The Happiness Function

This guide is for anyone who would like to visit Mount Magazine to camp, hike, take photos, and enjoy the sunset. It isn’t a list of every activity you could possibly do at Mount Magazine.

Mount Magazine State Park near Paris, Arkansas, is the perfect mountain escape to reinvigorate yourself from the workweek.

The park has a special place in our hearts, and we cannot wait to share more about it with you.

It was one of the first places we went camping when we got our Aliner, and one of the last places Sunny, our chihuahua, went camping with us before he went to Heaven.

This is also the park where we tested our new camera equipment.

2-Day Weekend Itinerary

Here’s what you should do while visiting.

Day 1:

• Arrive and check-in at the Visitor Center to camp (check-in is around 3:00 pm)
• Set up camp (or check-in to the Lodge).
• Walk to the entrance of the campground, and across the street is the trailhead for Signal Hill
• Hike Signal Hill.
• Have an early camp dinner, then head over to the Cameron Bluff Lookout to catch a sunset.
• Enjoy camp and hit the sack.

Day 2:

• Wake up early and hike the North Rim Trail.
• Drive around and take pictures of the park, and check out the Benefield Overlook Area.
• Head back home.
• Stop in Paris, Arkansas, and take photos of their precious recreation of the Lovelock Bridge from Paris, France. It is so cute!

Best Things To Do While Visiting

Hiking Trails

The state park has over 14 miles of hiking trails. The Ouachita Mountains are beautiful.

There are eight main trails to explore, but we want to share our two favorites for you.

North Rim Trail Details

• Features: Hike through the cedars and oaks, and across a few creeks, for epic views from the bluff openings. The famous photography point is Dill Point.
• Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
• Distance: 2.7 miles (one-way) from the Visitor Center to the Cove Lake Trail parking lot north of the campground, or a 4.2-mile loop connecting to the Mossback Ridge Trail.
• Parking: Yes, multiple trailhead parking lot options (east or west ends).
• Dog friendly: Yes, leash-requirement.
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes, at the Visitor Center or campground area.
• Cell Phone Reception: Yes, enough to use AllTrails online.

Signal Hill Trail Details

• Features: Signal Hill is the tallest point in Arkansas at an elevation of 2,753 feet.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Parking: Yes, near the campground entrance or at the Lodge.
• Dog friendly: Yes, leash-requirement.
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes, at the Visitor Center, campground, and Lodge.
• Cell Phone Reception: Yes, enough to use AllTrails online.

Hiking enthusiasts are sure to have fun exploring two of the most fantastic hiking trails in Arkansas.

Catch a Sunset at the Cameron Bluff Overlook

Pause to watch the sunset from the Cameron Bluff Overlook. This is an excellent spot for capturing great photos. There is a nice parking lot here.

Camping

We absolutely loved camping here.

There are only 18 campsites with full hookups at the park.

You will want to make reservations ahead of time by calling the park or booking online. The campground fills up fast.

There are restrooms and shower facilities. The full hook-up campsites are spaced out nicely among trees so that you won’t feel crowded.

There is barely any cell phone reception at the campground.

How much does it cost to camp at Mount Magazine?

To check campground rates, call the park ahead of time or check online.

Map of Mount Magazine State Park

Directions to Mount Magazine

The park is located off Scenic Highway 309 near Paris, Arkansas. It is about 16 miles from Paris. Google Maps will get you there.

You can also access the park from Havana, Arkansas. From Havana, the park is 10 miles north on Highway 309.

Other Questions You May Have While Planning

Do you have to pay to get into Mount Magazine State Park?

The park is free to use unless you are camping.

There are camping fees.

Does Mount Magazine have showers?

Yes, there are showers at the campground area, along with flushing toilets.

Is there cell phone reception?

The cell phone reception at Mount Magazine is hit-and-miss. It depends on where you are standing. Plan to unplug and unwind.

If you’re hiking, you might want to download offline maps. For example, we use the AllTrails app on our iPhones.

Is the park pet-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails and at the campground on a leash.

When is the best time of year to visit?

Mount Magazine is open year-round. So, depending on what you’re planning to do, you can enjoy the park all year long.

Spring: If you’re visiting in the spring, the temperatures will be cooler, and the plants will just be starting to green up. It will be a great time to hike when it’s cooler.

Summer: For summer adventures, hike earlier in the day to beat the heat. Most of the trails are in the shade. Be sure to pack bug/tick spray.

Fall: Is always an incredible time of year to play in the Ouachitas. The mountains are bursting with color.

Winter: Is cooler but a great time to enjoy the scenic hikes. There are no bugs, and the days are shorter, so there is less time to explore. However, it can get cold here in the winter, so wear appropriate winter hiking clothes.

Is the park crowded?

Overall, the park isn’t crowded. We visited over a Thursday-Friday during the middle of July. Weekends are busier, of course.

Thanks for reading.

❤️ Ashlee & Pablo

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