Among the outdoor opportunities found at Arkansas State Parks is access to 27 lakes. A popular channel to enjoy these waters is by boat.  

“In Arkansas State Parks launching your boat is free and the boat ramps and support facilities are well maintained,” said Paul Butler, Park Superintendent at Moro Bay State Park. “From campgrounds with all the amenities to clean bathrooms, cabins, yurts, and staffed visitor centers open all days of the week that provide new guests the information needed to enjoy our waterways, you will not find the all in one experience like we offer anywhere else in the state.” 

Getting out on the water is a way to enjoy the outdoors when temperatures rise. 

“Fishing, summer recreation, and wildlife watching can be good all over Arkansas and for much of the year,” said Butler. “However, Arkansas has about half the year, six months or so with some variance, that are very hot. When temperatures go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit it's best to visit a museum with air conditioning or go somewhere you can get in the water and stay cool. Though hiking is still popular in the early morning or late evening hours, you can play on the water all day as long as you stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen.”  

Park interpreter led boat and kayak tours are also availalbe as ways to explore the lake. If there is an interest, check out Arkansas State Park’s events page for when and where to catch one. 

Marinas, which offer access to options like rentals and supplies, are also available at some parks. 

“Many of our lake parks like Moro Bay, Lake Catherine, and DeGray Lake not only provide access to our beautiful waterways but we provide bait, fuel, and snacks,” said Butler. “If you leave a boat plug or a life jacket at home, you can buy one in the park store. If you don’t have a boat but want to go fishing in one you can rent one even at a park like Millwood, Lake Chicot, or White Oak Lake. Want to try kayaking or paddle boarding before you buy your own? Come to an Arkansas State Park and rent one first to try it out.” 

Visiting a lake state park provides a distinct way to experience a lake. 

“One thing that makes us unique is the kayak kiosks that provide opportunities for guests without their own equipment,” said John Stewart, Manager of Operations at Arkansas State Parks. “Also our interpretive opportunities on the lakes like kayak tours, snorkeling tours, and sunset cruises. We provide opportunities to experience our lakes that are more than just boat rentals.”

Below is a look at some of the Arkansas State Parks with lake access. More options can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-river-parks.

Lake Fort Smith State Park 

Lake Fort Smith State Park is located in Northwest Arkansas near Mountainburg on the western side of Lake Fort Smith. The lake, which is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, is a focal feature at the park and fishing and kayaking are among the many lake pursuits available here. There is a marina at the park that has equipment like boat and kayak rentals. There is also a boat launch at the park. One item to note is that since the lake serves as a water storage, one can’t swim or water ski or such on the lake.  

The park, which is the 23rd Arkansas State Park, has some interesting history including that it was moved from the original spot where it first became a state park. Lake Fort Smith State Park is also known as being a terminus for the massive Ozark Highlands Trail. 

For overnight stays, there are 10 cabins available, which have features like kitchens and decks, and there are also 30 campsites. For larger numbers, group lodges are also available. If you are ready for more exploration after time on the water, Fort Smith is an option to head to.

Lake Ouachita State Park

There is plenty of water to enjoy at Lake Ouachita, the largest lake entirely in the state. Lake Ouachita State Park can be found on the eastern end of this big lake. The vast lake is encircled by the Ouachita National Forest and has little shoreline development. 

At the park’s marina one can find boat rentals, including party barges, fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes. Supplies can be found at the marina and a boat launch is near here too. 

If you are curious to learn more about Lake Ouachita State Park, check out this Arkansas State Parks article.  

Along with Lake Ouachita, the park has an interesting history tied to water, which you can learn more about at the park at Three Sisters Springs. 

Looking for more than a day-trip experience? The park has many camping options to choose from at their 93 sites, some with views of the lake. There are also four camper cabins at the campground. Along with this there are eight cabins at the park, including two that are dog friendly, and most have a view of the lake. A  closer look at these overnight park options as well as more details on them can be found here. 

More options of places to stay overnight can also be found nearby in places like Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park. These locations also make a great spot to grab a bite or brew. The national park has options on Bathhouse Row including at Superior Bathhouse Brewery. For more options in the city check out Visit Hot Springs.  

Lake Catherine State Park

Also near Hot Springs is Lake Catherine State Park, which is located along Lake Catherine. It was one of the earliest Arkansas State Parks. 

Lake Catherine State Park became a state park in the 1930s and its history is closely connected to the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC. You can read more about state parks with CCC connections in this Arkansas State Parks article.   

Vistors to this lake park can enjoy the water in many ways. The park’s marina is the sole full-service marina on Lake Catherine and here one can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and more. 

If you are wanting to overnight after your lake adventures, the park has 20 cabins, including some that are dog friendly and one duplex that is a converted CCC fishing barrack. There is also camping available on site at the park, some with lake views, and a Rent-A-Yurt.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park

DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located along DeGray Lake, one of the five Diamond Lakes ( DeGray Lake, Lake Ouachita, Lake Catherine, and Lake Greeson and Lake Hamilton) you can enjoy in the southwest region of Arkansas. The lake has features such as coves, islands, and deep water, making it a popular destination for boaters. For a view of the lake, check out this Arkansas State Parks article. 

The park, which is located in the community of Bismarck, has a marina where one can rent equipment like fishing boats, party barges, and kayaks. There is also a boat ramp at the park. There is also a water trail here to explore called Islets Cove Paddle Trail, which is part of the Arkansas Water Trails program.

If you are wanting to overnight at the park after a day on the water, DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a lodge you can stay at, with lakeview room options. There are also plenty of campsites, 113, and also Rent-A-Yurts. The lodge also has a lakeside restaurant called Shoreline Restaurant if boating the lake has opened your appetite.

Moro Bay State Park 

The location of Moro Bay State Park stands out in that it can be found where three waterways meet: Raymond Lake, Moro Bay, and the Ouachita River. More details about enjoying the water at the park can be found in this Arkansas Tourism article. 

A marina with equipment like boat and kayak rentals can be found at the park as well as a boat launch. If you want to overnight at Moro Bay State Park, options include five cabins that have views of the water. There are also 23 campsites at the park.

After time on the water, heading to nearby cities like El Dorado, which is rich in history and nightlife, is an option.

Lake Chicot State Park

Lake Chicot State Park near Lake Village is a destination where you can boat the largest natural lake in Arkansas. The park can be found on the north part of Lake Chicot and the lake’s features include coves and cypress trees. The lake is part of the Mississippi Flyway so birding is big here too. There is a marina at the park that has fishing boat and kayak rentals and there is also a boat launch here. For a closer look at the lake, check out this Arkansas State Parks article. If you want to have an extended stay here, the park has 14 cabins and also campsite options. For more details about the park, visit arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-chicot-state-park.ot State Park