Petit Jean State Park

One of Arkansas' finest state park facilities, Petit Jean State Park lies in a unique area between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. Situated upon beautiful Petit Jean Mountain, the park encompasses 3,471 acres of rare natural beauty. In this lovely mountain setting are an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, streams, springs, spectacular views and interesting geological formations preserved almost as French explorers found them 300 years ago. The mountain received its name from the legend of Petit Jean, the story of a French girl who disguised herself as a boy and secretly accompanied her sweetheart, a sailor, to America.

Facilities

Lodging - Overlooking the beautiful Arkansas River Valley, Mather Lodge offers 24 guest rooms (6 doubles and 18 singles). Whether for a weekend vacation or a business conference, the lodge complex provides a variety of facilities such as a swimming pool, gift shop and full service restaurant. Small groups can meet at the Lodge in the Arkansas Room or CCC Dining Room (fee). Six overnight duplex cabins (12 units, half with fireplaces) are located near the Lodge (no kitchens). Each sleeps up to four persons. (NOTE: No Lodge rooms or cabins have telephones. Televisions are located in Lodge rooms only. The Lodge swimming pool, open seasonally, is only for Lodge and cabin guests.)

Cabins - Twenty fully equipped housekeeping cabins, 9 rustic, 5 duplex (10 units) and 1 honeymoon cabin with hot tub, all with fireplaces (fireplaces for seasonal use only - Oct. 1 to April 1), are scattered in the woods near Mather Lodge. Cabins include all-electric kitchens with cooking utensils and tableware. Linens are provided and cabins are heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort. Some sleep up to 6 persons. Five cabins are barrier-free.

Camping - The park contains 127 individual campsites (including 38 pull-thru sites) offering water and electrical hookups. Twenty-four sites may be reserved April through October. Sites are divided into 4 areas with a bathhouse in each. There is also a 50 unit rally-style camping area available for camping clubs. A group camp area is available for tent camping only, reservable April to October. A trailer sanitary station is located in Area A. For those who don't own camping equipment, a Rent-A-Camp package which includes a tent, cots, stove and other camping gear, is available April through October.

Picnicking - Petit Jean provides wooded picnic areas along Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt with tables, grills, water and rest rooms. Two group pavilions are available for rent. The pavilions must be reserved in advance at the Visitor Center.

Recreation - From fishing on Lake Bailey (boat motor-10 hp limit) to an afternoon softball game on the playing field, there's plenty to do at Petit Jean. During the summer, fishing boats and pedal boats can be rented at the Boathouse which also has a snack bar. A modern swimming pool (no cutoffs, please), playgrounds, and tennis courts provide a wide variety of activities for the entire family. The Recreation Hall, located near the Visitor Center, can be rented for square dances or other group gatherings. (Boathouse and swimming pool are operated seasonally.)

Hiking Trails - More than 24 miles of trails guide you to Petit Jean's secrets. Walk to Cedar Falls; meander through Seven Hollows; enter into Rock House Cave and much more. Trail maps and brochures are available at the Lodge or Visitor Center. Exhibits, books on plants and animals, and program schedules, including interpretive walks, will be found in the Visitor Center.

Other Facilities - Picnic and grocery supplies, firewood, and arts and crafts are located near the park (some facilities are open seasonally only). The Petit Jean airport is open to daytime flying only. No services provided.

NOTE: Cabin reservations can be made by calling Mather Lodge. Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. Bikes, motorcycles, or horses are not allowed on the hiking trails. No pets are allowed in lodging facilities.

Interpretive Services

Begin your stay at Petit Jean with a trip to the Visitor Center and Gift Shop. While there enjoy the interpretive exhibits on the park's history and environment. Park interpreters provide guided hikes, nature talks, and workshops plus evening programs at the outdoor amphitheater (summer). Off-season programs and guided hikes are available upon request. Organized groups may request special programs to meet specific interests year-round (advance arrangements necessary). Special events held annually include Spring and Fall Senior American Specials, Fishing Derby, Wildflower Weekend, Eagle Awareness, and the Antique Car Show.

Location

Take Hwy. 9 (Exit 108) off l-40 at Morrilton south 9 miles to Oppelo. Then head west 12 miles on Hwy. 154 to park; OR, take Hwy. 7 off l-40 (south), OR, off l-30 (north) to Centerville, then east 16 miles on Hwy. 154 to the park; OR, take Hwy. 155 (north) from Hwy. 10 at Casa.

For Lodge and Cabin Reservations, contact:

Mather Lodge
Rt. 3, Box 346
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5431 OR 1-800-264-2462

For further information on park hours, fees and programs, contact:

Petit Jean State Park
Rt. 3, Box 340
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5441 (Park)

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.