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State Park · AR

Felsenthal State Park

Felsenthal State Park offers a unique blend of swampy bottomlands and expansive lakes, making it a premier destination for fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation in southeastern Arkansas.

State Park14004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1400

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Felsenthal State Park

Felsenthal State Park offers a unique blend of swampy bottomlands and expansive lakes, making it a premier destination for fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation in southeastern Arkansas.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Union County in southeastern Arkansas, Felsenthal State Park spans a mixture of cypress swamps, bottomland hardwood forests, and large lake areas formed by the D'Arbonne and Saline Rivers meeting the Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The park is known for its rich wetland ecology, including bald cypress and tupelo trees, and provides important habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, deer, and fish. The park was established in 1976 and offers a peaceful environment for fishing, especially for trophy largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in the adjacent Ouachita and Saline River systems. Boating and canoeing are popular on the extensive waterways, while anglers and hunters also come for the park's abundant game and fish. Felsenthal State Park has 21 developed campsites along the lake shore, a boat ramp, picnic areas, and a visitors center with interpretive exhibits. It lies within a largely forested region of Arkansas and serves as a gateway to the surrounding National Wildlife Refuges and other conservation areas. The park attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for quiet water experiences, wildlife observation, and relaxation among the unique wetland landscape. Birders can observe a wide variety of waterbirds, including egrets, herons, and bald eagles. The park’s remote feel combined with accessible amenities makes it ideal for family outings and serious anglers alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Felsenthal State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Sunset Serenity in Saline★ 6.5⌖ 63 miSunset Viewing
Saline

Sunset Serenity in Saline

Explore serene Saline in northern Louisiana, perfect for sunset viewing and light hiking. Enjoy birdwatching at Lake Saline and strolls through pine forests. Ideal for relaxing getaways, it remains quiet throughout the year. Drive-in access from nearby Ruston.

Sunset ViewingView Details→
Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake★ 8.0⌖ 83 miCanoeing
Caddo lake

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake

Explore the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake straddling Texas and Louisiana. Enjoy canoeing and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting. Best visited in spring and fall, it’s a serene site for paddling and birdwatching. Fishing requires a license.

Trail Adventure at Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail★ 7.2⌖ 103 miHiking
Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail

Trail Adventure at Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail

Explore the scenic Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This tranquil path offers hiking and biking opportunities amid lush landscapes. Best visited in spring and fall, it's family-friendly and easily accessible, located near Hot Springs National Park.

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge★ 8.2⌖ 105 miBirdwatching
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling area in Jonesville, LA. Known for birdwatching and seasonal migrations, the refuge also offers hiking and fishing. Ideal for photographers seeking quiet retreats, especially during spring and fall.

BirdwatchingView Details→
Waterfall and Nature at Sunset Trail★ 4.0⌖ 105 miHiking
Sunset Trail

Waterfall and Nature at Sunset Trail

Explore the stunning Sunset Trail in Hot Springs National Park. Enjoy waterfall views at a historic dam. This scenic trail is great for hiking and bird watching. Best visited in spring or fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Felsenthal Lock and Dam providing unique waterway access and fish habitat✦ Old-growth bald cypress swamps with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities✦ Excellent largemouth bass fishing acclaimed statewide✦ Remote boat-accessible backwater channels for paddling adventures
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Felsenthal State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Felsenthal State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Felsenthal State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Felsenthal State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily vehicle entrance fees apply; Arkansas State Parks Pass accepted

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Felsenthal State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Felsenthal Campground

Located near the lake shore with 21 sites including water and electric hookups, close to boat ramps and picnic areas.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Felsenthal State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

El Dorado
⌖ 12.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

El Dorado, Arkansas

A spirited small town offering lakeside paddling, forest trails, and seasonal outdoor festivals with a welcoming, low-key atmosphere.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Bernice
⌖ 13.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bernice, Louisiana

A quiet small town offering peaceful lakeside recreation, fishing, and easy access to woodlands for paddling and light trail exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Norphlet
⌖ 19.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Norphlet, Arkansas

A small Southern town offering quiet rural landscapes with access to regional outdoor recreation, ideal for travelers seeking low-key nature escapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Lisbon
⌖ 20.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lisbon, Louisiana

A quiet small-town setting with rich natural surroundings offering accessible water-based and outdoor recreation opportunities in the heart of rural Louisiana.

Fall through early SpringExplore Town
Farmerville
⌖ 22.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Farmerville, Louisiana

A quiet rural town offering peaceful outdoor activities centered on water recreation and forested areas with a warm southern charm.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Union Parish
⌖ 22.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Union Parish, Louisiana

A rural outdoor destination offering peaceful nature escapes, with a focus on paddling, fishing, and quiet hiking among lakes and forested areas.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Felsenthal State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Full Cabin | Lodging in Boles | Boles, Arkansas · 75.61 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Fourche Mountain Adventures Campground

Full Cabin | Lodging in Boles |

Discover the rugged beauty of Fourche Mountain with a stay at this spacious cabin campground. Perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking, it’s your gateway to authentic land adventures in a stunning natural setting.

2–5 hours

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