Lake Charles State Park

In the northeastern foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks is 645-acre Lake Charles, which is loaded with fighting bass, crappie, bream and catfish. Spread along the western shores of these blue waters is Lake Charles State Park. Five scenic rivers and a 14,000-acre Game and Fish Management Area are only minutes from the park, making this a headquarters for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation.

The setting for camping and picnicking combined with the lake's fishing makes Lake Charles a peaceful location for a family vacation or a day's outing.

Close to Lake Charles is Powhatan Courthouse State Park. This magnificent two-story, red-brick structure was built in 1888 and served as the western district county seat of Lawrence County until 1963. Today, the Courthouse, jail, Ficklin-Imboden cabin and the telephone exchange building are on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical records of the region are housed at the Courthouse and are available to the public for research. After a visit to Powhatan, there is plenty of time to return to Lake Charles for a late afternoon fishing trip or a refreshing dip in the lake.

Facilities

Camping - More than 90 campsites are scattered among the trees around the lake; many equipped with electric and water connections. Several sites also offer tent pads. A table and grill are located at each site and modern bathhouses are handy to all. For those with self-contained units, sanitary dump stations are conveniently located near the Visitor Center.

Picnicking - A large picnic area is available with tables, grills, water fountains, modern restrooms and plenty of shade trees. It is located near the swimming beach and playground area. A beautiful, screened-in pavilion (with ceiling fans) may be rented for group outings. Contact the Visitor Center to make reservations.

Gift Shop - Located within the VC you will find an array of gifts. You may also purchase grocery items, ice, wood, and fishing licenses.

Recreation

Fishing - Visitors to Lake Charles might like to try their hand at catching their own dinner in the quiet water among the snags. The lake is easily accessible via a free launch ramp. A small dock near the ramp can be used for temporarily tying up your boat. Boat rentals, fuel and other fishing supplies are available locally.

Swimming - Within easy walking distance of all facilities is a wide, gently sloping, sandy beach. This popular swimming area is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, without lifeguards.

Other facilities - Shopping, restaurants, service stations, laundry and hospitals are just minutes away in nearby towns.

Interpretive Services
From Memorial Day to Labor Day an interpreter provides programs for enjoyment and education. Programs include guided hikes, nature talks, demonstrations, plus evening illustrated talks and movies. Program schedules are posted at the Visitor Center and on park bulletin boards.

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a campsite. All sites are assigned; limited reservations are available.

Location
From US 67 at Hoxie, travel 8 miles north on US 63 to Black Rock, then drive 6 miles south on Arkansas Highway 25 or, from State Highway 167 at Cave City, travel 25 miles east on State Hwys. 230 and 25 to the park.

For further information on park hours or fees, contact:

Lake Charles State Park
3705 Highway 25
Powhatan, AR 72458
Telephone: (501) 878-6595

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

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall
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.