About Arkansas's Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita Arkansas

Situated among the beautiful pine forest, Arkansas's Lake Ouachita is the largest lake located entirely within Arkansas. It is known for its scenic beauty and clear waters. Created when Blakely Mountain Dam impounded the waters of the Ouachita River near Hot Springs, the lake is virtually surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and has one of Arkansas's most pristine shorelines at some 970 miles. The 40-mile-long lake is a favorite of sailors for its vast stretches of open water. The lake boasts more than 100 uninhabited islands for primitive camping.

For the fishing enthusiast, Ouachita is considered one of Arkansas's superior fishing lakes where bass, crappie, bream and catfish abound. The lake consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for largemouth bass. Lake Ouachita is also stocked with rainbow trout, northern pike and ocean stripers which add to the lake's fishing thrills.

Available rentals include houseboats, sailing crafts, fishing rigs, and more. Contributing to make the lake one of Arkansas's finest outdoor destinations are Lake Ouachita State Park (with cabins), commercial marinas and resorts, and more than 400 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' campsites.

Marina - A full-service, 70-slip marina provides rental fishing boats, motors and party barges, plus rental boats, slips (covered and uncovered) mooring buoys and transient slips. Live bait, fuel and fishing supplies of all types are also available to take care of your boating and fishing needs. Launch ramps are located near the marina and in Camping Area "A" for those with their own rigs.

Other Facilities - The Visitor Center houses the park offices, audiovisual room, store, gift shop, cafe, rest rooms and exhibits which feature the famous Three Sisters Springs, the history of the lake and the surrounding area, and the natural environment and geology of the lake and mountains. Overlooking the lake by the marina is a large, well-shaded picnic area with tables, grills, water hydrants and rest rooms.

Trails - The Caddo Bend Trail provides a 4-mile hiking experience as it meanders through the forests and along the lakeshore of Point 50 Peninsula. A unique boating trail, the Ouachita Geo-float Trail, is offered by the Corps of Engineers (booklets can be obtained from the C.O.E. or at the park). The Dogwood Trail (1/4 mile loop) begins near Camp Area C and is perfect for the casual hiker. Three Sisters Springs - This has been a major at-traction in the area since the late 1880s. The water welling up from these springs is said to have "curative powers" for different ailments. Visit the famous springs and take home some of this unusual water.