~ 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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~ Carmen

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