Can you swim at Petit Jean State Park?
Public swimming pool at Petit Jean State Park... Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system.
Can you swim at Kiptopeke State Park?
There is no guarded swimming, but you can always cool off in the Chesapeake Bay at Kiptopeke State Park. You won't find guarded swimming at these beaches. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in these parks is not advisable. First Landing State Park Kiptopeke State Park Pools
Can you swim at Virginia State Parks?
This article is about the family-friendly swimming beaches, swimming holes, and other great ways to cool off at Virginia State Parks. Did you know Virginia State Parks offers more than an Atlantic Ocean beach for you to enjoy? We have swimming beaches in the mountains and the piedmont at lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Can you swim at Smith Mountain State Park?
Lake Anna State Park Smith Mountain Lake State Park Chesapeake Bay There is no guarded swimming, but you can always cool off in the Chesapeake Bay at Kiptopeke State Park. You won't find guarded swimming at these beaches. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in these parks is not advisable. First Landing State Park
Where is Petit Jean State Park?
Petit Jean includes two playgrounds. One is located in the cabin area near Mather Lodge, and the other is in the picnic area. Visit Petit Jean State Park and enjoy one of the best Arkansas vacation spots for families.
What makes Petit Jean State Park one of the most popular Arkansas vacation spots?
What makes Petit Jean State Park one of the most popular Arkansas vacation spots? It might be the breathtaking scenery, the kid-friendly pool, or one of the state’s best picnic areas for family gatherings.
What are the pools at Petit Jean?
Open during summer months from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend are two swimming pools at Petit Jean. One pool situated on the bluff behind Mather Lodge is for cabin and lodge guests only. The other pool located near the picnic area is open to the public. [NOTE: It may be closed on weekdays during the final three weeks of August depending on the availability of lifeguards.] The pool includes a diving board and water slides. The pool can be rented for private parties before and after normal closing hours (no rental after dark). Lifeguards will be furnished by the park. To reserve the pool for a private pool party, call 501-727-5441.
Where to picnic in Arkansas?
Petit Jean has some of the best picnic areas in Arkansas along Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt, featuring tables, grills, water and restrooms. Two group pavilions are available for rent April to October.
Where to stop for RV trip to Petit Jean State Park?
An RV trip to Petit Jean State Park would not be complete without a stop at the Visitor Center. The whole family will find something of interest inside, from Arkansas state souvenirs to books about the park, and of course camping supplies. The Visitor Center is also a great place to learn more about the history, geology, and natural resources of the park at the exhibits located inside. Park rangers also offer guided hikes, nature talks, and various workshops throughout the summer months. Located near the park entrance, the Visitor Center is a short walk away from the campground.
What was Petit Jean State Park used for?
Some of the area's first explorers were prehistoric Native American tribes. Since then, the park has seen many a passerby, as it was once a part of the famous Trail of Tears -- components of the trail still exists in the park to this day. Eventually, the land was used for many purposes, including a farm, a hotel, a YMCA, and finally, the state park we know today. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Petit Jean State Park first opened its gates to guests in the mid-1930s and has been a favorite spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation since.
What is a yurt camping?
For the glampers in the group, Petit Jean State Park offers the perfect accommodation. Yurt camping is the ideal combination of tent camping and cabin dwelling. A yurt is a large, round structure, originally used by nomadic groups of days past. Today, the park's yurts offer guests a chance to reconnect with nature without leaving behind their creature comforts. The yurts can sleep up to six people, and are equipped with electricity, screened windows, and a door that locks. Inside the yurt, guests will find all the supplies they need for a successful camping trip, including cots, a camp stove, a lantern, and an ice chest. The yurts are available from March to November, and reservations are available up to a year in advance.
How many acres are there in Petit Jean State Park?
Don't let the name fool you -- Petit Jean State Park is anything but small, with over 3,000 acres of mountainside, lakes, streams, and hearty forests to explore after you've parked the rig and set up camp.
What to fish in Lake Bailey?
If you didn't tow your own boat behind the campervan, head to the boathouse to rent one for the day. Common catches from Lake Bailey include bluegills and redear sunfish. The smaller Lake Roosevelt also provides some good fishing opportunities inside the park, with channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie being especially copious.
Where to picnic in Lake Roosevelt?
There are many places throughout the park where you can enjoy an outdoor meal. Two picnic pavilions are located along the shores of Lake Roosevelt and can be reserved in advance if you are planning a large event or party with family and friends. These pavilions include a shelter for the tables, grills, water, and restrooms located nearby. Non-sheltered picnic tables can also be found near the swimming pool and at each campsite.
Is Bailey Lake open?
During the warm summer months, the 100-acre Bailey Lake becomes a popular outdoor recreation area. The boathouse is open seasonally and includes a game room, a snack bar, and boat rentals. Those looking to spend a day on the water can rent canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, pedal boats, or water bikes. If you decide to tow your own watercraft behind the Sprinter, note that the lake has a ten horsepower motor limit. Additional parking lots and restrooms can be found near the boathouse.
How to get to Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean is located near the towns of Morrilton or Russellville and also near Lake Dardanelle. It is not too far off of Interstate 40, but you will want to use your GPS to guide you as to which exit to take depending on which direction you are coming from.
Cost of Visiting Petit Jean State Park
It is free to visit the park, use the hiking trails, see the overlooks, go to the visitors center, and enjoy the picnic area!
The Legend of Petit Jean and How the Mountain Got Its Name
Consider this a “once upon a time” story. I’m not sure how much of it is true.
How is Petit Jean pronounced?
Any semblance of French pronunciation of Petit Jean is long gone! The mountain and the state park are pronounced “petty gene” by locals.
History of the Mountain and the State Park
Of course, the history of this mountain began many years before the arrival of Petit Jean and Chavet.
Petit Jean Has an Airport
Petit Jean is Arkansas’s only state park with its own airport. Private pilots can even enjoy the fly-in campground. These are tent sites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, grills, lantern holders, and tent pads.
Hiking Trails at Petit Jean State Park
I’m only going to talk about the most popular trails in the park. Be sure and stop by the visitor center if you want a list of every trail!
How big is Lake Bailey in Arkansas?
With 170-acre Lake Bailey on the park property, you are not too far from a relaxing afternoon of fishing for some of Arkansas' finest. The lake is stock year-round with crappie, bass, and catfish. Fishing along the shore or from a boat are popular, and the park also offers an ADA accessible fishing pier.
Is Petit Jean State Park open?
Open during the summer months, Petit Jean State Park offers two pools to escape those hot afternoon s. One pool is exclusively for lodge and cabins guests only. The other is a newly renovated public pool that offers a diving board and slides for fun entertainment. The pool can also be reserved for private parties before and after normal hours. The park will even furnish lifeguards if necessary.
When is guarded beach swimming in Virginia?
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a daily fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming, so please be aware that thunderstorms are common in our summer months in Virginia, and the saying "when thunder roars go indoors" is applicable.
Does Virginia have a beach?
Did you know Virginia State Parks offers more than an Atlantic Ocean beach for you to enjoy? We have swimming beaches in the mountains and the piedmont at lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Is guarded swimming allowed at the beach?
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a daily per person fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming, such as thunderstorms. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.
Can you rent a kayak at Belle Isle State Park?
Rent a kayak to paddle the river and creeks at Belle Isle State Park. Some parks do not have a specific swimming area, but visitors can get out on the water via tube, SUP, paddle-boat, jonboat, canoe, and kayak or pontoon/ski boat. You can rent these at various state parks across Virginia.
Is swimming in Pocahontas State Park advisable?
Swimming elsewhere in these parks is not advisable. First Landing State Park. Kiptopeke State Park. Pools. Pools are closed for the 2021 season. The popular Aquatic Recreation Center at Pocahontas State Park. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded swimming is available for a daily fee.
Can you swim in the park when guarded?
When guarded swimming is unavailable (other than during thunderstorms), guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but are warned they will do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advisable.
Does James River State Park have a canoe rental service?
James River State Park has a seasonal livery service where you can rent a canoe, kayak or tube, and a shuttle service to pick you back up, as does New River Trail State Park . All tubing subject to weather and river conditions, and is unguided. View this video of boating safety before heading out.
Where are the best beaches in Florida?
Some of the best beaches in the world are found within the 100 miles of beaches in Florida State Parks. At Perdido Key State Park , you can wade into the surf of the Gulf of Mexico, find a sandbar and float away the day. Florida’s lakes are placid and peaceful bodies of water.
Do people swim in Florida state parks?
People love swimming in Florida State Parks! Whether it’s diving in a spring, floating down a river, or taking a dip in the ocean, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy the water and take a swim throughout Florida State Parks. Florida’s springs, coastal waters, lakes and rivers aren’t only beautiful.
