The Happiness Function

Devil’s Den State Park is one of our favorite places to hike and camp in Arkansas. In this guide, we’ll share where to hike, things to see, and where to stay.

Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas, is an incredible location to spend a weekend.

The park is full of trails, caves, dense forests, bluffs, and cliff formations and is an excellent location for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Perfect Weekend Escape

Devil’s Den is not too far from several cities, such as Tulsa, Fayetteville, and Little Rock, making it an easy weekend escape to reinvigorate yourself from the workweek.

The park has multiple designated campgrounds offering sites that can accommodate tents and RVs.

The park also has 64 miles of trails for mountain bikers and hikers to explore.

The Best Things To Do at Devil’s Den State Park

Hiking Trails

Anyone who likes hiking will love it here.

The most popular trails offer incredible terrain, from caves to bluff overlooks and views of the Ozark Mountains.

Our two favorite hikes here are the Devil’s Den Trail and Yellow Rock Trail.

Devil’s Den Trail Details

• Features: Remarkable geologic features such as caves, crevasses, a waterfall, and an overlook
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Parking: Yes, at the trailhead
• Dog friendly: Yes, leash-requirement
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes, at the Visitor Center or campgrounds
• Cell Phone Reception: None

You can see several caves within the park (but you can’t go inside), such as the Devil’s Den Cave and the Devil’s Ice Box – all along the Devil’s Den Trail.

At the Devil’s Ice Box, you can feel the cool air coming out and the cave breathing. However, to protect the local bat population from White-Nose Syndrome, all the caves are closed, but you can still take pictures of them from the opening.

Yellow Rock Trail Details

• Features: Yellow Rock Bluff with epic views of Lee Creek Valley below
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Parking: Yes. There are two parking areas. One is at the CCC Overlook (upper trailhead), and the other parking area is near Camp Area A (lower trailhead).
• Dog friendly: Yes, leash-requirement
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes, at the Visitor Center or campgrounds
• Cell Phone Reception: Hit and Miss

Outdoor lovers are sure to have fun exploring two of the most amazing hiking trails in Arkansas.

Mountain Biking

One of the best parts about exploring Devil’s Den is that you can ride your bike on many trails.

Fossil Flats is the mountain biking trail that made Arkansas famous for mountain biking.

The International Mountain Biking Association rated the park with world-class mountain biking.

Don’t miss biking the Monument Trail and Fossil Flats if you’re into mountain biking.

The park also hosts the Annual Ozark Mountain Biking Festival every spring.

Dip Your Toes in Lee Creek

The crystal-clear mountain waters of Lee Creek run through the park.

Take your hiking boots off and dip your feet into the ice-cold waters of Lee Creek after a long hike in the summer. The water is so clear; you can even see little fish swimming around.

We were seriously obsessed with watching them try to nibble on our legs and toes.

Camping

Those looking for a relaxing weekend away can enjoy camping in one of the well-maintained campgrounds that Devil’s Den has available.

There are four designated camping areas: one for tent sites, one to hike-in near Lee Creek, another for RVs, and the last for horse trailers. There are 135 campsites.

We stayed at Camp Area E with our Aliner Camper. The campground was clean and well-spaced, so we didn’t feel crowded or cramped.

In addition to utility hookups, there’s a bathhouse where you can shower after your daily adventures before heading to bed.

How much does it cost to camp?

The rates for camping at Devil’s Den depend on which campground area you are using.

Call the park ahead of time to check campground rates or check online.

Map of Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas

Directions to Devil’s Den State Park + Important RV Access Info

There are two main entrances that are easy to find. Along with adequate road signage, Google Maps will also get you there.

One entrance can be found off I-49 near Winslow, Arkansas. From I-49, take exit #45 to State Highway 74. The park is 7 miles from the exit. IF YOU ARE BRINGING AN RV, DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE. The switchbacks are tight and steep.

The second entrance is off State Highway 170. From West Fork, it is 17 miles to the entrance. Use this entrance/exit if you have a trailer or RV.

The road to the Visitor Center is narrow and tight; consider this ahead of time before trying to check in with your camping rig.

Other Questions You May Have While Planning

Do you have to pay to get into Devil’s Den State Park?

The park is free to use unless you are camping.

There are camping fees.

Does Devil’s Den have showers?

Yes, there are showers at the campground areas.

Is there cell phone reception?

There is no cell phone reception at Devil’s Den unless you’re hiking high up on the mountains or bluffs. So be sure to download trail maps for offline use ahead of time.

Why is it called Devil’s Den Arkansas?

Devil’s Den got its name from the crevices and caves within the park. There are approximately 60 crevices and caves in the area. It was also known historically as a hideout for the old Wild West outlaws.

Is the park pet-friendly?

Dogs are allowed on the trails and at the campground on a leash.

Have fun out there!

❤️ Ashlee & Pablo

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