Arkansas’s largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations.
The park has 93 campsites (58 Class AAA, 23 Class D, and 12 walk-in tent sites), some right on the water. There are eight fully-equipped cabins with kitchens and the comforts of home, most of them overlooking the lake. Four camper cabins are an affordable option and are right in the campground. They include one room sleeping for four, screened porch, picnic table with grill and lantern hanger, heat/air. A family style bathhouse nearby (one large private room that has a shower, sink, and toilet) is perfect for families with small children. Bring your own linens, cooler and cooking supplies. They are dog-friendly. Other facilities include Caddo Bend trail, picnic tables, swimming areas, and a marina with boat and kayak rentals, bait, and supplies. Historic Three Sisters’ Springs is in the park. There are also exhibits and a gift shop inside the visitor center. Interpretive programs such as guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours are offered year-round. The state park is near Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village.
Cabins- Four three-bedroom cabins which sleep up to ten people, and four two bedroom cabins which sleep up to six are nestled among the trees overlooking the lake. These fully equipped housekeeping units with fireplaces are heated or cooled for year-round vacation comfort. Relax on the patio balconies for an after-dinner view of the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains reflecting softly in the shimmering water.
Camping- Scattered along the forest-covered lakeshore are 93 campsites. Fifty-eight have dual-voltage electricty and frost-proof water hydrants with sewer hookups, table, and a grill. Modern bathhouses with hot showers are handy to all sites, and one sanitary dump station is nearby. Some sites remain open year-round for those who prefer the less-crowded, mild weather of off-season camping.
Four camper cabins are located near camping area C. These single room cabins are furnished with heat/ac, electrical service, one queen bed, two bunk beds, a small table, and a small screened porch. They do not include kitchens, bathrooms, or linens.
Marina- A full-service, 70-slip marina provides ski boats, fishing boats, and party barges, plus rental slips (covered and uncovered), mooring buoys, and transient slips. Live bait, fuel, and fishing supplies are available. Launch ramps are located near the marina and in Camp Area A.
Other Facilities- The visitor center houses the park offices, audiovisual room, store, gift shop, restrooms 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, shaded picnic area with tables, grills, restrooms, playground, and swimming beach.
Hospitals, gas stations, shopping, and other services are minutes away in nearby towns, including the famous resort city of Hot Springs National Park.
Trails- The Caddo Bend Trail provides a 4-mile hiking experience as it meanders through the forests and along the shoreline of Point 50 Peninsula. The Dogwood Trail (1/2-mile loop) begins near Camp Area C and is perfect for the casual hiker. A unique boating trail, the Ouachita Geo-float Trail, is offered by the Corps of Engineers (booklets can be obtained at the park).