We made it back to Petit Jean State Park for a pre-fathers day weekend. The park was opening back up slowly with COVID-19 closing many of the facilities, but it was almost back to “normal”. We stayed in B loop and grabbed an extra night in A loop on this trip.

B loop pros: -plenty of shade in hot months with the pine grove -easy access to the paved CCC trail -30/50 amp service, water, picnic table, fire ring and trash hook -clean and accommodating bath house -enough space between sites for plenty of privacy

B loop cons: -some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop to be able to access your site. It can create some frustration when trying to get set up -many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level -some sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. it’s purely inconvenient and I’m not sure why this is this way. pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos -NO SEWER. (EXCEPT FOR SITES 47 & 48)

A Loop pros: -it’s new, it’s laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand (we’ve got 2 small kids and a little dirt is great, but a lot of dirt makes for a lot of cleaning). -pull through sites and site facing the lake -much quieter and plenty of space between sites for privacy

A loop cons: -very little shade. would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc -“Stays booked 93% of the year” -Park Office. It’s really hard to get a reservation if you don’t book at least a year out in A loop.

Petit Jean is a must for family camping. Mather Lodge has an accommodating restaurant if needed. Plenty of trails for hiking. Pool, basketball and tennis courts. Marina with boats and kayaks. It is a wonderful park and a must for all campers! Book your trip!