Lake Ouachita State Park RV & Campground Guide
Arkansas
Lake Ouachita is a public recreation area in Arkansas and one of the more popular parks in the state because of its unique setting. The state park is located near Hot Springs, Arkansas, close to where Bull Shoals Lake extends into the state of Missouri. It features the 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita and a dense forest region that is perfect for exploration. A handful of the most popular amenities here include scuba diving, skiing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The state park is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Three Arkansas cities you can travel to quickly from Lake Ouachita State Park are Glenwood, Bonnerdale, and Pencil Bluff.
Spring 63-92 F
Summer 38-85 F
Fall 38-85 F
Winter 27-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Ouachita State Park
An RV rental is one of the most practical additions that you can make to a trip to Lake Ouachita State Park as it combines freedom and comfort. Finding the right rental is easy with RVshare.
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
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.
Outside Lake Ouachita State Park
The cities that surround Lake Ouachita State Park are rich with unique restaurants, great shopping destinations, and entertainment venues that shine a light on the region’s compelling history and culture. You can head to The Yum-Yum Shop or Brady Mountain Resort Grill for delicious American cuisine that truly represents the area. With exciting locations like Brady Mountain Recreational Area and Crystal Springs Boat Ramp, there is plenty to do. And if you are looking for quality shopping, check out Hot Springs Shopping Center or Downtowner Marketplace.
Restaurants
The Yum-Yum Shop
The Yum-Yum Shop is a great American restaurant located in Mountain Pine, Arkansas. They are known for serving classics like tater tots and pulled pork sandwiches with quality service.
Type: American
Location: 599 Blakely Dam Road, Mountain Pine, AR 71956
Brady Mountain Resort Grill
Brady Mountain Resort Grill is a family restaurant located near the state park in Royal, Arkansas. The menu is packed with breakfast options, sandwiches, and even seafood.
Type: American
Location: 4120 Brady Mountain Road, Royal, AR 71968
Clampit's Country Kitchen
Clampit's Country Kitchen is one of the best locations for country cooking near Lake Ouachita. The spot is best known for serving homestyle dishes such as country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and fried okra.
Type: Southern, American
Location: 5398 N State Hwy 7, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
Village Hibachi
Village Hibachi is a fantastic spot for Japanese food in Hot Springs Village. You can head here with the whole family to either get a hibachi table or enjoy the sushi bar.
Type: Japanese
Location: 4656 N State Hwy 7, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
Mama Vee's Southern Homestyle Cuisine
Mama Vee's Southern Homestyle Cuisine is another wonderful country restaurant in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Popular options on the menu include the country fried chicken and sausage gumbo.
Type: Southern, American
Location: 420 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Shopping
Hot Springs Plaza Shopping Center
Hot Springs Plaza Shopping Center is one of the closest shopping malls to Lake Ouachita State Park. Head here for great deals at retail outlets and restaurants.
Location: 1609 Albert Pike Road #1607, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Downtowner Marketplace
Downtowner Marketplace is a shopping center located in the downtown district of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It includes quality antique stores, gift shops, and more.
Location: 714 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
National Park Gifts
National Park Gifts is a compelling gift shop in Hot Springs that provides a cozy atmosphere. Head here for souvenirs and other memorabilia to make your trip to Lake Ouachita last a lifetime.
Location: 370 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Harps Food Stores
Harps Food Stores is a reliable grocery store that you will find near the state park in Hot Springs. It receives positive feedback from customers and is one of the closest destinations in the area to restock on food.
Location: 146 Thornton Ferry Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters
Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters is a sporting goods store and one of the best places to go shopping for outdoor equipment in Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for a new fishing rod or hunting gear, this spot has you covered.
Location: 112 Blackhawk Ln, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Sightseeing
Brady Mountain Recreational Area
Brady Mountain Recreational Area is a popular public park located in Royal, Arkansas. You can head here to enjoy a picnic or go on an adventurous hike through the mountainous region.
Location: 4120 Brady Mountain Road, Royal, AR 71968
Mid-America Science Museum
Those interested in science and technology should check out the Mid-America Science Museum before heading home. The museum is located in Hot Springs, making it a convenient stop from Lake Ouachita State Park.
Location: 500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Crystal Springs Boat Ramp
If you plan to go boating during your trip, Crystal Springs Boat Ramp is a great place to get out on the waterfront. From here, you can participate in water skiing, swimming, and more.
Location: US 270 West, Royal, AR 71968
Tompkins Bend
Tompkins Bend is a beautiful recreation area located in Montgomery County, Arkansas. It includes a dense forested region and wildlife such as elk and deer.
Location: 15 Tompkins Bend, Mt. Ida, AR 71957
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is centrally located in Garland County, Arkansas, adjacent to the town of Hot Springs. It was initially established in 1832 and is now a significant component of the area’s recreation scene.
Location: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
How to Get to
Lake Ouachita State Park
Two major U.S. cities that are convenient to travel to Lake Ouachita State Park from are Memphis, Tennessee, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. On the way from Memphis, you should begin the route by getting onto I-40 W. After continuing along I-40 W to Fairplay Township, take exit 111 from I-30 W. Finally, continue on US-70 W and take AR-128 W and AR-7 N/N State Hwy 7 to AR-227 N in Hale Township.
If you are coming from Tulsa, you will first get onto OK-51 E/US-64 E from South Cincinnati Avenue. Next, follow OK-351 and I-40 E to AR-27 S/AR-7 S/N Arkansas Ave in Russellville, and then, take exit 81 from I-40 E. You will arrive at the destination after you continue on AR-7 S and drive to AR-227 N in Hale Township. The address of Lake Ouachita State Park is 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956.
Entering Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park stays open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Lake Ouachita State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.