Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita, AR is located on the Ouachita River near the resort spa of Hot Springs. Its crystal-clear waters make the lake a popular site for scuba diving. There are numerous camping, fishing and swimming opportunities at the lake as well as concessions with marinas, motels, restaurants and horseback riding. There is a boating trail for viewing geological formations on the shoreline.

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Campsite

Campsite 95

Parking Pad

Parking Pad 95

Lake Ouachita

RecAreaDirections

From Hot Springs, AR, 13 miles, west on Highway 270 and north on Highway 227.

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Permits info

Important Information

Hikers must take IGBC approved bear resistant food storage containers in this area. Free loan out of these containers is available at Grand Teton permit stations with a valid backcountry permit.

Facilities

STEPHENS PARK Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Located just below Blakely Mountain Dam along the shoreline Lake Hamilton is Stephens Park. This small quiet campground has great shoreline fishing access in the Stephens Park and Avery Day-use Area. There is also boat ramp access nearby for Lake Ouachita by using the Spillway Ramp and access to Lake Hamilton using the Avery Ramp. In the area is Wood Duck Slough trail and the east end of the LOViT (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail). The LOViT is a 44 mile long trail system that meanders along the south end of Lake Ouachita.

Recreation

Water skiers, jet skiers and anglers can all enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake, while hikers enjoy the campground's location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake. Wildlife enthusiasts can find everything from bobcats to black bears and deer in the forested mountains surrounding the lake, and Bald eagles are often spotted in winter.

Facilities

The campground has 9 large class A sites with sewer, water, and 50 amp hookups. Other amenities include shower house and playground.

Natural Features

Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Little Fir Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Little Fir is a small quiet campground located along the western shores of Lake Ouachita. Little fir is a popular destination for many anglers who desire a quiet atmosphere while still being close to prime fishing habitat.

Recreation

World-class striper fishing brings crowds of anglers year-round, and incredibly clear waters attract scuba divers, hoping to explore the flooded forests and mountain valleys below the lake's surface.

Hikers take pleasure in the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which lines the southern end of the lake.

Facilities

The campground has 29 sites with water and 50 amp hookups. Other amenities include shower house, dump station, and boat ramp

Natural Features

Lake Ouachita is fed from the cool waters of the Ouachita River in central Arkansas. Surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains and National Forest, it's crystal waters span over 40,000 acres and extend for 30 miles, making it the largest lake completely in the state of Arkansas.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Explore Ouachita National Forest's 1.8 million acres, surrounding Lake Ouachita and extending across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.

Avery Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Avery Recreation Area sits just below Blakely Mountain Dam and along the western shore of the Ouachita River/ Lake Hamilton. This day-use area offers great shoreline fishing access, an ADA fishing pier, boat ramp, reservable pavilion, restroom, and hiking trails. There is a small paved ADA trail with scenic benches. The Wood Duck Slough Trail has great wildlife viewing opportunities. Avery is also home to one of the main trailheads of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) a 40 mile long trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita.

Recreation

Water skiers, jet skiers and anglers can all enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake, while hikers enjoy the location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake.

Natural Features

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.

Spillway (Lake Ouachita) Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Spillway Recreation area is tucked away in a small cove of Lake Ouachita. The day-use area offers shoreline fishing access, swim beach, restroom, boat ramp, reservable pavilion and access to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT). The LOViT trail is a 40 mile long trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. The area is also home to Echo Canyon Resort and Marina.

Recreation

Natural Features

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.

Brady Mountain Day-Use Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Brady Mountain Day-Use Area delights visitors with its family-friendly facility, fabulous views and idyllic placement on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita. The lake attracts visitors who come for the crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing opportunities.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Hikers enjoy the scenic land-based nature trail accessible from the campground. Boating, fishing and scuba diving among the remains of the flooded mountain valley are also popular here.

Facilities

The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom facility, a swim beach, and a boat ramp.

Natural Features

Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park.

The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline with 178 islands.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and enjoy a traditional bath or modern spa experience with the natural spring water.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Crystal Springs Day-Use Area, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks.

Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.

Facilities

The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom/shower facility, a playground, and a swim beach.

Natural Features

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.

Stephens Park Day-Use Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Located just below Blakely Mountain Dam along the shoreline Lake Hamilton is Stephens Park Day-Use Area. This area has great shoreline fishing. There is also boat ramp access nearby for Lake Ouachita by using the Spillway Ramp and access to Lake Hamilton using the Avery Ramp. In the area is Wood Duck Slough trail and the east end of the LOViT (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail). The LOViT is a 44 mile long trail system that meanders along the south end of Lake Ouachita.

Facilities

The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom/shower facility and a playground.

Natural Features

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.

Tompkins Bend Day-Use Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Tompkins Bend Day-Use Area on Lake Ouachita, is a great spot to getaway for the day. The combination of lush mountain scenery and wildlife, make this quiet location an ideal place for a family gathering, reunion, or group retreat.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Wildlife enthusiasts can find everything from bobcats to black bears and deer in the forested mountains surrounding the lake, and Bald eagles are often spotted in winter.

Facilities

The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom facility, a playground, and a grassy wooded scenic view.

Natural Features

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest. Here, off-roading enthusiasts can take on the Wolf Pen Gap Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System.

BRADY MOUNTAIN Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Brady Mountain Campground delights visitors with its family-friendly facilities, fabulous views and idyllic placement on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita. The lake attracts visitors who come for the crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing opportunities.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

A unique way to explore the lake is to follow the Geo-Float Trail, coined as the first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System. The self-guided boat tour leads visitors on a 16-mile trip to see incredible geologic features as it stretches from the Spillway Recreation Area to Brady Mountain Recreation Area.

Hikers enjoy the scenic land-based nature trail accessible from the campground. Boating, fishing and scuba diving among the remains of the flooded mountain valley are also popular here.

Facilities

All 74 campsites have electric hookups. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp, playground, and a swim beach.

Natural Features

Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline with 178 islands.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and enjoy a traditional bath or modern spa experience with the natural spring water.

Crystal Springs (AR) Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Crystal Springs Campground, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Facilities

The campground consists of 68 sites including 63 sites with electric and water hookups. There is also a reservable group campsite that includes electrical and water hookups. The two group picnic shelters have electricity. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp, playground and a swim beach.

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

DENBY POINT Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Groups and families of all sizes come to camp at Denby Point for its scenic views, year-round fishing and convenient boating facilities. The campground promises to entertain jet skiers, boaters, hikers and birders alike.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

World-class striper fishing brings crowds of anglers year-round, and incredibly clear waters attract scuba divers, hoping to explore the flooded forests and mountain valleys below the lake's surface. Hikers take pleasure in the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which lines the southern end of the lake.

Facilities

The campground consists of 67 sites including 58 with electric and water hookups. The two group campsites also have electric hookups. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp and a swim beach.

Natural Features

Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 28 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline and over 40,000 surface acres.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Explore Ouachita National Forest's 1.8 million acres, surrounding Lake Ouachita and extending across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.

JOPLIN Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Joplin Campground on Lake Ouachita is an excellent destination for pristine lakefront camping. Joplin is perched on a slender peninsula with plenty of attractive scenic views of the water and surrounding mountain terrain.

World-class striper fishing goes on in the lake, and wildlife watchers can find everything from bobcats to rare freshwater jellyfish.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Prized as one of the clearest lakes in the nation, Ouachita Lake is ideal for scuba diving.

Visitors also enjoy hiking, biking, scenic driving, water skiing, fishing and hunting, as well.

Facilities

All 59 campsites have electric hookups, but keep in mind the spaces are small and unpaved. Campsite pad lengths vary greatly from site to site due to the terrain. No campsite lengths are posted on the website due to the varianciances of camper slidout configurations and the visitor trailer towing skills. For questions contact the fee booth at 870-867-4472. Water hookups are not available, but a water faucet is located in each loop. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp and a swim beach.

Natural Features

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas, Lake Ouachita spans a surface area of over 40,000 acres, making it the biggest lake completely within the state of Arkansas. The region has a climate with four seasons. Spring and fall are mild, summer is hot and humid, and winter is variable with temperatures ranging from below freezing on up to the 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest. Boat rentals, horseback riding rentals and the Hickorynut Mountain Vista are not far from the campground.

TOMPKINS BEND Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Tompkins Bend on Lake Ouachita, is a great family camping destination. The combination of lush mountain scenery and roomy sites big enough for two camping units, make this quiet location an ideal place for an outdoor getaway.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation

Facilities

The campground consists of 77 sites including 63 sites with electric hookups and 69 sites with water hookups. Most sites will accommodate two camping units. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, playground and a boat ramp.

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.