Summary
Designated as ‘The Natural State,’ Arkansas is located in the southeastern region of the United States, with the Mississippi River forming a significant portion of its eastern boundary. The state is generally divided into two main geographical regions: lowlands and highlands, each showcasing its distinct natural allure. The Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains are prominently situated in the northwestern part of Arkansas, while the lowlands are positioned within the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain.
Overall, Arkansas is a remarkable state, characterized by three extensive ecoregions and a variety of climates and elevations. The state features numerous lakes and reservoirs, many of which provide excellent opportunities for recreational activities. If visiting Arkansas, it is advisable to explore at least one of the top 15 lakes highlighted below, particularly during the warm summer months.
1. Bull Shoals Lake; Marion County
This man-made lake emerged following the construction of the Bull Shoals Dam, which ranks among the largest dams in the nation. Situated in northern Arkansas, Bull Shoals Lake extends into neighboring Missouri, with the majority of its 18,200 hectares lying within Arkansas.
Bull Shoals Lake features multiple arms, rendering it ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and other aquatic sports. Its 1,120-kilometer shoreline is adorned with 19 developed parks that offer camping sites, swimming zones, boat launch facilities, and marinas.
Beyond the parks, the surrounding area remains largely undeveloped, enhancing its scenic value. It is classified as a protected zone, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved.
2. DeGray Lake; Clark & Hot Spring Counties
This 5,600-hectare reservoir is located along the Caddo River, just south of Hot Springs. The eastern shore is bordered by Arkansas Scenic Byway 7, offering stunning views of the lake.
The vicinity of DeGray Lake has a rich history dating back to AD 700, though the lake itself was established in 1972 through the damming of the river. Today, it serves as a favored tourist destination.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park envelops the lake and is distinguished as Arkansas’ only state park resort, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities, including a 92-room lodge, 113 campsites, a restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course.
3. Greers Ferry Lake; Cleburne & Van Buren Counties
Created by the Greers Ferry Dam, Greers Ferry Lake comprises two reservoirs interconnected by a water-filled gorge known as the Narrows. Together, these two lakes feature over 545 kilometers of shoreline.
Since the 1960s, visitors have flocked to the lake to partake in various recreational pursuits, such as cliff diving, swimming, and scuba diving. Additionally, it is renowned for its rainbow trout fishing.
A variety of camping accommodations, cabins, and rental homes are available around the lake, alongside luxury communities that continue to develop in the area.
4. Beaver Lake; Benton & Carroll Counties
This artificial reservoir is situated within the Ozark Mountains along the White River, characterized by a striking shoreline featuring majestic limestone cliffs, caves, and dense foliage.
Beaver Lake is widely regarded as a prime tourist destination due to its stunning aesthetics, as well as its wealth of recreational options. There are 12 parks along its 784 kilometers of shoreline where visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
The 12,800-hectare lake serves as a crucial drinking water source in Northwest Arkansas and plays a significant role in flood control for the surrounding valleys and towns.
5. Norfork Lake; Baxter County
While most of this expansive 8,900-hectare lake lies within Arkansas, a portion in its northern region extends into Missouri, thereby attracting visitors from both states.
Norfork Lake is particularly noted for its exceptional fishing opportunities, featuring a rich population of bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and bream. It is also recognized for hosting one of the state’s premier striped bass fisheries.
In addition to fishing, the lake is prized for a variety of water sports, ranging from boating to water skiing and swimming. Numerous camping sites and other accommodation options are available for those wishing to spend the night.
6. Lake Ouachita; Garland & Montgomery Counties
Lake Ouachita holds the distinction of being the largest lake fully situated within Arkansas, spanning 16,000 hectares and created by damming the Ouachita River.
Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, the lake offers a serene and picturesque environment. It is renowned for featuring one of the world’s largest veins of crystals.
Scuba divers from across the globe are drawn to Lake Ouachita to explore its depths of 60 meters, experiencing the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Furthermore, it is labeled the ‘Striped Bass Capital of the World.’
7. Lake Dardanelle; Pope, Yell, Logan, Johnson & Franklin Counties
Lake Dardanelle extends through five counties in western Arkansas, measuring 80 kilometers in length and boasting 510 kilometers of shoreline, with a portion featuring parks.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is situated on both sides of the lake in Russellville and Dardanelle, providing visitors with picnic areas, pavilions, boat ramps, and playgrounds.
In addition to the parks, the surrounding forest is home to diverse wildlife, with abundant camping grounds available around the lake.
8. Lake Conway; Faulkner County
Lake Conway represents the largest lake created by a game and fish commission in the United States. The 2,700 hectares of lake is conveniently located near the center of Arkansas, just south of Conway.
The lake is a sought-after fishing venue, particularly for bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages multiple free public areas on the lake, most of which include boat ramps.
There are numerous local legends regarding the presence of the ‘Fouke Monster’ residing in the lake. While no photographic evidence has surfaced, many have reported sightings of a large creature in the water.
9. Lake Greeson, Pike County
Surrounded by 15 parks, Lake Greeson is a particularly favored location for various recreational activities. Its stunning scenic views further enhance its appeal, securing its status as one of the top 15 lakes in Arkansas.
The lake is encircled by over 70 kilometers of trails that lead both around the lake and into nearby hills and forests. Visitors can traverse the trails by walking or cycling, with some sections designated for ATVs.
Located within Daisy State Park, Lake Greeson was established through the construction of the Narrows Dam along the Little Missouri River.
10. Millwood Lake; Little River County
This 11,800-hectare lake is celebrated for its excellent fishing opportunities and is regarded as one of the premier bass fishing lakes in the country. The lake’s 105-kilometer shoreline includes 15 recreational parks that facilitate camping, picnicking, and swimming, as well as offering access to the water.
Millwood Lake serves as a major attraction within Millwood State Park, which features two trails where visitors may observe wildlife and waterfowl, including deer, foxes, opossums, coyotes, and beavers.
Facilities on-site include a marina, playgrounds, and a bait shop, along with options to rent paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, or fishing boats.
11. Lake Chicot; Chicot County
Lake Chicot holds the title of the largest natural lake in Arkansas, and it is also recognized as the largest oxbow lake in North America. Formed approximately 600 years ago, the lake is situated just west of the Mississippi River in the southeastern part of the state.
The name ‘Chicot’ derives from the French term for ‘stumpy,’ which refers to the cypress stumps lining the banks, further adding to the lake’s allure and tranquility.
Lake Chicot State Park occupies the northern side of the lake and offers 122 campsites, 14 cabins, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground. A less developed park is also available on the eastern side of the lake.
12. Lake Maumelle; Pulaski County
Lake Maumelle is a primary drinking water source for Little Rock. It is an artificial lake developed during the damming of the Big Maumelle River.
The lake is highly favored among locals for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities, attracting anglers seeking out bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, and bream.
Swimming is prohibited in the lake, although sailing is permitted. Moreover, Lake Maumelle hosts a variety of regattas throughout the year.
13. White Oak Lake; Nevada & Ouachita Counties
This stunning lake is enveloped by forests, with many submerged trees providing excellent cover for a variety of fish species including crappie, bass, and bream, which are abundant in the area.
White Oak Lake State Park is located along the western shoreline, where visitors can engage in activities such as camping, picnicking, and cycling.
The park also features well-maintained hiking trails, which are ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking wildlife sightings. Species such as deer, herons, bald eagles, and ospreys can often be observed.
14. Nimrod Lake; Perry & Yell Counties
Nimrod Lake, formed by the construction of the Nimrod Dam, is recognized as the oldest Corps of Engineers project in Arkansas, completed in 1942 along the Fourche LaFave River.
Due to its rich population of largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and bream, Nimrod Lake is predominantly favored by anglers. It also serves as an excellent venue for water skiing, swimming, and boating.
The lake is nestled between the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests, providing a spectacular backdrop. A total of six parks are situated along its shoreline, enabling visitors to enjoy various camping options.
15. Table Rock Lake; Carroll County
While the majority of Table Rock Lake is located in Missouri, its southern tail extends into northern Arkansas. The lake was formed through the damming of the White River, with the dam situated on the Missouri side.
The beauty of Table Rock Lake is unparalleled, as it is set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. This location is a haven for boaters, scuba divers, and fishermen, drawing enthusiasts not only from local regions but from across the entire state.
The lake features 13 camping grounds, alongside resorts and a comprehensive marina, primarily found on the Missouri side but easily reachable from Arkansas.
