21 State Parks in 2021- Part 17
The largest state park is Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. It lies in Northwest Arkansas and most of its land still remains untouched and in its natural beautiful state. This park offers campgrounds for primitive camping, many trails, a large Visitor’s Center with many exhibits, many guided programs, a gun shooting range, and allows seasonal hunting within the park. This park is not very far from the hustle and bustle of northwest Arkansas, but it is tucked away nicely so you won’t feel like you are close to town.
Camping at Hobbs
Hobbs has 11 primitive campsites available. 5 are available off the Pigeon Roost trail and are accessible by hiking. Each campsite has multiple tent sites available to use, but no bathroom facilities. 6 campsites are available by either biking or hiking in to the area off the Karst Loop trail. Campsites are mainly used by seasonal hunting groups.
The trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
Hobbs trail system spans 54 miles. The trails available are for hiking, biking, and are ADA accessible. The day we were there we followed the park interpreter down part of the Historic Van Winkle trail to the creek. On this trail you can see the remains of the Van Winkle Mill and homestead and learn about its significance in the Civil War.
Interpretive Programs at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
The interpretive program Creek Critters is a fun and informative program led by the park staff. Nets and guidelines on how to look for and catch different “critters” that make up our ecosystem in the local creek are provided. The participants then wade through the creek and try to find various critters. The type of critters determines how clean the water is. Morgan loved wading through the creek with the other kids and catching creek animals. She even caught a small frog!
The Visitor’s Center at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
Everything about Hobbs is a learning experience. You can enter the visitor’s center and be greeted by a park staff member who loves to quiz visitors with Arkansas history questions. We enjoyed our time chatting and learning about several of the state symbols. Once you enter the center the friendly staff is there to recommend an interpretive program or show you to the exhibit hall. The exhibit hall houses many different animals that are native to area. It teaches about the local history and ecosystem. It even has a few live critters to view. The visitor’s center is a fun starting point for all ages.
The Shooting Range
The shooting range is unique to this park and was remarkably busy on the day we were there. Shotguns are not allowed, but you can use this range to sight in your guns before hunting trips. The range is family friendly and is a safe place for kids to learn how to target shoot. You must provide your own paper targets and ammo for shooting. The range closes during seasonal hunting for safety reasons.
Hunting at Hobbs
The most unique thing about Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is that it is the only Arkansas State Park that allows seasonal hunting. Some hunts require a special permit. For more information on Hobbs hunting see their official website, and checkout this detailed park map for Hobbs.
Final Thoughts
Hobbs is the largest state park in Arkansas, beautiful, and still untouched and in its natural state. Each month it offers a wide variety of family friendly programs for everyone to enjoy. It is unique in the fact that it is the only state park in Arkansas that allows seasonal hunting and has its own public shooting range. Where will we go on our next stop in the 21 Arkansas State parks in 2021 Challenge ? We will be heading wayyyyyy down south that’s for sure. Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!
Ready to start planning your own adventure? Email us at: amberh@destinationsinflorida.com
