The natural beauty of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas's state parks system when Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923. Petit Jean State Park mirrors the mountain's rugged beauty with its rustic, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.

The focal point of the park's impressive CCC/Rustic Style architecture is historic Mather Lodge, a 24-room hostelry on the bluff of Cedar Creek Canyon. A meal at the lodge restaurant guarantees a breathtaking view including a dramatic sunset each evening.

Near Mather Lodge are 33 fully-equipped cabins (21 with kitchens), many of which share the same bluff. Cedar Creek Canyon is the work of Cedar Creek, which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Upstream, a rock dam forms Lake Bailey, 170 acres for fishing and pedal boating. A boathouse offers a snack bar, boat rentals, and supplies for sale during summer.

Our fully equipped housekeeping cabins include: sofa-bed, fireplace, full kitchen, bath/shower, air conditioner/heater, television. Also included are basic dishes, pots & pans, utensils, range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, blender, iron & board, blankets, pillows, towels and linens. Grill and picnic table are located on the patio. There are no telephones in the cabins.

Our overnight cabins include fireplace, bath/shower, air conditioner/heater, television. Also included are coffee maker iron & board, blankets, pillows, towels and linens. There is no kitchen, living area, or phones in these cabins. Grilling or cooking is not allowed in the area where these cabins are located.

Park campsites (127 sites including Premium D, Premium B, Preferred B, and Standard B sites) are situated near Lake Bailey and in secluded woodlands. The park also offers a Group Camp Area, a Rally-style Area, two Rent-A-Camp sites, and two Rent-A-Tepee sites. The park airport offers five Fly-in Premium D campsites (for tents only).