Where To Eat In Petit Jean
Petit Jean Coffee House
Petit Jean Coffee House is a white A-frame cabin that houses a coffee house and gift shop. They serve coffee, breakfast and lunch items as well. I ordered the pimento cheese and jalapeno brown bag lunch and it came with chips and a cookie in addition to the sandwich. This is a really cute spot that is definitely worth stopping for a snack or a coffee in between hiking and exploring. It is located right on the Eastern edge of the park.
Mather Lodge
Mather Lodge has a restaurant serving a large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Meals include omelets and french toast for breakfast and burgers, pizza and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. I did not personally eat at the restaurant and the food gets mixed reviews. However, it was crowded when I visited and itâs worth giving a try if you are craving a hot meal after a day of hiking.
Rock House And Turtle Rocks
The Rock House trail leads to one of the largest bluff shelters in the state. Rock Cave was used by Native Americas for shelter, evidenced by several pictographs still visible inside the cave today. The cave is considered an archeological historical site and is heavily monitored to prevent destruction. Make sure to be respectful while visiting.
The trail to reach the cave is about a quarter mile and crosses over a huge area of âturtle rocks,â which refers to fascinating rock formations that look like turtle shells.
From the cave, you can take the trail another 0.1 miles to an overlook of Cedar Falls. The viewpoint isnât as clear as the main overlook, but you get to see the impressive waterfall from another angle. This overlook is unmarked and requires a little bit of steep rock stairs to reach, but is not too difficult. Just make sure to be careful and respect the signage to not get too close to the edge.
Note that the All Trails map of the Rock Cave trail also includes Red Bluffs Road. You could hike along the road like it shows, but you can also drive.
Inside Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also flock here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether youre hoping to enjoy hiking the parks scenic trails, swimming, boating, or more theres something for every type of traveler at Petit Jean State Park.
Swimming : There are two swimming pools in the park, each open during the summer months from Memorial Day weekend through to Labor Day weekend. The pool located near the picnic area is open for the public, while the one located on the bluff behind Mather Lodge is for cabin and lodge guests only. It costs $1.50 – $4 per person to swim.
Hiking : There are more than 20 miles ofhiking trails in Arkansas that will lead you through Petit Jean’s natural and historic resources. The park is also home to the Cedar Falls Overlook, giving you stunning views of one of the most photographed waterfalls in Arkansas.
Events : The state park offers multiple events each year, including everything from guided hikes and lake tours, to living history demonstrations, historic site tours, outdoor skills workshops, and so much more. See the events calendarhere.
Boating : From the on-site boathouse, you can rent pedal boats, water bikes, or flat-bottom boats with and without a motor to explore the vast Lake Bailey. Rates start from $5 per hour.
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Old Post Road Campground Coe
Image Source:https://www.reserveamerica.co…
Nestled in the river valley on the shores of Lake Dardanelle between Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, Old Post Road Campground COE is a phenomenal place for outdoor adventure. Photography enthusiasts will want to visit the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, and in the winter months, you may even spot a bald eagle. Also, those looking for athletic adventures will enjoy the tennis courts and baseball and soccer fields.
Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
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The History And Legend Of Petit Jean
Petit John is French for “Little John,” but we’re not talking about Robin Hood’s burly sidekick here. The Petit John the park is named after is buried on top of the mountain. She was a Frenchwoman who posed as a boy to follow her fiancé into the Louisiana Territory. Sadly, she fell sick and passed away during her travails. Few who visit the park know the legend, let alone the fact that Petit Jean is, in fact, Arkansas’s first state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of the park’s facilities in 1933. Many of these CCC buildings still stand today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksmorrilton Arkansas
Arkansas did not get the nickname the Natural State by chance. Outdoorsmen and women will find large swaths of pristine nature and all manner of outdoor recreation to explore via recreational vehicle in the mountains, plains, and forests of this Southern wonderland.
Morrilton, AR, located in the central part of the state on the banks of the Arkansas River, gives RVers easy access to many opportunities for outdoor adventure as well as for visits to the big city of Little Rock. RV parks in the Morrilton, Arkansas, area offer many options. Most notably, you will find Arkansas very first state park and the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton, which is part of Conway County.
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Why Youll Love Old Post Road Campground Coe
Many camper reviews mention enjoying the peace and quiet of Old Post Road Campground COE. Potential bald eagle sightings, ample fishing opportunities and a biking trail that begins from the park make this a lovely RVers retreat. At Old Post Road, you will find the ideal atmosphere for relaxing or enjoying a good book while gazing at the views and taking in the soothing sounds of the Arkansas River.
Petit Jean State Park Hiking
Petit Jean State Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arkansas with jaw-dropping geology. The hiking is one of the main reasons we ended up visiting in the first place!
All of the trails we hiked were well maintained and well-marked.
Some trails are easy, while others are more difficult. Petit Jean Mountain is a naturally beautiful place to spend an afternoon exploring.
Since hiking is one of the most popular activities, were sharing all the best trails to hike below!
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Entering Petit Jean State Park
There are no fees to enter Petit Jean State Park or explore the area. Fees only apply to additional activities such as camping and hiring water vessels.
Were very excited that youre planning a trip to Petit Jean State Park. Once youve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at ? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Petit Jean State Park Campground
Petit Jean offers 125 campsites for tents and RVs. Thirty five of them being class AAA and ninety class B. They also offer 33 cabins, lodge with guest rooms and four yurts all available to rent. Be sure to check out the Petit Jean State Park website and click book now for more details.
Like many other camping areas, Petit Jean has check-in right at the visitors center. This visitors center is gorgeous. Inside there is beautiful gift shop with mementos, apparel, preserves and fun toys for the kids.
Walking around you cant help but notice a giant stone archway that represents the natural bridge along Seven Hollows Trail. On the other side of the archway is a hands on museum for kids of all ages that will teach you more about the area.
This visitors center is travel trailer friendly with six large RV parking spaces. Three on the right and three on the left side of the building and parking lot.
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Rv Resorts & Campsites In Petit Jean State Park
If youre thinking about staying in or near Petit Jean State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you dont own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The good news is Petit Jean State Park has its owncampground on-site, featuring 125 sites that are perfect for both tent or RV camping. Each one has full hookups, while there are also modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets within the grounds. These sites are reservable, however they usually fill-up quickly. To prevent disappointment, weve also listed some other RV-friendly campgrounds within close proximity to the park.
What People Are Saying About Brecks Rv Park & Country Store
The BEST and cleanest RV park in the area! We looked at all the parks when we came to town, and Brecks is not only the most professional but also the cleanestQuiet and peaceful. Cable and Wi-Fi are provided at no extra feeThis is a real RV park, not a trailer parkWe cant say enough good about them! 100% happy campers here! -Deb, Google Review
Location
- Brecks RV Park & Country Store
- 897 Batesville Blvd.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Petit Jean State Park
What is the best time of year to visit Petit Jean State Park?
The best times of year to visit Petit Jean State Park are fall and spring. The leaves change color, and the weather is cool and comfortable in fall. Spring brings the waterfall and an array of blooming flowers.
What is the climate of Petit Jean State Park?
The climate of the park is mild with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The park gets an average of 43 inches of rain per year. Summertime highs are around 91 degrees.
Are there designated RV camping spots in Petit Jean State Park?
Petit Jean State Park has 125 campsites, of which 35 have hookups for 50-amp electrical, water, and sewer. There are 90 sites for Class B RVs with 20-amp electrical hookups. Restrooms and bathhouses are available for all campsites.
Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Petit Jean State Park and what is the cost?
Yes. You can reserve campsites at Petit Jean State Park online or by phone. The average reservations start at about $36. Rates vary based on your party size, RV size, and number of days you plan to stay.
What kind of wildlife can be found in Petit Jean State Park?
Animals you can see in this park include deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, opossums, skunks, bats, and snakes. You can also see birds such as the Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, pine siskin, and the northern cardinal.
RVshare
Petit Jean State Park Map
If you’re looking for a map of the park, the best place to go is the Arkansas State Park website. There you’ll find several excellent hiking trail maps, as well as brochures that cover a range of information. Visitors can also procure the same pamphlets at the park’s visitor center, which has a great gift shop you should drop in on.
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Other Lodging Near Petit Jean
There are several lodging options right outside of the park. Check out the Cedar Falls Motel or look for a cabin on Airbnb. Airbnbs to check out include a room that Petit Jean Coffehouse rents out, this A-Frame cabin or this home with an amazing view.
You could also stay at a hotel in Morrilton, located about 30 minutes outside of the park.
Why Youll Love Brecks Rv Park & Country Store
This site offers the convenience of an on-site store and deli plus clean, modern laundry and shower facilities, so you wont have to leave the park to take care of your familys everyday needs. They also have the new Rally Room, which is an event space that accommodates up to 40 people. If you are up for an adventure, you can take a 30-minute drive through the Ozarks to spend an afternoon in the beautiful town of Mountain view. Just 1 mile down the road, you will find the Mark Martin NASCAR Museum. Also, race fans can get their fill with the Greatest Show on Dirt when Batesville Motor Speedway runs from March through October.
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Camping At Petit Jean
Enjoy spending a night or two under the stars on this gorgeous mountain top, enjoying natures serenity and incredible views.
Campers have plenty of space to bring an RV or camper trailer. Petit Jean State Park has a few camping areas with 125 campsites all are pretty flat.
We stayed in Camp Area D, it was the furthest away from the lake and there were fewer campers. Camp Area D has excellent shading. It is really dark at night so dont forget flashlights or headlamps!
Camp Area A is right on Lake Bailey. When we visited in September Camp Area A was pretty full it is a better place for larger RVs.
If youre looking for something more modern, yurts are available to rent! Yurts are Mongolian-style portable huts that have become increasingly popular throughout the United States over the past several years. The yurts are right on Lake Bailey and can be rented.
Visit The Petting Zoo And Go Horseback Riding
So, here is something really neat. There is a 40-acre ranch on top of Petit Jean Mountain that has a petting zoo, hayrides and horseback trail rides! Its called Barnyard Friends & Stables and its a fun experience for everyone.
I had a long talk with the owner this morning . She informed me that they also have a 3br/1ba house on the ranch for guests to rent.
Staying on the ranch is a dream of mine and I plan on booking a stay ASAP!
A stay at the guest house on the ranch includes visits to the petting zoo, beautiful views, waking up to the sounds of the chickens, and evening brays from the donkeys.
And, as an added bonus, you will be under the watchful protection of the sweet ranch puppy named Angel.
Now, about those trail rides. Personally, I have always loved horses but Ive never owned one myself. So, I live out my cowgirl dreams on guided trail rides. What makes Barnyard Friends & Stables neat is that they have 40 acres of land with their own private trails. Children must be at least 5 years old to ride and they are required to wear a helmet. .
The sweet folks at the stable do everything they can to make your child comfortable and confident while horseback riding. Their goal is to educate children about the animals and make sure they have an enjoyable experience.
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Things To Do At Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is a favorite destination for those living in central Arkansas and those visiting out of state . It is a great weekend getaway in Arkansas!
The park has so many outdoor activities! Folks visiting can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, camp, and spend time soaking up the mountain views.
Ready to find out where to see more views like the pictures above and below? Keep reading to get more details!
Camping Petit Jean State Park In Arkansas
Petit Jean State Park was the very first state park in Arkansas. The place offers breathtaking views of enchanting wooded areas filled with streams and wildflowers. There is also a jaw dropping view of the Cedar Falls waterfall.
Camping Accommodations
Petit Jean State Park offers their guests 125 different campsites . All of the campsites offer both water and electrical hookups. The campsites are divided into four different campgrounds. Each of the campgrounds has modern bathhouses. Guests can also reserve the group camp area which has a heated bathhouse for the winter.
Amenities
For guests who do not have their own camping equipment, the park does offer rent-a-yurt and rent-a-camp packages. Each of the packages includes a yurt or a tent, sleeping mats, a camp stove, and a variety of other camping gear. The rent-a-camp is ideal for up to four people and the rent-a-yurt is ideal for up to six people.
Things to do
In addition to camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and playing at the playground our other activities that individuals come to Petit Jean State Park to enjoy.
Petit Jean State Park
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