Devil's Den State Park

Situated at the bottom of a steep valley in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas is Devil's Den State Park. This 2,000-acre park provides some of the most spectacular Ozark Mountain scenery in the state. A clear mountain creek spills its cool, clear waters over the rocky valley floor with its downward flow slowed only for a moment by a picturesque, native stone dam. The park restaurant, store, swimming pool and rustic cabins overlook the small, peaceful 8-acre lake formed by the dam. Modern and primitive camping sites, picnic areas, hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails, and fishing combine to form a vacation setting second to none. Lee Creek Valley was selected as the site for a state park in 1933. The park's major facilities were constructed as a Works Project Administration (WPA) project by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In the 1970s, the park underwent a major facelift during which the native stone and log structures of the 1930s were renovated and preserved for use today and in the future. Whether you study the CCC architecture, hike the trails, attend interpretive programs, explore the valley's unique geologic formations or lounge lazily by the pool, memories of your stay at Devil's Den will bring you back time and again.

Facilities

Lodging - Near the stream, along the rocky valley, are 13 rustic cabins (1, 2, and 3 bedrooms) with fully-equipped kitchens plus air-conditioning and heating for your vacation comfort year-round. Bask in front of the massive stone fireplace in the chill of the evening, or, with cup in hand, sit outside in the early dawn and listen to the chatter of animal life. (Fireplaces are open from mid-September through mid-May only.)

Camping - Strung along the valley floor, 97 individual campsites offer camping at its best. Many sites have electrical and water hookups. A sanitary trailer dump station is located near area E. Hike-in campsites are available for the adventuresome who want to be closer to nature. A group area is also available for reservation. Bring your own horse and use the camping area located by riding trails that meander through the Ozark National Forest. Rent-A-Backpack units are available for visitors who would like to camp or backpack but don't have the necessary equipment. Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a campsite and must have camping units with them. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. Food Services - A cozy cafe, gift shop and store with camping and picnicking supplies are housed in a rustic log and stone building overlooking the lake. The facilities are open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Store and gift shop items are also available upon request throughout the remainder of the year.

Other Facilities - The Visitor Center houses an interpretive exhibit area, audiovisual room and park offices. Scenic picnic areas with tables and grills, a group pavilion (reserve at the Visitor Center before use; deposit required), playground, rest rooms, coin laundry and swimming pool (open summer only) are conveniently located within the park. Pedal boats and canoes may be rented near the pool during the summer. Medical services are available in Fayetteville (28 miles). (Gas stations and other conveniences are 20 minutes away at West Fork or Winslow.)

Interpretive Services

Programs - Park interpreters provide programs year-round. Programs, depending on the season, include guided hikes, history and nature talks, demonstrations, afternoon recreation games, and evening programs at an outdoor amphitheater or in the Visitor Center AV room. Children aged 7-14 may participate in the park's Junior Naturalist and Arkansas State Explorer Programs during the summer. Organized groups may request special programs in advance to meet specific interests year-round.

Trails - Miles of trails wind through Devil's Den offering a variety of experiences. You can take a wet-water hike down Lee Creek with one of the park interpreters or get away from it all on the 14-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. (Hikers need to register at the Visitor Center before embarking on this trail.) The scenic Devil's Den Self-Guiding Trail winds past the rugged geologic formations formed thousands of years ago. Trail booklets and maps are available at the Visitor Center.

Special Events - Wildflower walks, birding trips, backpacking workshops, Arkansas Mountain Bike Championships and Bat-O-Rama are among the special events offered at the park each year. These events are scheduled to show off the beauty of the Ozarks. Be sure to check with the park for the dates of these and other events.

Location

Drive 8 miles south of Fayetteville on US Hwy. 71, then take State Hwy. 170 at West Fork 18 miles to the park; OR, from US Hwy. 71 at Winslow, take State Hwy. 74, 13 miles west to the park. (NOTE: No gas stations are available on Highway 74, 170, or at the park. Large trailers should use caution on Hwy. 74 from Winslow to the park, due to steep and winding roads.)

For general information on park hours, fees, and services, contact between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily:

Devil's Den State Park
11333 W. AR Hwy 74
West Fork, AR 72774
Telephone: (501) 761-3325

For cabin reservations ONLY: 1-800-264-2417 Reservations are taken daily from 8 am to 5 pm (Central Time) only.

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.