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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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Arkansas
Central Arkansas Region
Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park © Krystal McDade
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LAKE OUACHITA STATE PARK
LAKE OUACHITA STATE PARK
5451 Mountain Pine Rd
Mountain Pine, Arkansas   71956

Phone: 501-767-9366
Reservations: 501-767-9366
Email: park email button icon
Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its scenic natural beauty and the clarity of its waters. These pristine waters form the largest manmade lake within Arkansas's borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating and fishing. Angling for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers and largemouth bass can be enjoyed in open waters or quiet coves along the lake's 975 miles of shoreline.

Located just a short drive from the spa city of Hot Springs on the lake's eastern shore, Lake Ouachita State Park is your gateway to this popular water sports lake.

The park features historic Three Sisters' Springs. Fully-equipped cabins include seven that overlook the lake and one that offers a woods view. Park campgrounds feature 103 campsites (40 Class AAA, 25 Class B, 24 Class D, and 12 Hike-in Tent sites).

Other park facilities include picnic areas; trails; a swimming area and marina with boat rentals, bait and supplies. The park visitor center includes exhibits and a store.

History of the Area
Located in Arkansas, this park surrounds Lake Ouachita, the largest lake created by a dam within state boundaries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as Caddo and Quapaw. European settlers arrived during the 19th century.

In 1955, Blakely Mountain Dam's construction led to Lake Ouachita's formation for flood control and hydroelectric power purposes. In response to growing recreational needs around the new lake, land on its eastern end became designated as public recreation space in 1965.

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers managed it until transferring responsibility over to Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism in July 1986 under long-term lease agreement terms.

Since then significant improvements have been made including modern cabins with full amenities built along lakeshore areas providing visitors an immersive nature experience while ensuring comfort levels are maintained throughout their stay at one of America's most pristine freshwater environments.

Cabins
Upstairs loft with 2 double beds. Downstairs bedrooms with one double bed. Living room and dining room. Kitchen with basic cooking utensils for six people. Towels and linens are furnished. Telephones with free local calls provided. Television with DVD provided. No pets, other than service animals. If max occupancy additional fees may apply.

Camping
Currently, the park's campgrounds include 50 campsites: Premium D, Preferred B, and Standard D (no hookups). Enhancements to Campground Area "A" will include the addition of 50 amp electrical service and full sewer hookups to all campsites. Campsite pads will be lengthened to accommodate larger RV units.


Location
Lake Ouachita State Park is located near Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs Village

Trails
Caddo Bend Trail

View Map: Map Image Print Map: Map PDF Length: 4 miles Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: Nature lovers, photographers, and geologists will enjoy walking on the slopes near Lake Ouachita's Caddo Bend Trail. Wildflowers, large boulder gardens, an abundance of quartz, scenic views, and an observation deck overlooking the lake at the end of the point are some of the main attractions. The trail begins near the park amphitheater and circles the entire peninsula back to its beginning.

Location: 3 miles west of Hot Springs on U.S. 270, then 12 miles north on Hwy. 227



Dogwood Trail

Length: .5 mile Time: 30 min. Difficulty: Easy

Description: Perfect for a casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest, this trail highlights unique wildlife found throughout the region by interpretive signs.

Location: From Hot Springs, travel 3 miles west on U.S. 270, then 12 miles north on Hwy. 227 to the park.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 25 Fabulous by Tarina_B
park review stars; one to five Awesome
July 13 Smell your neighbor!
park review stars; one to five The campsites at Lake Ouachita State Park are too close to each other. Expect side by side campsites if you visit. When reserving make sure you check which side of your camper has the power cable and specify that you need a site that has the power to match your camper. The lake is great but their campsites are not worth the price. And there are plenty of other places nearby to stay.
June 16 One of our favorite lakes by Dondean
park review stars; one to five Miles and miles of clean water, almost 1,000 miles shoreline and 200 islands are undeveloped. Either you stop your boat in middle of the lake for swimming, or on shore for picnic, they are all great.
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Area Campgrounds
Hot Springs RV Park
2351 East Grand Avenue
, AR
501-617-8455
Young's Lakeshore RV Resort
1601 Lakeshore Drive
Hot Springs , AR
800-470-7875
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From northwest Arkansas to Lake Ouachita State Park (via Scenic Highway 7)

Take I-40 east to Russellville. Then, take Hwy. 7 south through Jessieville. Turn right at Hwy. 192 and travel west six miles to Hwy. 227 north. Make a right onto Hwy. 227 north, then travel two miles to the park.

From Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, or south Arkansas to Lake Ouachita State Park (via I-30),

Take I-30 west and continue to Exit 111 - Hot Springs. This is Hwy. 70 west. Take the 270 West Bypass (also known as the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway), through Hot Springs staying in the left lane, and eventually passing Hot Springs Exit 1. This lane will turn into the right lane of Hwy 270 West as the expressway merges with the highway. Travel three miles to the junction of Hwy 227 North. Go right on Hwy. 227 North and follow it approximately 12 miles to the park.

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Arkansas
62

Arkansas State Parks

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