Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Donny S.
Reviewed May. 7, 2020

The Standard

As the oldest State Park in The Natural State, in my opinion, Petit Jean sets the standard to which other parks should aspire. We frequently visit Petit Jean every year (2-3 times) and often joke that it serves as “home base” for our camping adventures. It’s just that good. If we’re unsure about where to head next, we always fall back on Petit Jean. By analogy, I view Petit Jean like a PB&J or a grilled cheese. Both are solid options every time, and you can’t go wrong with either. The same is true of Petit Jean. The campgrounds are generally clean and well kept. I also really like the spacing of the sites, as sometimes the sites in state parks make you feel like you’re right on top of your neighbor. Loop A is typically filled with larger campers, as those sites have sewer, and those sites are generally much larger than other areas. Since we have a PUP, I personally prefer Loops B or C. I have camped in D but it is the oldest camping area in the park and it shows. The bathhouse in that area isn’t as nice. Conversely, the bathhouses in Loops B and C are great. Even if the only site available is in D, I’d say it’s still absolutely worth going. The bathhouses are nice and clean, the amenities are numerous, and the scenery is unbelievable. The trails are fantastic, playground is great, and the food at the Lodge is phenomenal. We make it a point to eat in the Lodge at least one night of any trip. However, I would add, there is also a breakfast buffet in the mornings that’s a can’t miss for the price and convenience. Essentially, it is unequivocally the perfect park for a family with kids. However, it’s also perfect for anyone who may think they may want to go camping. In fact, even the most experienced camper would love this park and what it offers. It’s an absolute can’t miss and anyone debating whether they should go should pull the trigger immediately! (NOTE: I would note that you should be aware of a HUGE car show that occurs in the park every Fathers Day weekend. It is absolutely packed and unbelievably loud with old cars and motorcycles. If you go on Fathers Day weekend, do not expect any peace and tranquility whatsoever - you won’t find it.).

  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
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  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park by Donny S., May 7, 2020