Petit Jean State Park
Morrilton, AR
Arkansas’s first state park, with the 29 m Cedar Falls in a canyon below a CCC stone lodge. The Cedar Falls Trail is 3.2 km round trip with a steep climb back, and the lodge overlooks the valley.
Petit Jean State Park is the first state park in Arkansas, founded in 1923, and lies on Petit Jean Mountain in Conway County, near Morrilton. On about 3,470 acres (roughly 1,400 hectares) it offers waterfalls, rock overhangs and wide views over the Arkansas River Valley. According to legend, the name goes back to a young girl who accompanied French explorers in the 18th century disguised as a cabin boy.
The highlight is Cedar Falls in the Cedar Creek canyon; the Cedar Falls Trail starts behind Mather Lodge and is about 2 miles (roughly 3.2 km) round trip. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the lodge (1933 to 1941); it is the only CCC-built lodge in an Arkansas state park.
There are about 20 miles (roughly 32 km) of hiking trails in all, for example to the Turtle Rocks, Rock House Cave and Bear Cave with pictographs. Cabins and campgrounds are available. From Little Rock it is about 70 miles, so a long day trip.
- Nearest town
- Morrilton, AR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.1177, -92.9357
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ivy's CoveMotorhome stopover14 mi from Petit Jean State ParkMotorhomesWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Old Post RoadCampsite15 mi from Petit Jean State Park
- Outdoor Living Center RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Petit Jean State ParkMotorhomes
- Campsite 3Campsite19 mi from Petit Jean State ParkTents
- Campsite 1Campsite19 mi from Petit Jean State ParkTents
- Carter Cove Public Use AreaCampsite20 mi from Petit Jean State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Petit Jean State Park?
Petit Jean State Park is in Morrilton, AR, at GPS 35.1177, -92.9357. It is about 16 mi from Russellville.
Can you camp near Petit Jean State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Harris Brake Lake Resort, about 13 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Petit Jean State Park?
Petit Jean State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Arkansas River Valley: Petit Jean, Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine and Bluffs, elk and hot springs – by camper through the Ozarks and Ouachitas of Arkansas.
What is there to see near Petit Jean State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Nebo State Park (19 mi), Pinnacle Mountain State Park (32 mi), Lake Ouachita State Park (37 mi) and Mount Magazine State Park (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Petit Jean State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)