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Devil’s Den State Park is an Arkansas icon. It is a beloved natural and historic treasure where over the decades park visitors have made memories to cherish a lifetime. Nestled deep in an Ozark valley, Devil’s Den connects you to picturesque Lee Creek Valley and the craftsmanship and conservation legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the “Tree Army” of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Devil’s Den is the perfect blending together of nature and CCC-Rustic-style park architecture that mirrors its natural settings.When you experience a park like Devil’s Den, you too will understand why these parks built in the 1930s by the CCC are among America’s most popular park facilities. Devil’s Den is a CCC masterpiece in a picturesque Ozark Valley. Lee Creek flows through the park, and the Ozark National Forest surrounds it.
This valley in the renowned Ozark Mountains, known for their natural beauty and lush oak-hickory forest, was selected as a park site in the 1930s by the CCC. The men used native materials to craft the park’s rustic-style wood and stone structures. This work includes an impressive native stone dam that spans Lee Creek in the heart of the park forming peaceful, eight-acre Lake Devil. Rental canoes and pedal boats are available at the park.
Hiking, backpacking, and mountain bike trails lead to backcountry areas in the park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest.
CAMPING
Seventeen fully-equipped cabins featuring kitchens and fireplaces are nestled in the natural beauty of this park. These cabins are available throughout the year. Wood-burning fireplaces in the cabins are available seasonally.
A park cafe and swimming pool (both open in summer only) overlook the lake. Groceries, gifts and snacks can be purchased at the park store.
Campsites are spaced along the valley. These 143 sites include 44 Class AAA, *12 Class B, *13 Class C, 24 Class D (no hookups), eight Hike-in (tent only), and 42 sites with water and electric hookups in the Horse Camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails. (The horse camp does not include a corral or stables. Feel free to bring your own portable paddock.) [*NOTE: Eighteen of these campsites are scheduled for renovation in 2015. Check with the park for details.] The park also includes a group camp, standard pavilion, and mountain bike trails.
Miles of hiking and multiple use trails wind through Devil’s Den and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Caves, crevices and bluff overlooks can be explored here. Take a wet-water hike up Lee Creek, or trek the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. This trail from the park through the Ozark National Forest leads backpackers deep into the hills and hollows of the rugged scenic Ozarks.
Backpackers may choose from two primitive camp areas. Hikers are required to obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center before venturing onto the Butterfield Trail.
CAVES
Devil’s Den State Park includes caves and crevices associated with a unique sandstone crevice area that is the largest such area in the United States. The longest of these is Devil’s Den Cave (550 feet). The presence of both sandstone and limestone caves at one park is quite rare. [NOTE: The park’s Farmer’s Cave and Big Ear Cave closed to the public beginning late-May 2009. On April 16, 2010, two additional caves, the Devil’s Den Cave and Ice Box Cave, closed. These temporary closures were necessary as a prevention to protect these four caves from the the possibility of contamination from White-nose Syndrome, a fungus that has killed millions of hybernating bats in the eastern half of the United States as well as several Canadian provinces. The disease has now been confirmed as far west as western Missouri and north central Arkansas.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Devil’s Den features a horse camp area that offers access to approximately 20 miles of riding trails in the Lee Creek Valley and on surrounding ridges.
Horses are welcome on Highways 170, 74, and 220, but are not permitted on other park roads or in camping area other than the horse camp. Also, horses are not permitted in the crevice area, Yellow Rock, or on any of the hiking trails except where the horse trails and the Butterfield Hiking Trail are the same. Mountain bike riders are also allowed on these trails, but must yield to horses.
Water for horses and riders is available at the trail head. Here, riders will find a complete campground where they can camp with their horses. The campground features campsites with hookups, as well as, a modern bathhouse that also includes a bathing area for horses. Call ahead to check on the availability of the horse camp.
Park interpreters provide guided hikes along several miles of trails. Programs, nature activities, and other family-friendly things to do are hosted daily during summer. They are available on weekends in spring and fall as well. Check our online calendar for detailed schedules. Interpretive programming is available by request for groups.
GEOCACHING
The Civilian Conservation Corps, the “Tree Army” of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, began building this park in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. The camp enrollees who worked here created a lasting legacy. The park stands as a tribute to their craftsmanship and conservation achievements. This area has been designated a National Historic District and holds what has been called the most complete example of CCC park architecture. Lee Creek Valley provided the native wood and stone that the CCC used to craft the park’s CCC/Rustic Style buildings. In all, a native stone dam, a unique pavilion/restaurant, cabins in several styles, roads, trails, stone walls, bridges, as well as, the Yellow Rock Overlook.
4X4’S & ATV’S
Just down the road from the park, off-road activities can be enjoyed on the Buckhorn Trail. According to reports, these trails are mostly mild, as well as, family friendly.
To reach Devil’s Den State Park, travel eight miles south of Fayetteville on I-49 to Exit #53 (West Fork), then go 17 miles southwest on Ark. 170; or take I-49 Exit #45 (Winslow) and go 7 miles west on Ark. 74 to the park. [TRAILERS LONGER THAN 26 FT. SHOULD USE CAUTION WHEN USING ARK. 74 DUE TO THIS MOUNTAINOUS ROAD.]
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
479-761-3325
PARK ADDRESS
11333 West Arkansas Highway 74
West Fork, AR 72774
devilsden@arkansas.com
GPS: 35.779945, -94.250033
For more information click HERE.
Have you visited this state park? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
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