Lake Ouachita State Park RV & Campground Guide
Arkansas
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Lake Ouachita State Park is one of Arkansas' more popular outdoor destinations, offering an inviting and peaceful recreation area. It sits on the eastern side of Lake Ouachita, which is the state's largest lake. Many people visit the park to check out the Three Sister Springs, renowned to some for their curative properties. Nestled within the Ouachita National Forest, the park offers hiking, fishing, water sports, and relaxation opportunities.
The local weather is fairly mild year-round, with somewhat hot, humid summers and pleasantly cool-to-mild cold winters. The park dedicates tremendous energy to visitor entertainment and education, hosting events year-round.
Nearby Cities:
Hot Springs, AR
Pencil Bluff, AR
Bonnerdale, AR
Glenwood, AR
Spring 63-92 F
Summer 38-85 F
Fall 38-85 F
Winter 27-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Ouachita State Park
Campground Accommodations
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Max RV Length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Playground, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, boat ramp, dump station
Young's Lakeshore RV Resort
Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is a quality campground near Lake Ouachita State Park that offers competitive rates. It has an ideal location close to both the state park and the Historic District of Hot Springs, Arkansas. All sites at this RV park come with 50-amp service and are equipped with sewer, water, and electricity. The campground offers great amenities such as free Wi-Fi and is located close to exciting attractions like Oaklawn Racing & Casino. The address of Young's Lakeshore RV Resort is 1601 Lakeshore Dr., Hot Springs, AR 71913.
J & J RV Park & Storage
J & J RV Park & Storage is another fantastic RV park near Lake Ouachita, and it is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It provides a scenic setting with views of Ouachita National Forest and a relaxing atmosphere to complete the vibe. Guests here commonly enjoy afternoon picnics by the nearby creek or a cup of coffee by the beautiful fountain. The nightly rate on all sites at this RV campground is $39. The address of J & J RV Park & Storage is 2000 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
What to Do at
Lake Ouachita State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts love Lake Ouachita State Park because it is situated within Ouachita National Forest, which encompasses 1.8 million acres, straddling 12 counties in Arkansas and two in Oklahoma. The park offers ample opportunities for watersports enthusiasts on the lake, including scuba diving. On land, there are trails to explore, or you can enjoy a relaxing meal in one of the picnic areas. In addition, park staff offer guided hikes, boat tours, snorkeling lessons, astronomy programs, and nature talks.
Inside Lake Ouachita State Park
One of the most popular destinations on the premises of the state park, Lake Ouachita is a beautiful body of water open to guests. You can go fishing at the lake for crappie, catfish, striped bass, and bream. If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent scuba equipment and find out what lies in the depths of the lake. The Ouachita National Forest that surrounds the lake is packed with wonderful hiking trails you can visit to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. You can also visit the historic Three Sisters’ Springs inside the park to enjoy one of Lake Ouachita state park’s oldest and most significant attractions.
Fishing
Lake Ouachita State Park offers some of the best fishing in the state. The enormous lake's open waters and coves are home to catfish, bream, crappie, and walleye. White bass, striped bass, and largemouth bass are commonly caught as well. You can have success fishing from the shore or from a boat at the park.
Geocaching
The State of Arkansas is particularly enthusiastic about geocaching inside its state parks. The state's nickname for the program is Parkcache. Each of the 52 state parks, including Lake Ouachita State Park, has a geocache that contains a clue to find a mysterious 53rd cache.
Nature Watching
If you love observing nature, you'll love Lake Ouachita State Park. You can spot coyotes, white-tailed deer, and chipmunks in the wooded areas. Hikers who venture deeper into the forest may glimpse black bears. During the cooler months, wintering bald eagles and other migratory birds stop at Lake Ouachita to rest. You can see them all during an eagle watch tour, a special bird-watching version of the park's popular lake cruises.
Flora and Fauna
At the park, you will be greeted by rolling acres of hardwood trees, including maple, oak, and ash trees. Wildflowers such as irises, trilliums, and blue stars grace the landscape in the spring and early summer. The leaves change colors in fall, making the scenery a living kaleidoscope.
Hiking
Guided hikes are available, or you can head out on your own. Unofficial trails wind their way through the campsites, around the lake, and throughout the forest. Many designated routes, like the Dogwood Trail, are short and relatively flat family-friendly paths. Alternatively, the Caddo Bend Trail circles the entire peninsula, and completing it requires sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water. This route has extensive boulder gardens and ends at an observation deck where you can take in views of the forest below.
Boating
You can rent non-motorized watercraft, ski, fishing, and party boats at the park's full-service marina. In addition, if you have your own boat, you can dock it at a slip for a fee. Live bait, fuel, and fishing supplies are also available.
Swimming
The large beach at the park provides ample room to lounge in the sunshine or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. It is also a great place for kids because the water is shallow along the shore, and a playground is nearby.
How to Get to
Lake Ouachita State Park
From Hot Springs, travel about three miles west on US 270, then head 12 miles north on Highway 227. The park entrance will be on your left.
Entering Lake Ouachita State Park
Parking is available at the visitor center and near the marina. There is no fee to enter any Arkansas state park.
Discovering everything you can do at Lake Ouachita State Park is half the fun of a visit. Activities, adventures, and events are available year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Ouachita State Park
It depends on what you're interested in doing. Generally, Arkansas weather is pleasant enough that you'll have a good time engaging in most activities during fall, spring, or summer. However, if swimming and water sports like waterskiing are high on your priority list, summertime may be the best choice.
Wildlife thrives throughout Lake Ouachita State Park, and its lake abounds with walleye, crappie, catfish, bass, and bream. Birders can spot various species of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds to add to their journals. Hikers may see deer, black bears, and coyotes.
There are 93 designated RV camping spots in Lake Ouachita State Park. Of these, 58 are Class AAA premium camping sites with full hookups. Every site has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby bathrooms.
Yes, you do need to make a camping reservation in advance when staying overnight. You can secure a spot online or by phone. Cost varies according to the camping site. Premium, fully-equipped sites near the water cost $40 or more per night.
Pets are welcome at Lake Ouachita State Park. They are allowed in the campgrounds, and you can bring them on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after your four-legged family members.