Lake Ouachita State Park

Stretching westward from Blakely Mountain Dam, Lake Ouachita (Wash'i*taw) extends into the headwaters of the Ouachita River, spanning nearly half of Garland and Montgomery Counties in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas. The lake (formed in 1955) has 975 miles of rugged shoreline which encompass 48,000 acres of clean, inviting, sporting waters. Recognized as one of Arkansas' superior fishing lakes where bass, crappie, bream and catfish abound, Lake Ouachita is also stocked with rainbow trout, northern pike and ocean stripers which add to the lake's fishing thrills. Lake Ouachita's wide open waters and quiet lagoons offer fun to water-skiers, sailing enthusiasts, canoeists, and scuba divers. Situated among the beautiful pine forests at the eastern end of the lake is Lake Ouachita State Park.

Facilities

Cabins - Two three-bedroom cabins with fireplaces which sleep up to eight people, and five A-frame housekeeping cabins which sleep up to six are nestled among the trees overlooking the lake. These fully equipped units are heated or cooled for year-round vacation comfort. Relax on the patio balconies for an after-dinner view of the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains reflecting softly in the shimmering waters.

Camping - Scattered along the forest-covered lakeshore are 112 individual campsites handily located for fishing and boating. Seventy-seven of these have dual-voltage and freeze-proof water hookups, and all are equipped with paved camping spurs with a table and grill at each site. Modern bathhouses with hot showers are handy to all sites, and two sanitary dump stations are conveniently located. Some sites remain open year-round for those who prefer the less-crowded conditions of off-season camping.

Marina - A full-service, 70-slip marina provides rental fishing boats, motors and party barges, plus rental boats, slips (covered and uncovered) mooring buoys and transient slips. Live bait, fuel and fishing supplies of all types are also available to take care of your boating and fishing needs. Launch ramps are located near the marina and in Camping Area "A" for those with their own rigs.

Other Facilities - The Visitor Center houses the park offices, audiovisual room, store, gift shop, cafe, rest rooms and exhibits which feature the famous Three Sisters Springs, the history of the lake and the surrounding area, and the natural environment and geology of the lake and mountains. Overlooking the lake by the marina is a large, well-shaded picnic area with tables, grills, water hydrants and rest rooms.

Trails - The Caddo Bend Trail provides a 4-mile hiking experience as it meanders through the forests and along the lakeshore of Point 50 Peninsula. A unique boating trail, the Ouachita Geo-float Trail, is offered by the Corps of Engineers (booklets can be obtained from the C.O.E. or at the park). The Dogwood Trail (1/4 mile loop) begins near Camp Area C and is perfect for the casual hiker. Three Sisters Springs - This has been a major at-traction in the area since the late 1880s. The water welling up from these springs is said to have "curative powers" for different ailments. Visit the famous springs and take home some of this unusual water.

NOTE: Cabin reservations can be made by calling the Visitor Center. Please, no pets in the cabins. All campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites assigned; limited reservations available. Campers who wish to extend their stay must re-register by 10 a.m. or vacate the site by 3 p.m. Lake Ouachita and all land contained within its shores are under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers. All visitors and boaters must follow C.O.E. and Game & Fish Commission rules and regulations.

Hospitals, gas stations, shopping and other conveniences are only minutes away in nearby towns.

Interpretive Services

Programs - A park interpreter offers guided hikes, scenic lake tours on a party barge, nature talks and demonstrations, plus evening slide shows and movie presentations at the park's outdoor amphitheater (summer) or Visitor Center (winter or inclement weather). Organized groups may request programs of specific interest year-round if arrangements are made in advance.

Location

From Hot Springs, travel 3 miles west on US 270, then 12 miles north on Hwy. 227 to the park.

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

Lake Ouachita State Park
5451 Mountain Pine Road
Mountain Pine, AR 71956
Telephone: (501) 767-9366 (Visitor Center)
767-9367 (Marina or Visitor Center)
767-1100 (Emergency)
For cabin reservations ONLY call 1-800-264-2441

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

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol 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.