.jpg){kind=link}
Large lakeside recreation area featuring clear-water boating, fishing, swimming, hiking trails, campgrounds, cabins, and a marina surrounded by forested mountain scenery.
General Information
Visitor Center and Park Office: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm
Marina and other facilities maintain seasonal operating hours
Camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, marina services, guided tours, and special activities have separate fees
How to Get There
From Hot Springs (15 mi): Take US-270 W toward Mountain Pine, turn onto Mountain Pine Road, follow signs to Lake Ouachita State Park, and continue to the visitor center, marina, and lakeside recreation areas.
Overview
Lake Ouachita is a reservoir created by the damming of the Ouachita River by Blakely Mountain Dam. Blakely Mountain Dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers from 1948 to 1953 for hydroelectric power, recreation, water supply and wildlife conservation. The dam is 231 feet (70 m) tall, 21,100 feet (6,400 m) long at the crest, and is capable of 75 megawatts.
The lake is located near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is the largest lake completely in Arkansas, as the larger Bull Shoals Lake extends into Missouri. Lake Ouachita has over 690 miles (1,110 km) of shoreline and over 66,324 acres (26,840 ha) of water. It is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Lake Ouachita is located near two other lakes, Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. These three lakes, DeGray Lake to the near south, and the thermal springs of Hot Springs National Park make Hot Springs a popular tourist getaway.
Largemouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish, Walleye and world class Trophy Striped Bass await the angler.
Lake Ouachita State Park is a 360-acre (150 ha) public recreation area located ten miles (16 km) northwest of Hot Springs, on the eastern side of Lake Ouachita. In addition to its recreational offerings, the park preserves the site of the historic Three Sisters springs which were once touted for the curative properties of their mineral waters.
Park amenities include a visitors center, restaurant, cabins and campsites, marina, swimming area, hiking trails, boat ramps, and interpretive exhibits.
Things to Do
Enjoy Boating and Water Recreation on Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita State Park sits on the shores of Arkansas's largest lake, known for its exceptionally clear water and scenic Ouachita Mountain setting. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and scuba diving while exploring hundreds of miles of shoreline and numerous islands.
Explore the Nature Center
The Three Sisters Springs Nature Center features exhibits on local wildlife, aquatic ecosystems, geology, and the natural history of the Ouachita Mountains. Educational programs and interpretive displays help visitors learn about the unique plants and animals that inhabit the region.
Go Fishing and Wildlife Viewing
Lake Ouachita is nationally recognized for its excellent fishing opportunities, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The surrounding forests and shoreline also provide outstanding opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature observation.
Top Trails
Caddo Bend Trail
Length: Approximately 4.0 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic trail circles a peninsula extending into Lake Ouachita, offering beautiful lake views, forested terrain, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a peaceful hiking experience along the shoreline.
Dogwood Trail
Length: Approximately 1.0 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
The Dogwood Trail is a family-friendly route that winds through hardwood forests near the park facilities, providing opportunities to observe native plants, wildflowers, and seasonal foliage.
Sources: Arkansas State Parks official Lake Ouachita State Park information, including lake recreation, fishing opportunities, nature center exhibits, camping facilities, hiking trails, and visitor amenities. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-ouachita-state-park Additional trail and recreation information verified through Arkansas State Parks activities and visitor guides. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-ouachita-state-park/activities
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lake Ouachita", and "Lake Ouachita State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
