Our readers have chosen these lakes as their top favorites in Arkansas.
With more than 2,400 lakes over 5 acres in size, Arkansas lives up to its nickname as The Natural State. We asked our readers to name their favorite Arkansas lakes for summer recreation, and the results highlight just how diverse the options are across the state.
Arkansas lakes are known for their beautiful, clean water, and many rank among the clearest in the country. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving, you’ll find the perfect spot on one of these lakes.
From Lake Chicot, the largest oxbow lake along the Mississippi River, to Beaver Lake in the Ozark Highlands, The Natural State offers remarkable variety. We planned to count down the top five, but our readers gave us a three-way tie for fourth place. So here are the top six Arkansas lakes, as chosen by the Arkansas Outside community.
No. 4 (Tie): Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs
Located in Hot Springs, one of Arkansas’s most popular vacation destinations, Lake Hamilton stays busy throughout the warm-weather season. Formed by the damming of the Ouachita River, this 7,200-acre lake is lined with marinas, condominiums, resorts, motels, restaurants, and private homes.
Pro tip: While on Lake Hamilton, take time to visit Electric Island for a scenic two-mile hike in the middle of the lake.
No. 4 (Tie): Norfork Lake, Baxter County
Norfork Lake stretches across some 22,000 acres in the Arkansas Ozarks and features 19 developed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks that offer camping, swimming, snorkeling, powerboating and more. The surrounding area is rich with dry-land recreation options as well, including the nearby Syllamo District of the Ozark-Saint Francis National Forest.
Pro tip: After a day on the water, head to the Mountain Home Entertainment District for dining and evening entertainment. Also worth a stop: the town of Norfork, where Norfork Adventure Supply carries outdoor gear, bicycles and a solid cup of coffee.
No. 4 (Tie): Beaver Lake, Northwest Arkansas
Situated between Rogers and Eureka Springs in the Arkansas Ozarks, Beaver Lake offers a distinctive experience with high bluffs and relatively undeveloped shoreline. It’s a go-to spot for waterskiing, fishing and paddleboarding. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area lines much of the south shore and hosts some of the state’s best hiking and mountain biking, including Arkansas’s first Monument Trails.
Pro tip: Stop by the Hobbs State Park visitor center for a fascinating look at the cultural and natural history of the area. The state-of-the-art facility is well worth the time.
No. 3: Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Heber Springs, Greers Ferry Lake draws visitors from Central Arkansas and beyond. It is one of Arkansas’s five largest lakes and a popular destination for fishing, water sports, boating and camping. The reservoir is also recognized nationally as a model for environmental cleanliness.
Pro tip: Take a boat to Sugarloaf Mountain, located in the middle of the lake, and hike to the summit for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Ozarks. Read our full account of the adventure here.
No. 2: DeGray Lake, Arkadelphia
Just off Scenic Highway 7 south of Hot Springs, DeGray Lake is highly accessible yet remains less crowded than many nearby lakes. The centerpiece of the area is DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Arkansas’s first resort state park, which offers a modern lodge with a full-service restaurant and bar, shoreline yurts, campsites, a marina and a free public beach. Land-based activities include an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and disc golf.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and hammocks, rent a boat at the state park marina and spend the day on one of the lake’s islands. It’s an ideal base for a relaxed afternoon on the water.
No. 1: Lake Ouachita, Hot Springs
The largest lake entirely within Arkansas’s borders, Lake Ouachita sits just north of Hot Springs in the Ouachita Mountains and delivers on nearly every front. The lake features approximately 200 islands, and unlike most Arkansas lakes, camping on them is permitted. Resorts and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are spread throughout the area, with Lake Ouachita State Park anchoring the eastern end. The lake’s exceptional water clarity makes it a top destination for scuba divers.
Pro tip: After a day on Lake Ouachita, head into Hot Springs and stop at Superior Bathhouse Brewery on historic Bathhouse Row. Located inside a 1916 bathhouse within Hot Springs National Park, it is the only brewery in a U.S. national park and the only brewery in the world to craft its beers with 100% natural thermal spring water. With 18 craft beers on tap and a farm-to-table menu, it’s a perfect way to cap off a day on the water.
Have a favorite Arkansas lake that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below.
This updated article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
