TreeTopRanch
Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Joined: 08/22/2004
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We just returned from Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. This park had come highly recommended by several RV.NET regulars. My expectations were exceeded greatly. We will visit again.
Trip Metrics:
Miles traveled: 1005 (includes driving around at park)
MPG: 11.2
Avg Price per gallon (diesel): $4.66
Days at Park: 5
The park is spread out with plenty of room between sites. All facilities worked with no interruption. The park was easy to get into and out of. The only word of caution goes to the 1 mile long hill that you must climb to get into the park. It is steep with a couple of sharp turns. By the time we got to the top of the hill, my truck had kicked on fans that I didn't even know it had. I was unable (maybe unwilling) to exceed 25 MPH climbing the hill.
The hiking and scenery at this park was simply incredible. We hiked the Cedar Creek trail, Cedar Falls trail (twice), Rock House Cave trail (starting from the frontier cabin), and Bear Cave trail (starting from Mather Lodge). The trails were more strenuous than I had anticipated but the challenge was welcomed.
We were so blessed with the weather. We arrived on Sunday (Father's Day) and it was a bit warm however by Monday a cool front had come in and made it very pleasant for the remainder of our stay (Friday). We had low 70's for our morning hikes with the peak temp hitting lower to mid-80's. The evening cooled down nicely making a fire welcoming.
Be sure that you have everything you need (minus small items for around the campsite) because you be required to drive 42 miles (round trip) to the nearest major store. We needed to upgrade our daughter's shoes (her sneakers were not cutting it on the trails) so we had to make a trip into "town".
This park is simply a wonderful treasure. We are now thinking that a fall trip would be warranted.
OK...for the pics:
This pic was taken from Cedar Creek trail. What a great hike.
This pic was taken of Cedar Falls.
This pic was taken of Lake Bailey at sunset. We walk about 100 yards from our campsite to take this photo.
This pic was taken along Cedar Falls trail:
This pic was taken of our camp site (site 23) the last day. We got a small sprinkle that morning.
TreeTopRanch
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woolfy
St. Charles Mo.
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Joined: 10/06/2006
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Thanks for the pictures and review. This is one of the places we planned on going to. Nice to know were going to some place GREAT.
The Doll House
2007 Itasca Spirit 31' Ford V-10
Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.
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hawkpat
Kansas
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Joined: 06/22/2005
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Thanks for sharing. We go to southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas often. Will have to include this park.
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rvnutts
Hampton, Arkansas
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Joined: 02/11/2007
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Wow, what great pictures! Thanks so much for sharing and for the review. I live in Ar and have not ever been there. I am putting it on my list!
Lynn
Brian and Lynn
11 yr. old son Sam
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sdagro
Independence,LA
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Joined: 01/21/2006
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We went there for 5 days at Christmas. Simply beautiful.Had 2-4 " of snow which made it even better. Just enough to change the scenery but not too much to hender getting around. The lookout ws also gorgeous. We want to make a spring trip one day. Steve A. Dagro
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VolFamily
Tennessee
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Joined: 06/13/2007
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Just a quick note to add some of the wonderful things PJ has to offer: rock climibing from experienced (requiring permit) to just for fun novice stuff (up my alley!). Make sure you include time for Turtle Rocks and Bear Cave rocks (great for a sunset view). There are two "country stores" where you can get groceries.
OP: Beautiful pics!!
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leahsdad
Senior Member
Joined: 07/02/2003
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Both "country stores" Petit Jean General Store and The Cedar Store are closed-
The Cedar store has sold and will be undergoing a remodel this summer and winter with an opening of Memorial day 2009
so be sure to stock up before you head up--closest c-store is Opello--22mi RT
Paul
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HuckFinn410
Kansas City
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Joined: 11/16/2005
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We just returned from 5 days at Petit Jean Park. As described in this thread, the park was outstanding, the campgrounds were extremely clean, well run and well managed. The sites were far apart with water, sewer and 30 and 50 amp. connections.
We thoroughly enjoyed the great hiking, kayaking, pool and everything else about this park.
Thanks for the great recommendation.
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