🌤 Weather at Ouachita State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–79 °F | 63–91 °F | 38–84 °F | 29–54 °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 Blakely Mountain Dam, 4 mi away, elevation 426 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ouachita State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Hot Springs. Spanning 360 acres and established in 1953, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Hot Springs |
| Park Size | 360 acres |
| Established | 1953 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Ouachita State Park is located near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 34.6186, -93.1772.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
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.
Wildlife & Nature
Ouachita SP — in the Ouachita Mountains — the only major US mountain range running east-west (most run north-south). The park’s hot springs, mountain forest, and streams support black bears, wild turkeys, and timber rattlesnakes. Novaculite (Arkansas whetstone) has been quarried here for 10,000+ years by Native Americans.
Nearby Attractions
Hot Springs NP — nearby — the oldest area in the National Park System (set aside 1832). Bathhouse Row — historic spa district.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Sylvia Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Lake Catherine State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Ouachita State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 93 sites — 58 Class AAA sites: water/50-amp/sewer. 23 Class D sites: no hookups. 12 walk-in tent sites. Restrooms open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 8 full-service cabins: two 3-bedroom/2-bath units with fireplace and spa tub (sleep 10), four 2-bedroom/2-bath units with fireplace and spa tub (sleep 6), two 3-bedroom/2-bath units without spa tub (sleep 10). Plus 4 camper cabins (one sleeping room for 4, screened porch, heat/AC, nearby bathhouse; guests provide their own linens and supplies). |
| Pets | All 4 camper cabins are dog-friendly; full-service Cabins #1 and #5 are also pet-friendly. |
| Reservations | Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/lake-ouachita or call 501-767-9366. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation. |
| Special sites | Marina with boat rentals. Caddo Bend and Dogwood hiking trails; Three Sisters' Springs; visitor center and interpretive programs. |
| Season notes | Campground and picnic area open all year. |
Camping questions about Ouachita State Park
Can you camp at Ouachita State Park?
Yes. Ouachita State Park has 93 campsites. 58 Class AAA sites: water/50-amp/sewer. 23 Class D sites: no hookups. 12 walk-in tent sites. Restrooms open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Ouachita State Park?
Book online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/lake-ouachita or call 501-767-9366. Individual camping reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance; camping is limited to one 14-day stay within a 30-day period. The reservation deposit equals one night's basic camping fee plus tax and is forfeited on cancellation.
Are there cabins at Ouachita State Park?
8 full-service cabins: two 3-bedroom/2-bath units with fireplace and spa tub (sleep 10), four 2-bedroom/2-bath units with fireplace and spa tub (sleep 6), two 3-bedroom/2-bath units without spa tub (sleep 10). Plus 4 camper cabins (one sleeping room for 4, screened porch, heat/AC, nearby bathhouse; guests provide their own linens and supplies).
Are pets allowed at the Ouachita State Park campground?
All 4 camper cabins are dog-friendly; full-service Cabins #1 and #5 are also pet-friendly.
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ouachita 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 Ouachita 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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