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 nearby: Old Davidsonville State Park is a short drive away, while Lake Frierson State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Arkansas state parks online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Charles State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
