As July rolls around, so does National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the well-being of communities.

We invite you to celebrate this month by visiting one of Arkansas’s 52 state parks. The parks include about 55,000 acres with 1,800 campsites, 208 cabins, and 5 lodges serving more than 8 million visitors annually.

Each state park offers unique scenery and experiences. For example, Petit Jean State Park features breathtaking views from its mountaintop vistas, cascading waterfalls, and extensive hiking trails. Meanwhile, Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, where visitors can search for their own gems.

Many Arkansas state parks preserve significant historical sites and cultural landmarks. Historic Washington State Park provides a window into 19th-century life, with well-preserved buildings and reenactments that bring history to life. The Ozark Folk Center State Park celebrates the region’s cultural heritage through traditional music, crafts, and folklore. Visiting these parks offers a deeper understanding of Arkansas’s rich history and the people who shaped it.

Arkansas State Park interpreters routinely schedule fun, family-friendly programs that are designed to help you have a more meaningful park experience and make memories of a lifetime. They offer more than 50,000 activities each year, including guided hikes, lake tours on park boats, birding adventures, kayak tours, living history demonstrations, nature games, campfires, and much more.

And if you’re looking for a free or inexpensive getaway, look no further than our parks. They are a perfect way to spend a thrifty vacation with family and friends.

No matter where you live in Arkansas, a state park is nearby. Visit arkansasstateparks.com to find a complete list of parks, activities, and accommodations.