Lakes
Clean and clear water, surrounded by mountain ranges, wooded forests and crisp, clean air — it’s no surprise that America’s first national park offers an abundance of sparkling lakes.
What may be a surprise is the unique individual qualities of Hot Springs’ three “Diamond Lakes,” each offering an myriad of activities to enjoy.
Lake Ouachita
At 40 miles long, with 970 miles of shoreline and over 40,000 acres, Lake Ouachita is the largest manmade lake in Arkansas. It is probably Hot Springs’ most popular lake, as its size allows for all kinds of on-water activities including scuba diving, sailing and striped and largemouth bass fishing (though the biggest channel catfish ever caught in the Natural State was reeled out of Lake Ouachita!)
Marinas, resorts and cabins dot the lake, though its shorelines are about as pristine as a lake’s shorelines get. Over 200 islands across the lake offer perfect picnic spots or private camping grounds.
The lake is surrounded by the 1.6 million acres of the Ouachita National Forest and offers unique recreation for thousands of visitors each year, while still offering a sense of seclusion. Visitors will find 32 miles of hiking trails as well as over 800 camping spots surrounding the lake.
Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton’s 7,200 acres is one of Arkansas’s most popular lakes. Though it affords equal opportunities for both fishermen and recreational visitors, this beautiful lake is largely residential and features a number of condos, homes, resorts and campsites. Tubing, jet skiing and waterskiing is popular here — though fishing is pretty good too!
The Belle of Hot Springs also operates on Lake Hamilton. Aboard this 250 passenger riverboat, visitors can enjoy a narrated tour featuring dinner, wine and dancing, as well as stunning views of the picturesque Ouachita Mountain landscape.
Hot Spring’s famous Garvan Woodland Gardens, a spectacular, world-class 210-acre wooded peninsula, is accessible from Lake Hamilton by boat.
Lake Catherine
Mildly popular for swimming, skiing and boating, the 1,940-acre Lake Catherine is definitely best known for its angling opportunities.
A hydroelectric dam on the Ouachita River, Remmel Dam, forms the lake, and it is rich in bass, crappie, catfish, walleye and bream, and below the dam you can find great rainbow lake trout fishing. The lake’s marina even provides fishing boats and canoes for rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Surrounding the lake is the beautiful scenery of the Ouachita Mountains, and the wilderness of Lake Catherine State Park, perfect for hiking and camping. You’ll find several cabins and campsites, with restaurants, resorts, and hotels nearby.