Arkansas is known as “The Natural State” and with 52 state parks to explore you can find out why. With its mountains, lakes, wetlands, rivers, waterfalls, and some of the best hiking in the country, the state parks here are hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty in the United States. With an Arkansas State Parks Passport, you can log your state parks visits. Pick up your passport, for free, at any of the state park visitor centers!

The State Parks of Arkansas organization was started in the early 1900s when Fort Smith Lumber Company officials were so impressed with the beauty of Petit Jean Mountain that they suggested it become a part of the National Park System.
Petit Jean State Park Arkansas
kanonsky/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
However, because it was not of important national significance, a state park system was established instead.
Today, there are 52 state parks within 54,000 acres, 1800 campsites, 208 cabins, and 5 lodges all within the state parks system. Over 8 million people visit the parks each year.
Devil's Den State Park Arkansas
Wesley Hitt/ Photographer's Choice RF via Getty Images
There are many historical sites preserved under the state parks system as well as adventure parks like Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Crater of Diamonds State Park Arkansas
PaaschPhotography/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Hobbs State Park is the largest one at 12,054 acres running along the southern shore of Beaver Lake and has over 52 miles of hiking trails.
Hobbs State Park Arkansas
Will Sylwester/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
There is a visitor center here along with campsites. Regulated hunting is allowed.

Related Stories

This Day Trip To Devil's Den State Park Is One Of The Best You Can Take In Arkansas

This Day Trip To Devil's Den State Park Is One Of The Best You Can Take In Arkansas

 You’ll Love Digging For Diamonds At The Unique Crater of Diamonds State Park In Arkansas

You’ll Love Digging For Diamonds At The Unique Crater of Diamonds State Park In Arkansas

 The Sunrises At This State Park In Arkansas Are Worth Waking Up Early For

The Sunrises At This State Park In Arkansas Are Worth Waking Up Early For
Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in the state of Arkansas. At 20-miles long, there are plenty of water activities at the lake and many amenities such as cabins, campsites, and a marina.
Lake Chicot Arkansas
nameinfame/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
There are no entry fees for any of Arkansas' state parks. However, fees are charged for camping, lodging, and certain activities.
State Park Arkansas
jostephens/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
So, where can you get your Arkansas State Parks Passport stamped?
Stamp Your Passport State Parks Arkansas
The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook
Many of the parks have a visitor center where you can get a stamp for that park in your passport. For parks that do not have a visitor center, you can make a stamp rubbing in your book.
This map of Arkansas shows where the state parks are located. As you can see, they are all over the state!
State Parks Map Arkansas
The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

 

Do you have your Arkansas State Parks Passport yet? For more information on the state parks and where to pick up a passport, visit the Arkansas State Parks website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Arkansas

Featured Addresses
Arkansas, USA