Lake Ouachita State Park
Arkansas

Lake Ouachita State Park

Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Scuba Diving
  • Cabins
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Lake Ouachita State Park sits on the shores of Arkansas’ largest lake—40,000 acres of crystal-clear water with up to 50-foot visibility, making it a premier destination for scuba diving, boating, and fishing!

40,000-Acre Lake Ouachita

Lake InfoDetails
💧 Lake Size40,000+ acres
👁️ VisibilityUp to 50 feet!
🤿 Scuba DivingShipwrecks, ghost towns
🦐 WildlifeFreshwater jellyfish!

Camping & Cabins

AccommodationDetails
🏕️ Campsites93 total (some waterfront)
Class AAA58 full-hookup sites
🏠 Cabins8 equipped + 4 camper cabins
Marina70 slips, boat rentals

Scuba Diving Sites

Dive SiteFeatures
Tip of Snoopy’s EarRock formations
Blakely Mountain DamOld town ruins
Three Sisters SpitSunken boats

FAQ

Why is the water so clear?

Lake Ouachita has minimal runoff and is fed by underground springs, creating exceptionally clear water with visibility up to 50 feet—rare for freshwater lakes!

🤿 Arkansas’ Crystal-Clear Diving Paradise

Reserve at Arkansas State Parks.

Location & Getting There

Lake Ouachita State Park is located in Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 34.6186, -93.1772. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Arkansas
  • Coordinates: 34.6186, -93.1772
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

Arkansas showcases stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails, swimming in clear streams, fishing trophy bass lakes, camping in forested valleys, kayaking, caving, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Best Time to Visit

Best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls. Summer is hot — swim and float. Fall foliage peaks mid-to-late October. Winter offers mild hiking temperatures.

Visitor Tips

Arkansas state parks are free to enter. The system uniquely offers full-service lodges with restaurants. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Ticks are very active March through October.

Explore More Arkansas State Parks

Lake Ouachita 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.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Park Location