Quick Definition
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas's oldest and most-visited state park, perched atop Petit Jean Mountain about 45 miles northwest of Little Rock and 20 miles west of Conway. Established in 1923, the park offers both on-site camping and proximity to private RV parks that serve as base camps for exploring Cedar Falls—a stunning 95-foot waterfall that ranks as Arkansas's most photographed natural feature. Whether you're after full hookups at nearby private parks or rustic sites within the park itself, the Petit Jean area delivers a mix of waterfall hikes, canyon views, historic CCC-era lodging, and quiet Arkansas River Valley access. For other options in the region, see Central Arkansas RV parks.
TL;DR
- Cedar Falls waterfall (95 feet) is the main attraction—accessible via a scenic 3.2-mile round-trip trail
- In-park camping: 127 sites with full hookups available, $28–40/night, reservable via recreation.gov
- Mather Lodge, a CCC-era stone-and-timber building from the 1930s, overlooks Canyon Lake and is open for day visits
- The park spans 15 miles of maintained hiking trails through canyons with natural bridges and caves
- Morrilton is the nearest town (20 miles away) for resupply and services
- Best seasons: spring (wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow) and fall (comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds)
- Private RV parks nearby offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly amenities if on-site camping fills up
Where to Camp at Petit Jean
Petit Jean State Park itself operates 127 RV and tent sites divided across two camping areas: Canyon and Cove areas, both with full hookups (30/50 amp) available. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, and all reservations go through recreation.gov, so book early if you're targeting peak season (April–May, September–October). If the park fills, private RV parks around Morrilton and Conway—about 20–30 minutes away—provide reliable alternatives with amenities like pull-thru sites, dog parks, and laundry facilities. The state park campground itself is the more scenic choice: you're literally atop the mountain, minutes from the trailhead. For a broader view of camping options across the state, explore Arkansas RV parks.
Petit Jean Attractions: Cedar Falls & CCC Lodge
Cedar Falls is the reason most people visit Petit Jean, and it's worth the trip. The 95-foot cascade drops into a clear pool surrounded by bluff walls and ferns, and the 3.2-mile Cedar Falls Trail—mostly moderate with some steep sections—gets you there in about 90 minutes round-trip. The park's other showpiece is Mather Lodge, a Depression-era stone and timber building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It overlooks Canyon Lake and functions as a day-use pavilion; the architecture and views alone justify a stop. Beyond the waterfall and lodge, the park offers a legend: Petit Jean Mountain is named after Adrienne Dumont, a French woman who allegedly disguised herself as a sailor to follow her lover to America in the 1700s, only to die on the mountain in 1727. That historical layer adds texture to a visit. Also worth exploring: the rock formations and natural bridges in Cedar Creek Canyon, plus Lake Bailey for fishing and quieter walks. If you want to combine this with other regional attractions, Little Rock RV parks offer a home base for day trips to the state capital's museums and dining.
RV Logistics
Getting your rig to Petit Jean is straightforward. From Conway, take AR-154 west for about 20 miles; from Little Rock (45 miles southeast), take US-65 north to AR-154. Most RVs find the approach roads (AR-154 and the park entrance road) manageable—the main park road has tight turns and elevation changes near the campground, so wider rigs (35 feet or larger) should move slowly and scout entry carefully. Cell service (AT&T, Verizon) is decent but spotty in canyons; download your navigation offline. The park has no dump station, but all sites have sewer hookups, so you can empty tanks at your site. Propane is not available at the park; stock up in Morrilton before arrival. For water and ice, visit the ranger station or campground host. Winter weather (December–February) is mild but occasionally icy—road conditions can deteriorate fast, so check ahead. If you're planning a longer Arkansas River Valley trip, Ouachita Mountains RV parks lie about an hour south and offer similar outdoor recreation with a different mountain character.
Cost Math
In-park camping at Petit Jean State Park runs $28–40 per night depending on site location and season. A standard full-hookup site costs $32–35/night. Peak season (April–May, September–October) and holiday weekends push rates to the higher end. Private RV parks near Morrilton typically charge $35–50/night for a pull-thru with full hookups and Wi-Fi. If you're a frequent Arkansas park visitor, consider an annual pass ($50) to Petit Jean State Park—it pays for itself in just a few camping nights. Gas from Little Rock (45 miles) burns about $6–8 worth of fuel, depending on your rig's MPG. Food and supplies in Morrilton are reasonable; a grocery store and several restaurants exist within 15 minutes of the park. A typical three-night trip (gas + camping + food) will run $250–400 for two people in an RV.
RV Parks & Campgrounds: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Jean State Park – Canyon Area | On-site, mountain | Yes | No | $32–40 | Yes (leashed) | No |
| Petit Jean State Park – Cove Area | On-site, mountain | Yes | Limited | $28–35 | Yes (leashed) | No |
| Morrilton RV Park | Morrilton, AR (20 mi) | Yes | Yes | $35–45 | Yes | Yes |
| Conway/Petit Jean KOA Conway, AR (25 mi) | Yes | Yes | $40–50 | Yes | Yes | |
| Lake Frierson Campground | Oppelo, AR (15 mi) | Partial | No | $20–28 | Yes | Limited |
| Pinnacle RV Park | Morrilton, AR (20 mi) | Yes | Yes | $38–48 | Yes | Yes |
| Ozark Riverside RV Park | Morrilton, AR (20 mi) | Yes | No | $30–40 | Yes | Yes |
| Toad Suck Park | Conway, AR (24 mi) | Yes | Some | $25–35 | Yes | Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Falls worth the hike? Yes. A 95-foot waterfall with lush canyon walls and a pool at the base is a genuine natural feature—not a tourist trap. The 3.2-mile trail is moderate and doable for most fitness levels. Go in spring when water flow is highest.
Can I camp right at Petit Jean State Park? Yes. The park has 127 RV sites, most with full hookups (30/50 amp). Reservations are through recreation.gov; book 6–8 weeks ahead for peak season.
What's the nearest town for resupply? Morrilton is about 20 miles away and has groceries, gas, propane, and restaurants. Conway (25 miles) is larger if you need more variety.
Is Mather Lodge open to the public? Yes, as a day-use pavilion. You can walk around, enjoy the views overlooking Canyon Lake, and photograph the CCC-era stone construction. Overnight lodging is not available.
How long should I stay to see the main attractions? Two to three nights is ideal. One day for Cedar Falls (2–3 hours), one for exploring the park's other trails and lakes, and one to relax or drive to Little Rock for additional sightseeing.
Are pets allowed at the park? Yes, leashed pets are welcome in campsites and on trails. Several private parks nearby also allow dogs with additional nightly fees.
Is there cell service? AT&T and Verizon have spotty coverage; it drops in canyons and some low-lying areas. Download offline maps and don't rely on GPS streaming.
What's the best season to visit? Spring (March–May) for wildflowers and waterfall flow; fall (September–October) for comfortable hiking temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid; winter roads can ice over.
Can I get propane at the park? No. Refill in Morrilton before you arrive. Plan accordingly if you're using propane for heating or cooking.
What if the state park is full? Several private RV parks in Morrilton and Conway stay open year-round and rarely fill completely. Expect to pay $35–50/night for full hookups and better Wi-Fi.
Seller CTA
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