Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swimming hole or you’re looking for a beautiful hiking trail, Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas is the perfect weekend getaway. From camping details to hiking trails, our ultimate guide is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
When to visit:
Devil’s Den is open to visitors year-round. Cabins and campgrounds are available throughout the entire year, but the bathrooms and bathhouses are only open from March-November. While it is a great place to visit any time of year, when you go will determine what type of experience you have.
Spring:
March through May is a great time to visit to avoid the summer crowds. Most trails will be thawed of any snow or ice, and the temperatures will be mild. Spring is a beautiful time to visit because the wildflowers are blooming and the waterfalls are at their biggest due to the snowmelt. The downside to visiting during the spring is the weather can be unpredictable. Arkansas can get a late freeze, making it uncomfortably cold, or you could be rained on during your entire stay. We always make sure to check the weather before every trip. This way we are properly prepared with the right clothing and camping gear.
Summer:
June through August is the most popular time to visit. If you are planning on reserving a cabin or campground, make sure to do so in advance. The temperatures are the hottest this time of year, so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and bring plenty of water to any outdoor activities you partake in.
Fall:
September through November brings cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. If you are lucky enough to visit during the fall foliage, then you are in for a real treat. For about two weeks in the fall, the trees turn from shades of green to vibrant reds and golden yellows.
Winter:
December through February is the least busy time to visit and can be a great way to avoid the crowds. On the flip side, the weather can be uncomfortably cold and ice and snow can cover the trails. If this is when you are wanting to visit, make sure to do your homework because some of the park’s facilities close during these cooler months.
How to get there:
Devil’s Den State Park is in the northwestern corner of Arkansas. For most GPS and map applications, simply typing “Devil’s Den State Park” will be enough to get you there, but the exact address is 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774. The closest airport is Drak Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They do have rental car options available.
- Fayetteville, Arkansas: 26 miles, 30-minute drive
- Rogers, Arkansas: 44 miles, 50-minute drive
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: 111 miles, 2-hour drive
- Springfield, Missouri: 141 miles, 2.5-hour drive
entrance fees:
There are no entrance fees for Devil’s Den. That’s right it is completely free! There are fees for camping or renting equipment, but if you want to make a day trip to just hike and explore, it won’t cost you a penny!
how long to stay:
Devil’s Den State Park is the perfect weekend getaway. We suggest spending two full days exploring the beautiful scenery. However, if you are short on time, you can see almost everything in a day. Alternatively, if you are wanting to stay longer, you can definitely do so without getting bored.
nearby attractions:
- Ozark Mountains National Forest
- Hot Springs National Park
- Ouachita National Forest
- Hobbs State Park
What to do:
hiking:
You can’t visit Devil’s Den without going on at least one hike. Our favorite memories from this park are all from the trails. They have trails varying in all types of length and difficulty so there is something for everybody.
Devil’s Den Trail:
This trail is a must while visiting Devil’s Den State Park and is one of our favorites in the state of Arkansas. It has so much to offer in such a short distance. On this trail, you will pass Devil’s Den Cave, Devil’s Icebox, Twin Falls, and Cold Springs.
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 157 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: There are two areas available to park. The first is behind the park’s visitor center. The second is near the bridge the runs over Lee Creek.
Yellow Rock Trail:
This trail has our favorite view of the entire park! Yellow Rock protrudes from the mountain offering sweeping views of the area below. There are steep drop-offs, so make sure to always be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from the edge. If you plan on bringing small children or dogs, make sure to keep them a safe distance from the edge.
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 511 feet
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Near Lee Creek and Camping Area A
Lake Trail:
This is a very photogenic and easy trail. It is perfect for those wanting a leisurely walk or families with small children. If you are wanting to extend this hike, you can cross the suspension bridge and complete an additional mile and a half loop.
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 40 feet
- Trail Type: In and Out
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Near Camping Area E
Woody Plant Trail:
This trail is perfect for small children. It is short, level, and has sixteen interactive stations to correspond to a booklet you can get at the visitor center.
- Distance: 0.25 miles
- Elevation Gain: 20 feet
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Camping Area E
Fishing:
Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake, was created by the damming of Lee Creek. Here you can fish along the banks for the opportunity to catch bluegills, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass.
Swimming:
Needing a break from the heat? Then jump into the blue-green waters of the Lee Creek or Lake Devil. Devil’s Den State Park also has a pool open for visitors to cool off in during the summer months. Visitors staying in one of the on-site cabins will gain free access to the pool. Others must pay a small fee. It is $5.00 for those six and up and $4.00 for those ages two through five.
Canoeing and Kayaking:
The beautiful blue/green waters in Devil’s Den State Park is the perfect spot to canoe or kayak. You can bring your own, or you can rent one from the park. Check-in at the visitor center for rates and availability.
Biking and Horseback Riding:
There are over 20 miles of trails for those wanting to bike or horseback ride. Many of these trails will take you outside of the park and bring you to the Ozark National Forest. These longer trails are perfect for those wanting a multi-day hike or a challenge.
Where to stay:
Within the confines of the Devil’s Den, there are several different options for camping during your stay. If you are wanting to stay in an Airbnb or hotel, then we suggest looking at Fayetteville. It is a fun, college town that has a lot to offer.
Full-Service Cabins:
These cabins are perfect for those wanting to get away, but not wanting to give up their creature comforts. Many of these cabins were built in the 1930s but they all have modern amenities. These include television, heating, air conditioning, full kitchens, and linens. To book your full-service cabin, check out their availabilities here.
Camper Cabins:
While these cabins are definitely more rustic than the full-service cabins, they do not have a kitchen, bathroom, tv, and guests must bring their own linens, they do offer many accommodations to make your stay more comfortable. These cabins do offer a screened porch, dining table and chairs, picnic table, and outdoor grill. To book your camper cabins, check out their availabilities here.
camping:
Devil’s Den is a great spot to go camping. It has several different campsites to fit each individual needs. The following are the different types of campsites and the amenities they offer.
- Class AAA: Water, 50AMP, and Sewer
- Horse Camp
- Class C: Water or Electric
- Class D: Hike-In-Sites and No Hookups
To check out the availability of any of these campsites go here.
Tips for visiting Devil’s Den State Park:
wear plenty of bug screen:
Most of the hikes in the park will take you through the forest, and where there are forests there are bugs. The best way to prevent yourself from bug bites is to wear bug spray and protective clothing.
book accomidations in advance:
Devil’s Den is a popular destination. Many accommodations require booking them in advance. If you don’t, you risk not getting the cabin or campground you want.
Pet Guidlines:
Devil’s Den is a dog-friendly park! Make sure to be a responsible pet owner and keep your furry friends on a leash and always clean up after them.
Practice the Leave No Trace Principles:
Keeping our parks clean is so important. By following the Leave No Trace Principles you can do your part to protect our lands and wildlife. A great rule of thumb is to always leave it better than you found it. By staying picking up after yourself and your pets, respecting the vegetation and wildlife, and taking out any found trash, you can help keep Devil’s Den State Park a beautiful place for future visitors.