🌤 Weather at Lake Charles State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–78 °F | 68–88 °F | 39–82 °F | 28–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Alicia 2NNE, 13 mi away, elevation 258 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ozark Foothills Bass Lake — 645-Acre Lake with 20-Inch Bass, Sandy Beach, Yurt Rental, 60 Campsites, Visitor Center, Powhatan AR
Lake Charles State Park is a state park at 3705 Highway 25, Powhatan, Lawrence County, Arkansas, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The park features a 645-acre artificial lake known for trophy bass (20-inch class), crappie, bream, and catfish fishing, a sandy swimming beach (no lifeguards), 60 campsites with Class AAA (full hookup) and Class B (water/electric) options, a rent-a-yurt, a visitor center with bait and tackle, boat ramps with courtesy dock, fishing piers, and four hiking trails.
Lake Charles is northeast Arkansas’s trophy bass destination — the 645-acre lake in the Ozark foothills consistently produces 20-inch-class largemouth bass. The diverse structure — submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels — creates excellent fish habitat.
The visitor center sells bait and tackle from March through October, and the courtesy dock makes launching easy. Waterfront campsites let anglers fish from their campsite.
Things to Do
- Bass fishing — 645-acre lake, 20-inch trophy class
- Swimming beach — sandy, no lifeguards
- Camping — 60 sites (AAA full hookup + B)
- Yurt rental — glamping option
- Boating — ramps, courtesy dock
- Hiking — 4 trails incl. paved Cedar Trail
- Fishing piers — accessible from shore
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 3705 Hwy 25, Powhatan, AR 72458 |
| Lake | 645 acres — bass/crappie/bream/catfish |
| Campsites | 60 — AAA + B, waterfront options |
| Visitor Center | Bait/tackle March–Oct |
| Phone | (870) 878-6595 |
| Managed By | Arkansas State Parks |
| Coordinates | 36.0655° N, 91.1528° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Charles SP — 645 acres on Lake Charles (645 acres). The park’s lake, Ozark forest, and rocky shoreline support bald eagles, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish provide fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Powhatan — adjacent. Black River — nearby. Lawrence County — surrounding.
Is Lake Charles State Park Arkansas good for fishing?
Yes — Lake Charles State Park near Powhatan, Arkansas, features a 645-acre lake in the Ozark foothills known for trophy bass (20-inch class), crappie, bream, and catfish. The park offers boat ramps, a courtesy dock, fishing piers, and a visitor center with bait and tackle (March–October). Waterfront camping available among 60 sites. Call (870) 878-6595.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks in Arkansas: Davidsonville Historic State Park and Lake Frierson State Park. See the full Arkansas state parks guide.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Arkansas state parks online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com.
⛺ Camping at Lake Charles State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 55 sites — Class AAA (Loop C): water, 50-amp, sewer. Class B (Loops A & B): water, 30-amp. Sites 8 and 10 limited to pop-up campers, truck campers, and trailers under 25 ft; most other sites accommodate RVs 31-61 ft. Paved sites with table, fire ring, and grill. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 1 Rent-A-Yurt: heat/AC, three bunk beds (sleeps 6), table, ice chest; outdoor grill, fire pit, and picnic table included. |
| Reservations | Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/lake-charles or by phone 870-878-6595. |
| Special sites | Dump station open all year, but no water available December-February. Area A Bath House open March-November; Area C Bath House open year-round. |
| Season notes | Campground open year-round. |
Camping questions about Lake Charles State Park
Can you camp at Lake Charles State Park?
Yes. Lake Charles State Park has 55 campsites. Class AAA (Loop C): water, 50-amp, sewer. Class B (Loops A & B): water, 30-amp. Sites 8 and 10 limited to pop-up campers, truck campers, and trailers under 25 ft; most other sites accommodate RVs 31-61 ft. Paved sites with table, fire ring, and grill. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Charles State Park?
Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/lake-charles or by phone 870-878-6595.
Are there cabins at Lake Charles State Park?
1 Rent-A-Yurt: heat/AC, three bunk beds (sleeps 6), table, ice chest; outdoor grill, fire pit, and picnic table included.
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Charles 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 Charles 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
Plan your gear for Lake Charles State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
