7363 AR-141
Jonesboro, Arkansas
870-932-2615

Atop the unique landform of rolling hills called Crowley's Ridge, Lake Frierson State Park is best known for its wild dogwoods and a 335-acre fishing lake known for its fishing. At this small park in northeast Arkansas, visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, a picnic area, a pavilion, rental boats, a barrier-free fishing pier, and camping. The park fronts the western edge of picturesque Crowley’s Ridge, a geological phenomenon which rises 100-200 feet above the surrounding countryside and stretches from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Helena, Arkansas. Constructed in the 1970s by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Lake Frierson is one of ten reservoirs along Crowley’s Ridge managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. On the eastern shore of the lake is 114-acre Lake Frierson State Park which was added to the Arkansas State Parks system in 1975. The lake was named for Charles Frierson, a Jonesboro (Craighead County) attorney who played a major role in securing the property.

This timber filled lake provides excellent habitat for bass, bream, channel catfish and crappie. There is a free boat launch ramp on park property. Visitors may rent fishing boats (no motors) or pedal boats (seasonal). Fishing boat rentals, boating supplies, tackle, fishing license and other items are available at the Visitor Center. A barrier-free fishing pier is located in the day use area. While hunting isn’t allowed at Lake Frierson State Park, visitors and campers can hunt, when in season, on the three sides of the lake managed by the Game and Fish Commission.

Lake Frierson State Park is an excellent wildlife viewing area. Along the park trails watch for deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, snakes, box turtles, songbirds and wildflowers and aquatic turtles, frogs, toads and snakes can be found near the lake. Each spring, the wild dogwoods throughout the park blossom and turn the landscape into a blaze of white. Lake Frierson boasts of having more dogwoods than any other state park its size. Visitors can immerse themselves in this beauty by taking advantage of the Dogwood Lane Trail. This approximately 1/2-mile long self-guided interpretive trail has a 1/8-mile spur that leads to the Visitor Center. Interpretive and educational programs are available year round. Programs may include guided nature hikes, slide shows, demonstrations, special events and weekend programming. Schools, scouts and other organized groups are encouraged to request special programs year-round with advance notice. Annual events in the park include an Earth Day celebration and a children’s fishing derby in the spring, and the Great Arkansas Clean-Up event in late summer.

Bird Watching
On the lake and along the shoreline, osprey, woodpeckers, herons and kingfishers are seen year round. Lake Frierson State Park is also a good viewing area for migratory waterfowl in the winter. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism maintains a checklist for birds that can be seen in the park.

Camping
Located in a beautiful, wooded area near the lake are seven campsites. Four are equipped for RV’s and camping trailers with electric and water hook-ups. Three are for tents only with tables and grills, and restrooms. Visit Lake Frierson State Park’s website for more information.

A gift shop is located inside the Visitor Center. A wide selection of educational, gift and souvenir items are available as well as necessities such as ice, wood, charcoal, and fishing tackle. You may also purchase your Arkansas fishing and hunting licenses here.

Overlooking the lake, the picnic areas offers tables, grills, water and nearby restrooms. Adjacent to the picnic area is a barrier-free playground. A 2400-square foot multi-purpose, barrier-free, climate controlled pavilion overlooks Lake Frierson. This facility includes restrooms, electrical outlets, ceiling fans, tables, and a large sheltered grill. It is available throughout the year for family reunions, company picnics, weddings, birthday parties, etc. and can accommodate approximately 80 people.

The wealth of activities available and the natural beauty of the park are what make Lake Frierson State Park a popular Arkansas destination.

Visiting Lake Frierson State Park
Lake Frierson State Park is open daily dawn to dusk
Visitor Center hours: 8 am - 5 pm
There is no charge to visit Lake Frierson State Park.

Directions: The entrance to Lake Frierson State Park is located at 7363 AR-141 approximately 9.5 miles north of Jonesboro or approximately 8 miles south of US-412.