To contact the park: 501-767-9366
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. The newest of these are two-bedroom cabins that opened in August 2010. Situated on the lakeshore, the cabins feature an airy, one-story contemporary style designed around their lakeshore view of Lake Ouachita. For details on these new park cabins, visit:
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 [NOTE: The Caddo Bend Trail is closed temporarily until repairs from severe storm damage in spring 2011 are complete.]; a swimming area; and marina with boat rentals, bait and supplies. The park visitor center includes exhibits and a store.
From northwest Arkansas to Lake Ouachita State Park (via Scenic Highway 7)
Take I-40 Exit #81 at Russellville. Go south on Ark. 7 and continue traveling through Jessieville. Four miles past Jessieville look for Ark. 192. At Ark. 192, turn right and travel west six miles to Ark. 227 north. Turn right on Hwy. 227 north and 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 Hot Springs Exit #111 (U.S. 70 west). Take the U.S. 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 U.S. 270 West as the expressway merges with the highway. Travel three miles to the junction of Ark. 227 North. Go right on Hwy. 227 North and follow it approximately 12 miles to the park.