Devil’s Den State Park

We traveled to Devil's Den State Park for the week of March 4th, 2024. Heading north on I-49 we entered the park from the West Fork exit on highway 156. The southern route on highway 74 from the Winslow exit limits trailer length to 26 feet and our rig's overall length (bumper to hitch) is 30 feet. Access to the park from either direction you are greeted by the unique state park signs. All state parks we have visited have similar style signs with images of park features. I try to capture a picture of the signs at every park we visit.

Highway 74 Park Sign

Highway 156 Park Sign

Our initial plan was to camp with John and Lynda and several of their friends nearby. We had reserved campsites #85 and #87, but John and Lynda were unable to go and their friend backed out as well. So we relinquished site #85 and we took site #87. Our campsite backed up to Lee Creek on the end of the creek side loop. It sat atop a terraced pad with a railing behind and stairs down to the picnic table, fire pit and BBQ grill. From the back of the trailer and the picnic area we could hear Lee Creek trickling. 

Dry conditions in Washington county had resulted in a burn ban being effect. The park did not allow open fires of any kind. No campfire in the fire ring or charcoal in the campsite grills. After arrival on Monday we waited to setup any outdoor camping with pending rainstorm overnight. We did get a little rain including what sounded like small hail, but the majority of the storm passed to the south. Tuesday and Wednesday were rain free with more rain coming for Thursday, but no campfires all week long.  

Lake Devil Dam

View from a Roadside Picnic Area Toward Lake Devil

Visitor Center

Wednesday I was able to take the short hike to the Moonshiners Cave. The trailhead is located just inside the park across from the highway 74 Devil's Den State Park entrance sign. There are two trails that leave from the parking area. I followed the trail that leaves directly from the parking area and it was taking me farther and farther from the Moonshiners Cave so I cut through the woods to pickup the second trail.  The second trail starts about 100 yards from the parking area and as it turned out was the most direct route to the cave about 0.5 miles down the hill. 

Along the trail I ran into what appeared to be an old homeplace given the patches of daffodils. 

Above the cave was a primitive camping area. This area and the cave are not actually in the state park as the trail crosses the park boundary and enters the national forest.

Some people feel the need to decorate the park features. I'm not sure what goes through someone's head that drives them to stop at a store and buy spray paint. I guess every dog has to mark their territory.

Below is a photo compilation with a short video included.

We spent Thursday in Johnson, AR with John and Alison at Willow Springs Women's Hospital waiting for completion of Lynda's surgery. Surgery was successful and Lynda is on the road to recovery. Praise the Lord!