Lake Catherine State Park

Drive slowly along the winding scenic highway down to beautiful Lake Catherine. Catch a fleeting glimpse of graceful white-tailed deer. Sense a tingle of excitement as you pass through the forest-clad Ouachita Mountains which dominate the 2,180 acres of this popular lake park.

Situated just 15 miles from one of the nation's major resort spas at Hot Springs National Park, with its world-famous "bathhouse row," Lake Catherine State Park is convenient to the numerous tourist attractions of Hot Springs. A wide variety of outdoor activities is available in the park. From fishing and water sports to winding nature trails, Lake Catherine offers something for everyone.

Facilities

Lodging - Nestled among the tall pines and hardwoods along the lake shore are 17 fully-equipped housekeeping cabins-heated and air-conditioned for year-round vacation comfort. Enjoy the chill of the evening in front of a cheerful fire in the stone fireplace of a rustic cabin or relax in the peaceful setting of a modern duplex cabin for a family get-together. Cabin reservations can be obtained by calling the park. For the health of all guests, pets are not permitted in the lodging facilities.

Camping - The park offers many lakeside campsites for convenient fishing and boating, or a quiet retreat in the secluded hillside forests. Hot showers in (heated) bathhouses are located throughout the camping area for year-round convenience. Sites are equipped with 30 amp and 20 amp hookups, freeze-proof water connections, table and fire ring. A trailer sanitary station is nearby. For those who don't own their own camping equipment, Rent-A-Camp is available. It includes a 9 x 12 tent with wooden floor, a 2 burner stove, lantern and other camping equipment.

During busy months, it is advisable to call the park from Hot Springs or Malvern before arrival in search of first-come, first-serve campsites to check on availability. Phone calls are local from these cities. Overflow camping is limited.

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited number of reservation sites available April to October. For camping reservation information, please call the park.

Trails - Three trails, Falls Branch, Horseshoe Mountain, and Dam Mountain, ranging in length from 2.5 to 4 miles, offer visitors a closer look at the rugged Ouachita (Wa'-she-tah) Mountains. A brochure describing these trails and interpretive programs is available at the Visitor Information Center. Visitor Services, Store & Restaurant - For your convenience, registration and information are located in the store/restaurant building. Gifts, T-shirts, picnic and camping supplies, groceries and snacks are available. The restaurant provides a relaxing setting overlooking the lake.

Fishing and Water Sports - During the summer season (May through Labor Day), a party barge, fishing boats and motors, fuel, bait and tackle are handy at the park marina. Canoes and pedal boats are also available for rent. Use the free launch ramp for your own fishing or ski rig and park your vehicle in the marina parking lot at no charge. The party barge, fishing boats and canoes may also be rented during the off-season from the Visitor Center.

Other Facilities - A large picnic area with tables, grills, water, rest rooms and a group pavilion is handily located for easy access to the sandy swimming beach and playground. Use the coin laundry adjacent to the playground and restaurant. Complete shopping, hospitals and other conveniences and attractions are just 15-20 minutes away in Malvern and Hot Springs.

NOTE: The pavilion must be reserved at the Visitor Center before being used (deposit required).

Interpretive Services

Lake Catherine became a state park in 1937. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Evidence of the CCC days can still be seen in the park today. A "Nature Cabin," located near the swimming beach, houses exhibits which relate to the cultural history of the park and its natural environment. During the summer months, interpretive naturalists offer guided hikes, scenic "party barge" tours, nature talks and demonstrations, plus slide shows and movies at the park's outdoor amphitheater. Special programs including "Wildflower Walks," "Fall Foliage Tours," and "Eagle Awareness Activities," are held on weekends seasonally. Groups may request special programs to meet specific interests year-round. Whenever possible, groups are requested to schedule tours in advance.

Location

From 1-30 (Exit 97), go north 12 miles on Hwy. 171 which dead ends into the park.

For further information on park hours, and fees, contact:

Lake Catherine State Park
1200 Catherine Park Rd.
Hot Springs, AR 71913-8605
Telephone: (501)844-4176
For Reservations only 1-800-264-2422

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ONLY 844-4784

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capital Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.