Lake Ouachita


Lake Ouachita lies in the eastern section of the Ouachita National Forest in Garland and Montgomery counties in Arkansas. Its southern border is about 15 miles from Hot Springs, Arkansas, the closest metro area. It covers 66,324 acres with over 600 miles of shoreline. The average depth is 50 feet, but can reach 200 feet deep. It is the biggest lake in Arkansas and one of the cleanest lakes in the U.S. The Corps of Engineers oversees Lake Ouachita and its shoreline. The Ouachita River feeds Lake Ouachita. There are over 200 islands in the lake and standing timber in the lakebed. Some of the trees when Lake Ouachita was impounded were over 60 feet tall. Lake Ouachita sees over eight million visitors a year.  More Lake Information

Lake Ouachita Camping


Big Fir Public Use Area

Big Fir Campground is a basic campground on Lake Ouachita's northwest shore. It offers 50 non-electric campsites. Only tent camping is allowed here. There is also a boat ramp and restrooms in the park. For...

Crystal Springs Campground

Crystal Springs Campground is located on the Arkansas shoreline of Lake Ouachita. There are approximately 74 campsites, with the majority of them having water and electric hookups. There's also a boat ramp, a...

Denby Point Campground

The Tompkins Bend campground is close to Denby Point. It has 58 RV campsites with electricity and water, as well as 9 tent sites. Showers, flush toilets, a playground, picnic areas, pathways, and an...

Joplin Recreation Area-USACE

Joplin Recreation Area-USACE is on the south side of the lake, Joplin. They offer 65 campsites with ground and pedestal grills, a concrete table, a lantern post, and shaded areas. There are no places or areas...

Tompkins Bend Campground

On the southwest end of Lake Ouachita, Tompkins Bend is found. Tompkins Bend has 77 campsites to choose from, each with its own set of facilities. There are BBQ grills on the ground and on pedestals, concrete...

Lake Ouachita Marinas


Brady Mountain Resort and Marina

Brady Mountain Resort and Marina is located in Royal, AR. It offers a full-service marina with a dive shop, houseboat rentals, lovely cabins, a mini-golf course, and a full-service restaurant are all...

Lake Ouachita Shores Resort Mrn

Lake Ouachita Shores Resort Mrn is located in Mt. Day, Arkansas. They offer motel rooms, small bungalows, big bungalows and boat rentals. They have 29' Aloha Party Barge with 115 hp motor with hard top and a...

Mountain Harbor Marina

Mountain Harbor Marina is located in Mt Ida, Arkansas. They offer luxurious cabins, lake view guest rooms and boat rentals. They have a 26' Tritoon with a slide and 150 hp engine for 600$ per day. A 30'...

Echo Canyon Resort

Echo Canyon Resort was formerly known as Spillway Resort and Marina. It offers cabin rentals, a restaurant, a boat dock, boat rentals, and a lot of family fun. If you have your own boat, you can rent a boat...

Crystal Springs Resort

Crystal Springs Resort is located 15 miles west of Hot Springs. They offer a full-service marina with a snack, bait, and gift store, as well as a seasonal restaurant, a motel, several cottages with views of...

Lake Ouachita What To Do


Balboa Golf Course

Balboa is a more walker-friendly course than the others in the Village, having broader fairways and fewer elevation changes. It also contains a number of difficult par 3s. Penn Cross/Crenshaw Bent grasses are...

Gangster Museum of America

Gangster Museum of America offers guided video tours of the relationship between the local area and prominent American gangsters are available at the museum. Also, visit the museum's gift shop, where you may...

Ponce De Leon Golf Course

Ponce De Leon Golf Course is considered one of the top ten golf courses in Arkansas, and In Hot Springs Village, Ponce is a favorite among low-handicap golfers. Penn Cross/Crenshaw Bent grasses are used on the...

Splash Wine Bar

Splash Wine Bar is located adjacent to Barrels Unlimited at 325 Ouachita Avenue. This is a great place to enjoy drinks with your family and friends. They serve the best wine, hard liquor drinks, and a cheese...

Magellan Golf Club

Magellan Golf Club is the favorite of female golfers. It has a three-hole course and is one of the best practice facilities in Arkansas. Champion Tif-Dwarf Bermuda grasses are used on the greens, and 419...

Lake Ouachita Email Updates


 

Lake Ouachita Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake Ouachita Weather Forecast

Sunday

Sunny

Hi: 85

Sunday Night

Clear

Lo: 59

Monday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 85

Monday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 62

Tuesday

Partly Sunny

Hi: 86

Tuesday Night

Chance Rain Showers

Lo: 65

Wednesday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 81

Wednesday Night

Chance Rain Showers

Lo: 65