You don't need one. Arkansas state parks don't charge day-use entry, so there's no pass to borrow — just go. Verified against arkansas.com, checked 2026-09-04.
| Program | Not needed — free entry |
|---|---|
| What it covers | State parks are free to enter statewide; no pass is needed for day-use access. |
| How to borrow | — |
| Day-use cost otherwise | Free day-use entry statewide; fees apply only to camping/certain activities at some parks. |
| Source | arkansas.com · checked 2026-09-04 |
A separate free Passport Program (stamp booklet + "Club 52" reward tiers at 5/25/52 stamps) encourages visits to all 52 parks but is not a fee-waiver pass — it's picked up free at any park visitor center. Camping, swimming, boat launch and some other activities may still carry separate fees at individual parks.
Arkansas is one of 10 states where the question is moot — parks are free to enter, which beats any pass program. Crossing a border? Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina work the same way.
Free day-use entry means the gate: walking in, picnicking, trails and swim areas where they exist. It does not make the paid extras free — camping, cabins, shelters and boat launches are booked and paid separately, and specialty sites can carry their own fees (free day-use entry statewide; fees apply only to camping/certain activities at some parks.). The practical upshot for Arkansas residents: a spontaneous day hike costs nothing and needs no planning, which beats even the best borrow-a-pass program.
For comparison, and for Arkansas residents crossing state lines: the 20 statewide programs all follow the same shape — the parks agency or state library seeds day-use passes into public-library circulation, a resident checks one out like a book for one to three weeks, and the pass covers gate entry (never camping). California, Colorado and New York are the reference implementations.
There's no program because none is needed: Arkansas doesn't charge day-use entry at state parks.
Free day-use entry statewide; fees apply only to camping/certain activities at some parks..