnic areas for free.
Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
Located in Logan County, Arkansas, this state park offers many opportunities for ATV riding, backpacking, hang gliding, hiking, horseback riding mountain biking, rappelling, and rock climbing.
3. Mammoth Spring: After a fun family picnic at this state park, travelers can check out the restored 1886 St. Louis–San Francisco Railway depot operating as a railroad museum.
Mammoth Spring State Park, 17 US Hwy 63, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Flickr/David J Thomas
Mammoth Spring State Park is located in Fulton County, surrounding the town of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
2. Pinnacle Mountain: Picnicking is popular with families and school groups at this beloved state park located just outside of Little Rock in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is an Army Corps of Engineers facility with water and electrical hookups, a boat ramp, and tables with grills.
1. Petit Jean: One of the state's most beloved getaways, there's not a bad spot for a great picnic at this beautiful state park.
Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
Flickr/Robert Thigpen
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.

State parks across Arkansas aren’t the only great spots for a picnic – natives of the Natural State find excellent locales hidden away and off the beaten path for an outdoor feast. Don’t forget to name some of your favorite places in Arkansas to have a picnic or cookout!

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In Arkansas

Melanie J. | June 13, 2022

What are the best state parks in Arkansas?

The Natural State is brimming with a multitude of amazing state parks. A favorite is the Petit Jean State Park, where you can hike and view majestic waterfalls, tower bluffs, gigantic rock, caves, and so much more. Another incredible state park is Mount Magazine State Park, and it is home to the tallest mountain in Arkansas. You’ll love hiking, mountain biking, or exploring the mountains on an off-road vehicle. And for the adrenaline enthusiast, you can rock climb or hang glide from the designated areas. If you’re looking to relax by the water or hit the range, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is the place for you. And here are some more  amazing state parks in Arkansas. 

What are fun things to do outside in Arkansas?

If you’re searching for an amazing outdoor activity in Arkansas, then visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park and try zip lining and the obstacle course adventure at Loco Ropes. This is guaranteed to be a fun adventure for the entire family. For an incredible way to see waterfalls in Arkansas, visit the Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park. You’ll love exploring the beauty of the Ozarks while riding off-road vehicles on the ranch. And for a great place to cool off on a hot day, Arkansas has many swimming holes and waterparks that will delight you. Parrot Island Waterpark is a favorite of many visitors and locals. It’s perfect for the entire family. And here are some more fun things to do outside in Arkansas. 

What are the best hiking trails in Arkansas?

Arkansas has the best hiking trails in the Ozarks. They lead to spectacular falls, incredible overlooks, towering bluffs, and so much more. But the most iconic trail is Whitaker Point Trail tucked inside the Ozark National Forest. This hike is home to one of the most popular overlooks in Arkansas, the Hawksbill Crag. The panoramic views of the mountains will leave you breathless, so this 2.9-mile hike is a must-see for you and the family. A few other favorites include the Lost Valley Trail at Buffalo National River, Signal Hill Trail, Yellow Rock Trail, and Seven Hollows Trail. And here are a few more of the best hiking trails in Arkansas. 

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