Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just minutes from Hot Springs, Lake Catherine State Park offers the perfect Arkansas lake escape. Wake up in one of 20 fully equipped cabins—many with lakefront views and private fishing piers—or set up camp at one of 70 scenic campsites along the shore.
The park’s full-service marina provides everything you need for a day on the water: pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. And the fishing? Exceptional. Lake Catherine is home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye—and below Carpenter Dam, cold-water releases create prime habitat for rainbow trout and striper.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic cabin getaway, a family fishing trip, or a weekend of paddling and swimming, Lake Catherine delivers Arkansas lakefront living at its finest.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Hot Springs, Arkansas (Garland County) |
| 🗺️ Region | Ouachita Mountains |
| 📐 Total Area | 2,180 acres (park + lake) |
| 🏠 Cabins | 20 fully equipped |
| ⛺ Campsites | 70+ developed sites |
| 📞 Phone | (501) 844-4176 |
Lakefront Cabins
Lake Catherine offers 20 fully equipped cabins, ranging from cozy one-bedroom units to spacious two-bedroom family retreats. Many feature:
- 🌊 Lakefront locations with water views
- 🎣 Private fishing piers
- 🍳 Full kitchens
- 🔥 Seasonal fireplaces
- 🦽 ADA-accessible options (roll-in showers)
- 🐕 Pet-friendly cabins available
Camping Options
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Class AAA (Full Hookup) | 47 | Water, electric, sewer |
| ⛺ Class B | 23 | Water & electric |
| 🏕️ Primitive Tent Sites | 6 | No hookups |
| ⛺ Rent-A-Camp | 1 | Equipment provided |
| 🛖 Rent-A-Yurt | 1 | Unique glamping experience |
Many campsites are located along the lakeshore, with easy access to swimming and fishing. Modern restrooms and hot showers are available.
Full-Service Marina
The park’s marina is your one-stop shop for water adventures. Rentals are available year-round for kayaks and paddleboards, with full boat rental service during summer months.
| Rental Type | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛵ Pontoon Boats | 21ft & 25ft options |
| 🚤 Fishing Boats | 16ft with 25hp motor |
| 🛶 Kayaks | Single & double, year-round |
| 🛶 Canoes | Available seasonally |
| 🚲 Pedal Boats & Water Bikes | Family fun |
| 🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboards | Year-round |
Fishing at Lake Catherine
Lake Catherine offers exceptional fishing with diverse species:
| Species | Best Location |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Throughout lake |
| 🐟 Crappie | Brush piles, structure |
| 🐟 Bluegill & Catfish | Throughout lake |
| 🐟 Walleye | Deeper areas |
| 🌈 Rainbow Trout | Below Carpenter Dam (cold water) |
| 🐟 Striper | Below Carpenter Dam |
Pro Tip: The cold-water release from Carpenter Dam creates prime habitat for trout and striper—a unique fishing opportunity in Arkansas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Catherine SP — 2,180 acres on Lake Catherine in the Ouachita Mountains. The park’s lake, mountain forest, and waterfalls support bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass, catfish, and bream fill the lake. Falls Branch Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Nearby Attractions
Hot Springs — 10 miles north — home of Hot Springs National Park (the oldest national park area in the US, set aside in 1832). Bathhouse Row — historic spa district.
How close is Lake Catherine to Hot Springs?
Lake Catherine State Park is just 15 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, making it the perfect base for exploring the famous bathhouses, restaurants, and attractions of Hot Springs National Park while enjoying lakefront camping or cabin stays.
Are the cabins lakefront?
Many of the 20 cabins at Lake Catherine are lakefront with water views. Some even include private fishing piers with direct lake access. These popular cabins book quickly—reserve early, especially for weekends!
Can you rent boats at Lake Catherine?
Yes! The full-service marina offers pontoon boats, fishing boats (16ft with motor), kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats. Kayak and SUP rentals are available year-round, while motorized boats are available seasonally.
What fish can you catch at Lake Catherine?
Lake Catherine offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and walleye. Below Carpenter Dam, cold-water releases create prime habitat for rainbow trout and striper—a unique Arkansas fishing opportunity!
Are there ADA-accessible cabins?
Yes! Lake Catherine offers ADA-accessible cabins with features like roll-in showers. The park also has wheelchair-accessible fishing docks so everyone can enjoy the lake.
Can you bring pets to Lake Catherine?
Yes! Lake Catherine has pet-friendly cabins available. Pets are also welcome at campsites on a leash. Contact the park for details on pet policies and availability.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake DeGray State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Ouachita State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Your Lakefront Arkansas Escape Awaits
Just minutes from Hot Springs—20 cabins with private piers, boat rentals, and exceptional fishing for bass, crappie, and trout!
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Lake Catherine State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Catherine State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Catherine State Park?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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