Mount Magazine State Park RV & Campground Guide
Arkansas
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Mount Magazine State Park is in Arkansas and covers over 2,200 acres. The terrain is rugged and hilly, which allows for stunning views from many vantage points in the park. It has been a protected area since 1938, but the park was not established until 1998. One of the highlights at the park is The Lodge, a rustic hideaway with 13 nearby cabins, a restaurant, a fitness center, and other amenities. The park hosts the Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival each year, which celebrates the state butterfly and the many rare butterfly species native to the area.
Nearby Cities: • Havana, AR • Waveland, AR • Blue Mountain, AR • Paris, AR
Spring 41 F – 81 F
Summer 68 F – 94 F
Fall 40 F – 86 F
Winter 29 F – 56 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mount Magazine State Park
Campground Accommodations Cameron Bluff Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 33 feet • Other amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, grills
Parkside RV Park
This RV park is near the Booneville Police Department, and also near a city park. It’s close to some fast food restaurants and other places to eat.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: there are not many amenities, but the low price reflects that!
Grape County RV Park
This campground is about 50 minutes from the park, but is located in the wine capital of Arkansas. Park your RV and spend a day or two exploring the vineyards nearby.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: n/a
Other amenities: vineyard tours, storm shelter
What to Do at
Mount Magazine State Park
Whether you are looking for a challenging hike to explore Arkansas's great outdoors or want to enjoy more leisurely activities like fishing and nature-watching, Mount Magazine State Park has an adventure waiting for you.
Inside Mount Magazine State Park
Because the views at Mount Magazine are so spectacular, there are plenty of things to do outdoors while enjoying them! Hiking trails snake through the park, and there are scenic drives with spots to pull over. Bring binoculars and look for birds and other wildlife. There are plenty of areas for picnicking, and several of them have grills as well.
Some other cool experiences and activities at the park include:
Bicycling: Bikes are available for rent at the lodge and road cycling as allowed throughout the park. There are bike lanes, and mountain biking is allowed in some areas as well.
Fishing: The rock quarry is home to bream, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Rock climbing: Climbing is allowed in certain places where the sensitive plants and animals’ habitats won’t be affected. Check in at the visitor center for more information if you’re interested.
Horseback riding: You can bring your own horse and ride on the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail near the northeast rock quarry.
Fishing
Many visitors to Mount Magazine State Park enjoy the solitude of fishing at the rock quarry. Fish commonly caught at the park include bream, largemouth bass, and catfish. Anglers will need an Arkansas fishing license before fishing at the park and can get one online before they arrive.
Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed at Little Pee Dee State Park, and there are multiple hidden caches around the park that are placed by private users. Most geocaches contain items that are related to other activities of the park, including camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
Nature Watching
As you explore the park's many trails, overlooks, and other features, you can see numerous wildlife species. These include large mammals like coyotes, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Other animals you might spot include wild turkeys, eagles, sparrows, and more than 86 butterfly species.
Hiking
Mount Magazine has nine hiking trails that are suitable for a range of fitness and skill levels. The 1.5-mile Signal Hill Trail is rated as moderate, and it is among the more popular trails as it leads to the peak of Mount Magazine. A few of the other popular trails within the park include the Bear Hollow Trail, the Benefield Loop Trail, and the Cove Lake Trail.
Climbing
The mountainous landscape at Mount Magazine State Park makes it well-suited for sport and technical climbing, bouldering, and rappelling. Popular climbing areas are the 2,753-foot Mount Magazine and the 80-foot tall bluff that looks over Petit Jean River Valley. Climbing is only permitted in specific areas to protect habitats, and climbers must check in at the Visitor Center before starting their climbs.
Biking
Mountain bikes are permitted on the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail and the Will Apple's Road Trail. In addition, many of the roads throughout the park have bike lanes. You can rent a bicycle at the visitor center if you don't bring your own.
Swimming
Lodge and cabin guests can take advantage of the indoor pool. Several other natural swimming areas are located within minutes of Mount Magazine State Park at Spring Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, and Cove Lake.
How to Get to
Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park is easy to reach from Route 10. Between Danville and Magazine on this road, you will turn north on Route 309 in the small town of Havana. This takes you directly to the park's southern entrance. Route 39 is also known as the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. You can also reach Mount Magazine from the north. Route 22 runs from Dardanville to Paris. In the center of Paris, turn south on Route 309. You can then follow this winding road south until you reach the park's northern entrance. Entrance to this and all other Arkansas state parks is free for all ages. Parking is located at the campsites as well as near the Visitor Center, the overlook, several of the trailheads, the amphitheater, and the day-use areas.
Entering Mount Magazine State Park
There is no fee to enter Mount Magazine State Park.
Mount Magazine is located in the beautiful Mossback Ridge mountains, making this state park popular for adventures that range from rock climbing and rappelling to hang gliding, ATV riding, mountain biking, and more. It is also a great location for more relaxed activities, such as taking scenic nature hikes, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Interpretive programs are available at the Visitor Center throughout the year, and additional programs are presented at the amphitheater during the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park is a year-round destination, but the best time of year for your visit depends on the activities that interest you. June is a busy month at the park due to the popularity of the Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival. Many visitors also enjoy the mild weather in the spring and fall seasons.
Mount Magazine State Park is recognized as the home to more than 86 species of butterflies, including several rare species. In addition, the state park is a native habitat for sparrows, eagles, wild turkeys, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.
The 18 camping spots in the state park accommodate both tents and RVs. All sites have full hookups, but the available electrical amperage varies by site.
The camping fee at Mount Magazine State Park ranges from $28 to $32 per night. Reservations are not required, but they are available by phone. Because there are only 18 sites available, reservations are recommended.
Your pets are welcome at Mount Magazine State Park, and you can take them with you on the hiking trails. However, you are expected to keep them on a leash and must clean up after them.