Just How Big is the Largest State Park in Arkansas?

The fall season is upon us and many folks will venture outside to not only see the changing colors of trees but to enjoy camping outdoors at this wonderful time of the year.

Arkansas is home to 52 state parks but you may be wondering what is the largest State Park in Arkansas? It's Hobbs State Park located in the beautiful Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas spanning more than 12,054 acres around the southern shore of scenic Beaver Lake and War Eagle Creek.

Hobbs is one of Arkansas' most popular state parks in fact, it's twice the size of Arkansas' second largest state park, Village Creek.

Big Park

Hobbs has 60 miles of border with 22 miles that surround Beaver Lake with an interpretive center that educates its visitors about the region and what the park offers.

With several scenic hiking trails that offer everything from lake views to a natural spring with plenty of wooded forests.

One of the highlights is the Peter Van Winkle trail which features a walk-thru tunnel that goes under Highway 12.

If you look really carefully you may spot Van Winkle sleeping by a tree but one thing is for certain follow this trail and you will wind up in the 1840s Antebellum Lumber Mill with lots of historic ruins, a blacksmith shop, and a garden terrace according to Only in Your State.

Hunting and Shooting Range

The park has 11 primitive campsites, access to mountain biking, and is the only park in Arkansas that allows regulated hunting and has the only shooting range in an Arkansas State Park.

Astronomy Program

By the way, it has just been announced that Hobbs State Park will be hosting a free astronomy program on Saturday, September, 16, at 7:30 PM. The program will feature guest speaker Jack Haynes for a discussion on the five brightest planets in our solar system. No reservations are required and sky viewing begins at 8:30 PM with telescopes that will be provided. Get more information at the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area.

If you love camping and hiking Hobbs State Park in Arkansas is a must for your bucket list this fall or anytime.