June marks National Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month, so we figured there was no better time to highlight the Arkansas State Parks in Northeast Arkansas. June in Arkansas is sure to offer plenty of sunny days and lucky for us, the Natural State is full of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. 

The Club 52 State Park Passport Program is a great way to get started! As you work towards visiting each state park, there are prizes at the 5th, 25th, and 52nd park that you visit. Just take your stamped passports to the visitor centers to receive your sticker, playing card set, and Club 52 t-shirt! 

Here are a few close options to start your journey!

Located near Paragould, Crowley’s Ridge State Park (pronounced CROW – lee's) is full of history and natural beauties. Native log and stone structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s are perhaps the center of attention, but facilities also include five bunk cabins, four duplex cabins with full kitchens and one rustic cabin. The park also offers 26 campsites, ample picnic areas, several hiking trails, pavilions, a fishing lake and a swimming area.  

Visitors can rent fishing boats, kayaks and pedal boats. 

Situated between Jonesboro and Paragould on Highway 141, Lake Frierson surrounds a 335-acre fishing lake. The water is host to bream, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and bass. With seven campsites (four with water and electric, three simply tent sites), the park is perfect for a weekend close to nature.  

The park is also a great place for families to spend a Saturday: A pavilion, a playground, hiking trails, fishing pier and boats, kayaks and pedal boats mean there is plenty for everyone to stay entertained. 

Barely half an hour from Jonesboro, Lake Charles State Park includes a 645-acre lake with bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. The park offers 60 campsites – including waterfront options – and a yurt. 

A 3-D archery range is open November through February, and four hiking trails mean there is plenty to explore. 

Davidsonville marries recreation and education. The park is the site of the historic town once home to Arkansas’ first post office and one of the earliest courthouses. Though little of its history is obvious above ground, archaeological excavations have uncovered streets, foundations, and artifacts. “Ghost structures” have been built using steel frames to illustrate the size and location of past buildings.  

In addition to the historical significance of the area, the park also offers a 20-site campground and fishing and boating on the Black River. An earthen dam forms a 12-acre fishing lake with catfish, bass and crappie. Canoes and pedal boats are available for rent. 

Powhatan State Park is a prime example of Arkansas’ rich history. Six historic buildings are still standing in their original 19th-century locations. The courthouse is the center feature, built in 1888 on a hill in order to overlook the Black River. The courthouse contains exhibits in addition to the visitor center. Guided tours are available for guests who want a closer look at each structure: a log house, school, church, and jail.  

*Lake Charles, Davidsonville, and Powhatan are located in close proximity to one another with no more than 15 miles from one to the next. These are worth making a day trip out of! 

Located just outside of Harrisburg, Lake Poinsett offers a peaceful setting for whiling away an afternoon. Boat rental and launch ramps as well as a nearby bait shop make the park a perfect getaway for those who love to fish.  

A playground and picnic area are available and year-round interpretive programs that include trail hikes and kayak tours are the perfect way to entertain kids in the summer. 

The starting point of the beautiful Spring River, Mammoth Spring is recognized as a National Natural Landmark and is one of the world’s largest springs. The spring forms a 10-acre lake that is surrounded by other unique features, including the remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, and an 1886 Frisco train depot.  

The park hosts a trail around the lake, a playground, picnic area, and baseball field.