~ Carmen
Deep in the valley of the Ozark Mountains you’ll find Devil’s Den State Park. Constructed in the 1930s as part of Roosevelt’s plan to pull the US out of the depression, this state park has stood the test of time and remains one of the best examples of Arkansas’s natural beauty. We have camped, biked, and hiked at Devil’s Den numerous times (read Last Tent Standing: A Weekend of Mountain Biking and Camping). One major reason for our many trips is its proximity to the University of Arkansas where our daughter is a sophomore, but also because of its beauty, hiking and biking trails, and well-maintained camping facilities.
3 Reasons to Go Camping at Devil’s Den State Park

Lee Creek (along the Lake Trail)

Along the Yellow Rock Trail
1. Scenic Natural Beauty
Devil’s Den is a 2,500-acre park situated in a deep valley among the rugged Boston Mountains (aka nonexistent cell phone service). The park contains creeks, caves, waterfalls, and overlooks. Everywhere you look you’ll find flat limestone that has been pushed upwards by geological forces. Creeks and lakes in the area emit a blue-green color due to the many minerals that are picked up as the water runs down the mountain side over the limestone rock.

Yellow Rock Trail

Boston Mountains Fall Foliage

Lee Creek

Picturesque 8-Acre Lake

Lake Trail to the Limestone Dam
2. Miles of Hiking and Biking Trails

Yellow Rock Overhang
Devil’s Den provides more than 20 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. From the easy CCC Interpretive Trail (1/4 mile loop) with exhibits explaining the remnants of the old 1934 CCC camp to the 15 mile Butterfield Trail perfect for an overnight backpacking trip, you’ll find it at Devil’s Den. Stop by the Visitor’s Center for trail maps. Don’t make the mistake that we did and leave the map in your camper. You may find yourself following a well-worn deer path for an hour in the wrong direction!

Yellow Rock Trail

Yellow Rock Trail Overhang

Overlook on the Yellow Trail

Hiking on the Popular Yellow Rock Trail

Multi-Use Fossil Flats Trail

Canoes, paddle boats, and water bikes are available to rent seasonally.
3. Well-Maintained Camping Facilities
Even though Devil’s Den was one of Arkansas’s first established state parks, it is continually renovated and maintained all through the year. For those non campers, there are 17 rustic cabins. Along the valley floor are 146 camp sites from primitive camping to full hookups. You can even camp with your horse in the designated horse camp.
The visitor center has friendly staff to help you with any questions. For day use and overnighters, there is a playground, group pavilion, laundromat, and swimming pool. Paddle boats, canoes, and water bikes can be rented during the summer months. A cafe, gift store, and camp store are also available seasonally.

Our campsite this past April

Our campsite last month

Playground

Group Pavilion

Swinging Bridge (next to playground)
Important info:
Address- 11333 W. Hwy 74, West Fork, AR 72774
*** Large trailers should not use exit #45 off of I-49 due to the steep switchback road. Use exit 53 instead.
Phone #- (479) 761-3325. For cabin reservations ONLY- 1-800-264-2416
What do you think of Devil’s Den State Park? Please share by commenting below!
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Mike
November 30, 2016 9:54 pmI’ve heard of the Ozarks before but never Devils Den. This is such a great read and perfect reasons for camping here and in other parks. Its so great to hear that Devil’s Den offers cabin options for the less camping inclined folks.
P.S. I love the photos. must have been amazing during the fall!
Pack Your Baguios
December 1, 2016 12:58 pmThe fall colors were amazing. We’ve been there several times just missing the right time for the full autumn leaves. We finally got it right!
Katalin @ Our Life, Our Travel
November 30, 2016 11:38 pmI really like the lakes and the view, it must be amazing during the autumn! Is back-country camping allowed as well?
Pack Your Baguios
December 1, 2016 12:59 pmThere is back-country camping. You just have to get a permit first.
Madhurima Maiti
December 1, 2016 11:34 amI was not aware of Devil’s Den. It seems so pretty. Thank you for all this useful information. I am loving the pictures. The colors came out so beautiful. Which camera did you use?
Pack Your Baguios
December 1, 2016 1:00 pmI have a Canon Rebel. Easy to use for a novice like me.
Kathy
December 1, 2016 9:29 pmWow this looks like such a beautiful place. I love getting lost in nature but perhaps not for miles down a deer track so I agree that taking a map would be a good idea 🙂
Thanks for putting this location onto my radar 🙁
Pack Your Baguios
December 3, 2016 9:36 amI had ignored my Girl Scout training of “always be prepared”. I’ll never leave the map at home again!
Marc
December 18, 2016 9:20 amYes, Devil’s den looks so beautiful and I can’t wait to go do some camping there. I am sure you guys had a blast. We have toddler and the park seems like a great place for them to hang out. Thank you for sharing those beautiful images and the colors are spectacular.
Pack Your Baguios
December 18, 2016 4:16 pmMy girls loved camping when they were toddlers. Just be careful around all of the rocks.
nancy
June 28, 2017 10:05 pmWe’ve taken kids and grandkids there several times. Haven’t camped there yet. It is by far our favorite part of Arkansas so far. We live in eastern Ok, having moved from western Ok about 3 years ago. We try to see different places with each visit but Devils Den keeps calling us back. On the hike next to the lake last year we saw a very young fawn lying “hidden” just off the path. I am sure mama was somewhere quite near so we kept quiet and after a quick look by all, continued on our way.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 6:41 amOh what a wonderful thing to experience on a hike! We’re the same way and try to go to different places whenever we’re in NW Arkansas visiting family, but there’s something special about Devil’s Den State Park!
Angela Spray
June 21, 2018 10:13 amWe are looking for a campsite that is good for kid’s at Devils Den that is close to creeks rivers lakes waterfalls near or on the water camping for pop-up camper we have a daughter who is 12yrs old with special needs we love hiking kayaking was wondering if you could give me a good recommendation on a campsite that might help me give them a camping trip to remember always… Thank you for you time…
Angela Spray
Pack Your Baguios
June 21, 2018 11:15 amWe like staying at Campground E, because it seems a bit nicer. Devil’s Den isn’t super big, and there is parking near all of the major sites, so if you’re not camping nearby, then you can just drive there. When we’re looking for a something specific in a campsite (lots or shade or sewer hook-up), we normally just call the camp office and ask what’s available for our needs. Their number is 877-879-2741. Hope you have an amazing trip!