Lake Catherine State Park RV & Campground Guide
Arkansas
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The beautiful, peaceful Lake Catherine State Park is aptly named, as it sits on the shores of Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the Ouachita Mountain region. The rushing waterfalls and sparkling lake make this a wonderful place for bird and wildlife watching, as well as for hiking and a number of other outdoor activities. The weather here is mild, barely dipping below freezing in the winter months, and usually getting into the low 90’s during the hottest summer period.
The park has fishing, including wheelchair accessible areas, hiking, and kayaking...there’s even a full-moon kayak tour of the lake. Boat rentals are available year-round, and there is a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a trail to a waterfall.
Spring 66 F - 81 F
Summer 88 F - 91 F
Fall 62 F - 85 F
Winter 53 F - 57 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Catherine State Park
The RV campgrounds at Lake Catherine State Park get great reviews from people who have stayed there, and who loved the nature and wildlife that comes close to campers. Visitors saw quite a bit of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of ducks who love floating on the lake. If you do choose to RV camp, you can rent one from RVshare.com, and you can find the perfect outfit for you and the people you’re traveling with, at a price that suits your budget. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you with your RV trip. You can rent an RV at your home and drive it to the park, or if you’d prefer, you can fly nearer to your destination and rent an RV there to head to the park. Along with camping right inside the park, you can try one of these nearby campgrounds.
Catherine’s Landing
This campground and resort sits right on Lake Catherine as well, near Hot Springs, Arkansas. They offer a concierge to help you with your trip, a gift shop and convenience store, coffee, beer and wine for sale, and boat rentals to explore. Also at Catherine’s Landing, make some time for Adventureworks - a zipline park that gives you a bird’s eye view of nature.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, camp store, playground, disc golf, zipline, fitness center, boat rentals
Hot Springs National Park KOA
This campground is twenty minutes from the park, near Hot Springs National Park. The campground is also near the historic downtown area of Hot Springs, where you can relax in the thermal waters of Bathhouse Row. You can also visit Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, or pop in to the Oaklawn racetrack to watch the ponies run. There’s also off-roading, hiking, crystal hunting, boating, and more.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: shuttle to downtown Hot Springs, free rides to Magic Springs & Oakland, breakfast, pool, mini golf, snack bar, fishing
What to Do at
Lake Catherine State Park
Inside Lake Catherine State Park
As you might expect in a park along the lake, there is plenty of boating for visitors. You can rent fishing boats with motors, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, row boats, or water bikes. There is fishing available as well - anglers might catch largemouth bass, spotted or striped bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. The lake is also good for water-skiing and swimming.
Some other cool experiences and activities at the park include:
Guided hikes: During the spring, summer, and fall, park interpreters offer hikes, lake cruises, and nature talks. Look for Wildflower Walks, Fall Foliage Tours, and Eagle Awareness Activities.
Nature center: A nature cabin has exhibits that relate to the cultural history of the park, and that teach visitors about the natural environment around the lake.
Swimming: There is a swim beach located near the nature center. Spend the day reading by the lake and taking an occasional dip to cool off!
How to Get to
Lake Catherine State Park
From Hot Springs, take Highway 270 east and turn right on Carpenter Dam Rd. Turn left on Highway 290, then left on 171 and follow 171 into the park.
From 1-30 (Exit 97), go north 12 miles on Highway 171 and into the park.
Entering Lake Catherine State Park
There is no fee to enter Lake Catherine State Park.
Visiting Lake Catherine State Park is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. There are so many outdoor activities to participate in, and there’s shopping, eating, and relaxing in hot springs to do as well. While you’re on your trip, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Catherine State Park
Located in the Ouachita Mountain region, Lake Catherine State Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts the most during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Summer gets crowded with people watching waterfalls, but for spectacular, magical forest color, consider visiting during autumn.
Arkansas's climate is hot and humid in the summer but milder during the cooler months. Visitors will find that winter camping provides fewer crowds but temperatures that aren't too cold to get out and explore the region's natural beauty.
Visitors to Lake Catherine State Park will see their fair share of hawks, deer, and turkeys but might also see roadrunners and coyotes. Keep your eyes out for a black bear reintroduced to the forest in the 1960s.
With 70 available RV spots, finding a place for your Class AAA or Class B RV won't be a problem. The park has 47 Class AAA spots and 23 Class B spots available year-round.
Feel free to bring your furry traveling companions because pets are welcome at Lake Catherine State Park. Dogs must be leashed and can never be left unattended. They can accompany you on the trails but not on the beach.
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