Papoose Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Papoose Park is a popular destination in the state of Arkansas, known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is situated in the Ozark Mountains and features a range of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas.

Visitors to Papoose Park can enjoy a range of activities, including camping, fishing, and boating. There are several campsites available for overnight stays, as well as a boat launch and fishing pier.

One of the main attractions of Papoose Park is the stunning views of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors can hike to several scenic overlooks, including Hawksbill Crag, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to its natural beauty, Papoose Park is also rich in history. The park is home to several historic sites, including the Ozark Folk Center State Park and Blanchard Springs Caverns.

The best time of year to visit Papoose Park is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the park is open year-round and offers a range of activities and events throughout the year.

Overall, Papoose Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the state of Arkansas. With its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References