This was our first visit to Petit Jean State Park. The weather was dreary and we enjoyed quite a thunderstorm on the second night of our visit but the park was still packed with campers and visitors throughout the weekend.

Facilities:

Petit Jean was the first park created when Arkansas devised its state park system in 1923 but visitors to the mountain had first suggested it as park site around 1907.  Most of the facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 until 1941. The park includes a lodge (Mather Lodge) as well as 33 cabins. It also has 129 different campsites including four yurts.

Prices vary depending on the type  of campsite with the yurts being the most expensive ($55 per night as of 3/17). Large pull through campsites near the lake include 50 amp electricity , water, and sewer connections and this area includes two excellent accessible campsites with level terrain and easy, level access to the restroom and shower facility.

The campsites included tent pads, paved walkways with even surfaces. The fireplace is raised which is typical for most accessible campsites.

We camped in the “Class B” camping area. It offers a view of the woods with lots of pine and hardwood trees. These campsites have 30 amp electricity and water but no sewer connections. There are a large number of these campsites and restroom/showers were scattered at intervals around the sites. This area had one site dedicated to accessible camping needs. It was not level, did not provide the elevated fireplace or the paved walkways of the campsites in the other area. The only obvious reason for it to be considered accessible was it’s proximity (directly across the road) to the bathhouse.

On this trip, we did not request an accessible campsite and were given a lovely site just a short distance away from the restrooms. The site was relatively level but a few stumps and tree roots proved to be troublesome obstacles.

Campsites in this area of the campground are spaced far enough apart that you don’t feel like you are encroaching on your neighbor and that was one of the many pleasant things about our stay. There was a steady stream of kids riding bicycles and skateboards up and down the road but we were back from the road far enough not to feel like we were in the middle of traffic at all.

Things to do:

This park has a little of everything including a swimming pool. A lake for fishing and paddle boating (but no swimming) and miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. (More on this in a moment) In addition to facilities in the park, nearby are an antique car museum and a petting zoo and the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a conference facility which is a part of the University of Arkansas System.

Accessible hiking

When it comes to hiking, Petit Jean has a trail for everyone. The park features long (5+ miles) trails as well as trails considered strenuous and recommended only for those who are very fit. Moderate trails offer a variety of options for the typical visitor but there are trails that are friendly even for persons with limited mobility or who require a wheelchair or scooter.

The CCC Hike & Bike Trail is a paved trail for pedestrians, wheelchair and scooter users, and bicyclists. Motorcycles and other motorized vehicles are prohibited. This trail stretches from the main camping area to the lodge with numerous stops of interest along the way.

The Cedar Falls Overlook Trail is another trail that is accessible to most all visitors. It is a walkway that leads down a hillside to a view of the Cedar Falls. In addition to gorgeous views, it provides an up close look at various interesting plants, trees, and rock formations.

And the view of the falls is worth the trip.

Overall Impression:

Petit Jean State Park  has a lot to offer everyone. The two fully accessible campsites were awesome. I would recommend this campground with two caveats. First, it is extremely popular and this can mean it’s difficult to get a reservation. With only two truly accessible sites, people who require these facilities may find them difficult to book. Both were occupied on Friday and Saturday nights while we were there. Second, if you are a summer camper, you are apt to find this park overwhelming on weekends in June, July, and August. We thought it seemed really busy during a weekend when many kids were out of school on spring break and were surprised to learn from an employee that this was a relatively slow weekend. If crowds aren’t your thing or you are looking to really get away, this might not be your park.