Forum Discussion

meledward23's avatar
meledward23
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013

AR - Choosing a Site for Family - Petite Jean - other?

Taking the whole family camping (well all the human parts anyway, Wife, 7DD 4.5DS, and myself).

Looking at Petite Jean, although I am open to pretty much anywhere in the Ozarks, I have never been to this part of the country before.

5 Nights in the next 2weeks or so.

So, here is what I see that I like at Petite Jean, and I would like any feedback on if I am off base in my summation or perhaps if there is a better AR park for these ideals.

Petite Jean - Seems to be a nice open park at the camp sites(<-edited word) so the kids can run about the camper and be easily seen. (I like secluded campsites but am learning open is good with young'ins). Lots of various trails. My kids love hiking and will want to do a hike every single day we are there. They also like fishing with their mother (I would rather stare at a tree for a rare extinct bird).
Looks like nice vista's and such. I am a former Smokie's backcountry camper so I need trails, rocks, views, and some heights.

The other thing we love to do is go see old Pioneer type cabins and villages. So if there are any must see old life villages, historic sites, etc in the Ozarks any suggestions would be appreciated (and obviously if there is a hotbed area with a nearby state park, please speak up)

Thanks,

Jayco X20E -
love it, but thinking the X20B would have been the better move.
  • upstech76's avatar
    upstech76
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2013
    We have camped at Petit Jean several times ourselves. Nice campground and lots of trails to explore. The road isn't an issue as its only local traffic. If you like really open areas with little trees then camp in section A by the lake. Sections B,C,D are a little more wooded but still offer plenty of area for the kids to run about.
  • garmp's avatar
    garmp
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2013
    arkidog, thanks for the tip. Thinking of stopping at Petit Jean on our return trip from Corpus Christi. Never knew there was so much around there. Might have to make this a couple night stop instead of a one-nighter.
    Thanks a bunch!
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2013
    meledward23 wrote:
    We aren't far apart I am about 10 miles east of Graceland.

    The only thing about Petit Jean that caught my attention is that the Highway is basically through the park next to the campgrounds. It seems so ideal except that.


    Get one of the spots down by the lake and you will never know the road is there. It is a small 2 lane road with the only traffic on it are people coming or going to the park.
  • meledward23's avatar
    meledward23
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2013
    We aren't far apart I am about 10 miles east of Graceland.

    The only thing about Petit Jean that caught my attention is that the Highway is basically through the park next to the campgrounds. It seems so ideal except that.
  • TnCamperMama's avatar
    TnCamperMama
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2013
    Thanks for posting this. I too am "close to Graceland" about 30miles N. We camp here in Tn, but want to head across the bridge to AR as well. Petit Jean is on our list of places to go. Thank you for the info on the campground. Its only about 4 hrs from me.
  • 1971duster340's avatar
    1971duster340
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    I haven't stayed at Quachita SP, but drove thru and liked it. Crater of the Diamonds SP is on our return list, but it's a drive from the Ozarks. It was rebuilt a few years ago. Someone mentioned Washington AR...It's a time machine, historic town left in the 1800's era. We stayed in cabins at Lake Ft. Smith SP, but I don't remember the camping layout. It moved from near the dam and was rebuilt not many years ago. I've been impressed with all AR SP. All these areas are South of I40.
  • arkidog's avatar
    arkidog
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    Petit Jean SP is one our favorite when we take our 7 yr old granddaughter camping with us. Area "A" is all FHU (full hookup) and lots of area for kids to run around and play. Areas B, C & D are more rustic, close together in the woods and have water & electric only. Great hiking trails.
    For old buildings there are a couple in the park.
    About 40 miles from the campground at the community of Pottsville is the "Potts Inn" built in 1857 and used as a Butterfield Stagecoach stop until the start of the Civil War. Serval other old buildings there also. Google it.
    For a future trip check out Craters of Diamonds SP. About 30 miles south of there is Old Washington SP. A whole town that is a State Park. There are tours of the old houses. fantastic gun museum and blacksmith shop. The community goes back to the early 1800's. This was on the road to Texas so a lot of history.
    Have a great time.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Yup, Petit Jean is a great choice. Took my granddaughters there and they walked my legs off!
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    If you love to hike then Petit Jean (no e at the end) is the place for you. Great campground and the best hiking trails in the state. There is also a lake, I don't know how good the fishing will be. They have a boat rental but it may be closed this late in the season.
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    We like Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs too. Lots to do in Hot Springs and the state park is beautiful.
    http://www.historystateparks.com/register-landmarks/

    Some things may be temporarily closed in Hot Springs since it's a National Park.

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