Quick Definition
Devil's Den State Park is a 2,500-acre CCC-built park in Washington County, Arkansas, sitting 30 miles south of Fayetteville on Highway 74. The park anchors a premier RV destination in the Ozark Highlands, featuring crevice caves, mountain biking trails, Lee Creek swimming holes, and a fully developed state park campground with 144 sites at $25–$35 per night. It's the closest major RV hub to Arkansas Ozarks RV parks and a gateway to the region's best outdoor recreation.
TL;DR
Park name: Devil's Den State Park Campground
Sites: 144 with electric hookups; some full sewer available
Rate: $25–$35/night (recreation.gov)
Yurts: $65–$75/night
Attractions: Devil's Den Cave (free), Devil's Ice Box Cave ($5 tours), Lee Creek swimming, 15+ miles mountain biking, 20+ miles hiking
Distance: 30 miles south of Fayetteville; 45 miles north of Fort Smith
Best for: Families, mountain bikers, cave explorers, creek swimmers
Camping at Devil's Den
Devil's Den's state park campground is the official RV hub here, and it's well-maintained and family-friendly. The park operates 144 sites, most with electric hookups; roughly half offer full sewer service. Sites run $25–$35 per night depending on season and hookup level, all bookable through recreation.gov. For those wanting a different experience, the park also rents yurts ($65–$75/night) for glamping-style comfort with park access.
The campground sits within the park proper, so your site is your gateway to everything—caves, creeks, trails, and the historic lodge. This differs from nearby towns where you'd book an RV park and drive to attractions. Here, you're already embedded in the park experience, which makes logistics simple: pull in, set up, and step out your door into the Ozark Highlands.
Reservations are essential during spring (March–May), fall (September–October), and summer weekends. Winter is quieter, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and avoiding crowds. Read more about your broader Arkansas RV parks options if you're weighing Devil's Den against other state park and private RV destinations in the state.
Devil's Den Attractions & Activities
Crevice Caves:
The park has two signature caves. Devil's Den Cave is a 250-foot crawling cave, free to explore with a flashlight. It's tight in places but perfect for adventurous RV guests. Devil's Ice Box Cave is the main draw—a 1,800-foot cave with constant 58°F temps and guided tours for $5 per person. Both caves sit within walking distance of the campground.
Lee Creek Swimming:
Lee Creek flows through the park, with a swimming hole at the dam spillway. Water is coldest in early spring and warms by July. It's a refreshing stop during a hike or a midday cool-off, especially for kids.
Mountain Biking:
Devil's Den has 15+ miles of dedicated mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to expert. The park is one of Arkansas's best MTB destinations, with maintained singletrack through dense Ozark forest. Mountain bike rentals aren't available on-site, so bring your own or rent in Fayetteville before arriving.
Hiking:
The park has 20+ miles of marked trails, including the iconic 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail that loops through the park's interior. Shorter routes range from 1–4 miles and connect to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and creek bottoms.
Lake Devil Fishing & Paddling:
The park's small impoundment, Lake Devil, holds bass and bream. Fishing is free with an Arkansas license ($8/day for non-residents, $45/year). Paddleboat rentals are available seasonally at the lakefront.
Historic Lodge:
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the stone lodge still stands and operates. It's a national landmark and symbol of New Deal-era park building. You'll pass it on entry—worth noting even if you're not dining inside.
For comparison and additional Ozarks options, check out Fayetteville RV parks, which offer city amenities alongside state park access.
RV Logistics
Hookup Details:
Most sites come with 30-amp electric. Some have 50-amp available. Full-hookup sites (water, sewer, electric) are limited and book faster. No pull-thru sites exist here—all are back-in, though most accommodate rigs up to 40 feet with maneuvering space.
Water & Sewer:
Potable water is available throughout the campground. Dump stations are located near the entrance for full-hookup and non-hookup departures. This is standard state park infrastructure, reliable but basic.
Cell & Internet:
Verizon and AT&T have coverage in the campground, though signal varies by site. Wi-Fi is not available at the campground itself. If you need reliable internet, consider stays in Fayetteville (30 miles north) instead, or bring a hotspot.
Gas & Propane:
No on-site fuel or propane. Closest propane is in the town of Mountainburg, 8 miles away. Fill up before arriving or plan a short drive if you need a top-off.
Roads & Parking:
Park roads are paved and well-maintained. Parking at trailheads is available. Turnarounds and drive space are adequate for most RVs, though tight spots exist during peak season due to vehicle density.
Proximity to Towns:
Fayetteville (30 miles north) has all major services—grocery, hardware, RV repair, dining. Fort Smith (45 miles south) is another urban anchor. For quick supplies, the small town of Mountainburg sits just 8 miles away.
Check Fort Smith RV parks if you're exploring other base camps in the broader Ozarks region.
Cost Math
Per-Night Campground:
- Electric only: $25–$29/night
- Full hookup: $30–$35/night
- Yurts: $65–$75/night
Weekly Stay (7 nights):
- Electric only: $175–$203
- Full hookup: $210–$245
- Yurt: $455–$525
Monthly Stay (30 nights):
- Electric only: $750–$870
- Full hookup: $900–$1,050
- Yurt: $1,950–$2,250
Activity & Attraction Costs:
- Devil's Ice Box Cave tour: $5
- Devil's Den Cave: Free
- Fishing license (non-resident, daily): $8
- Fishing license (non-resident, annual): $45
- Paddleboat rental (seasonal, 30 min): $10–$15
- Mountain bike rental (in Fayetteville): $40–$60/day
Food & Supplies:
Grocery stores in Fayetteville average standard Ozarks pricing. A family of four can budget $200–$250/week for groceries. Dining at local restaurants runs $12–$25 per entree.
Fuel Estimate:
If traveling from Fayetteville (30 miles), expect 1–1.5 gallons round-trip at current regional fuel prices.
RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devil's Den State Park Campground | Washington County, 30 mi S of Fayetteville | Yes (limited) | No | $25–$35 | Yes ($5/pet) | No |
| Yurts at Devil's Den | Washington County, 30 mi S of Fayetteville | No | N/A | $65–$75 | No | No |
| Fayetteville RV Park | Fayetteville, 30 mi N | Yes | Yes | $40–$55 | Yes | Yes |
| War Eagle Cavern RV Park | Blanchard Springs area, 35 mi SE | Yes | Yes | $30–$40 | Yes | Yes |
| Buffalo Outdoor Center Campground | Buffalo River, 50 mi NE | Partial | No | $20–$30 | Yes | Limited |
| Tanyard Creek RV Park | Fayetteville area, 28 mi N | Yes | Yes | $35–$50 | Yes | Yes |
| Lake Fayetteville RV Area | Fayetteville, 30 mi N | Partial | Some | $25–$35 | Yes | Limited |
| Ozark Mountain RV Resort | Mount Ida area, 60 mi S | Yes | Yes | $28–$42 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book sites in advance?
Yes. Recreation.gov handles all reservations for Devil's Den State Park Campground. Sites can be booked up to 6 months ahead. Spring, fall, and summer weekends fill weeks in advance, so plan early if you want peak-season dates.
What's the difference between Devil's Den Cave and Devil's Ice Box Cave?
Devil's Den Cave is a free, self-guided 250-foot crawl through tight passages—bring a flashlight and wear clothes you don't mind dirtying. Devil's Ice Box Cave is a larger 1,800-foot cave with constant 58°F temps, accessed via a $5 guided tour. Devil's Ice Box is easier and more scenic; Devil's Den is more adventurous.
Is Lee Creek safe for swimming?
Yes. The creek is monitored, though water temperature varies by season. Spring is coldest (50s°F), summer peaks in the 70s. No lifeguard is present, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely.
Do I need a mountain bike to enjoy the trails?
No. Devil's Den has hiking trails for all skill levels. Mountain biking trails are separate and maintained for bikes, but hikers use other paths throughout the park. You won't miss out if you hike instead.
Are there restaurants or stores inside the park?
No dining or shopping inside the park. The historic lodge doesn't have a restaurant. Plan meals at your RV or drive to Fayetteville (30 miles) or Mountainburg (8 miles) for restaurants and groceries.
Do yurts have electricity and heating?
Yurts have electric heat and AC, beds, and basic furniture. They do not have water or sewer hookups. You'll use campground restroom facilities and shower houses. Yurts are a middle ground between tent camping and full RV hookup.
What's the best season to visit?
Fall (September–October) offers mild temps and fewer crowds. Spring (March–May) is warm with wildflowers but busier. Summer is peak but hot and crowded. Winter (November–February) is quiet with cool camping but some services may close.
Can I bring my dog to the campground?
Yes. Pets are allowed at a $5/night fee. They must be leashed and aren't allowed in caves or in some park structures. Check pet policies with the park office upon arrival.
What if I need propane or fuel?
Fill up in Fayetteville before arriving, or head to Mountainburg (8 miles away) for propane. There are no on-site fuel or gas services at the park.
Are there cell phone and internet options?
Verizon and AT&T have coverage, though it's spotty depending on site location. Wi-Fi is not provided at the campground. If internet access is critical, stay in Fayetteville and day-trip to Devil's Den.
Seller CTA
If you're an RV park owner in Arkansas or the Ozarks considering a strategic exit or looking to scale, we'd like to talk. The outdoor hospitality sector is active, and the right buyer-seller match creates value for everyone involved.
Explore what a partnership might look like. Get in touch—we work with operators and owners across the Ozarks region.