Lake Ouachita
Current Water Level: 576.02 Ft
Lake Ouachita Real Estate Agent Info
About Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita (wash'i*taw), is a large man-made reservoir located in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It was created by the construction of the Ouachita Dam on the Ouachita River and is one of the largest lakes in the state, covering approximately 40,000 acres of surface area. Here are some key features and details about Lake Ouachita:
Recreation
- Boating and Fishing: Lake Ouachita is popular for various water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. It is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish.
- Water Sports: The lake's size and clear waters make it suitable for jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing.
- Camping and Hiking: There are several campgrounds and hiking trails around the lake, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ouachita National Forest surrounds much of the lake, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Natural Environment
- Water Quality: Lake Ouachita is known for its clean and clear waters, which are maintained through conservation efforts and responsible recreational practices.
- Wildlife: The area around the lake is rich in wildlife, including deer, birds, and other animals, making it a great spot for nature watching.
Accessibility
- State Parks: The lake is home to several state parks, including Lake Ouachita State Park, which provides amenities such as cabins, picnic areas, and boat ramps.
- Marinas: Numerous marinas around the lake offer rental services for boats and jet skis, as well as supplies for recreational use.
Events
- The lake often hosts various events and festivals, particularly related to fishing tournaments, music events, and community gatherings.
Lake Ouachita is a beautiful destination for both residents and tourists, offering numerous recreational opportunities in a picturesque natural setting.
High in the Ouachita Mountains near the resort spa of Hot Springs, the exceptionally clear water of Lake Ouachita is popular with scuba divers, water skiers and fishermen. Unsurpassed scenic beauty, excellent fishing, water sports of all kinds and a prolific area for rock hounds are just a few of the natural attractions of this area. There are many campgrounds and resorts in close proximity to the Lake, and the area is attractive for laid-back family vacations. At the lake's eastern tip, the state park includes historic Three Sisters' Springs, once thought to have curative powers. This is also a prime area for natural crystal hunting and rock collecting.
Climate - Arkansas has a temperate climate with the coldest temperatures near freezing during December, January and February. Daytime highs for these months usually reach 55 degrees F. Spring and fall temperatures are very mild with lows dipping to 44 degrees F and highs reaching 70 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. June and September average temperatures usually reach into the mid-eighties. Spring and winter months are the wettest of the year.
Location - From Hot Springs, travel three miles west on U.S. 270, then go 12 miles north on Arkansas Hwy. 227 to the park.
Lake Ouachita Quick Facts
Lake Ouachita Local Area Businesses
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo 847 Whittington Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-6172
Arkansas House of Reptiles 420 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-8516
The Bath House Show 701 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-1415
Ducks in the Park Tours 316 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-624-3825
Hot Springs Mountain Tower Hot Springs Mountain Drive Hot Springs, AR 501-623-6035
Jungle Mountain Miniature Golf 2720 Albert Pike Hot Springs, AR 501-767-8601
Magic Springs Theme Park & Crystal Falls Water Park Hot Springs, AR 501-624-0100
Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic 817 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-6200
Mid-America Museum 500 Mid America Blvd Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 767-3461
Music Mountain Jamboree 2720 Albert Pike Hot Springs, AR 501-767-3841
National Park Aquarium 209 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-624-3474
Oaklawn Park 2705 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-4411 or 800-OAKLAWN
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf 4612 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-525-9311
Temperance Hill Square Scenic 7 Byway Hot Springs, AR 501-525-7271
Thermal Bathing Various Sites throughout Hot Springs Hot Springs, AR 501-321-2277 or 800-SPA-CITY
Tiny Town 374 Whittington Ave. Hot Springs, AR 501-624-4742
The Witness 1960 Mill Creek Rd. Hot Springs, AR 501-623-9781
Wright's Rock Shop 3612 Albert Pike Hot Springs, AR 501-767-4800
Lake Ouachita Camping Information
Park/Campsite Reservations: (501 ) 767-9366
There are 112 individual campsites handily located for fishing and boating. Seventy-seven of these have dual-voltage and freeze-proof water hookups. All campsites have paved camping spurs, table, grill, bathhouses, and hot showers .
Class A: Water and electric hookups, flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, hot showers, and dump stations.
Class B: Water, restrooms, electricity, picnic tables, grills, showers, and dump sites are usually available.
All Seasons RV Park 6507 Central Ave., Hot Springs 71913 (501) 525-1248
Baileys RV Park 4303 Central Ave., Hot Springs 71913 (501) 525-1660
Crater of Diamonds State Park Rt. 1, Box 364, Murfreesboro 71958 (870) 285-3113
Daisy State Park HC-71 Box 66, Kirby 71950-8105 (501) 398-4487
Gulpha Gorge National Park US Hwy. 70B Hot Springs, AR 71901 (870) 624-2283
Highway "27" Fishing Village 214 Fishing Village Rd. Story, AR 71970-5647 (870) 867-2211
Hot Springs National Park KOA 838 McClendon Rd. Hot Springs, AR 71901 (501) 624-5912 1-800-KOA-59037
Lake Ouachita Boating Information
Marina - A full-service, 70-slip marina provides rental fishing boats, motors and party barges, plus rental boats, slips (covered and uncovered) mooring buoys and transient slips.
Covered Slip - 8' x 16' $70/Month
Covered Slip - 9' x 18' $75/Month
Covered Slip - 10' x 22' $100/Month (w/ elec)
Covered Slip - 10' x 22' $80/Month (no elec)
Uncovered Slip - 10' x 20' $70/Month
Transient Slip $14/Day
Mooring Buoy $60/Month (May-Aug)
Mooring Buoy $50/Month (Sept-April)
Mooring Buoy $528/Year
Fishing Boats 16 ft. $12/Half-day, $18.50/Day $50 Deposit
Fishing Boats 16 ft. w/motor $30/Half-Day, $50/Day $50 Deposit
Party Barges 20 ft $110/Half-day, $160/Day, $100 Deposit
Party Barges 30 ft $140/Half-day, $190/Day, $100 Deposit
Pedal Boat $3/Half-Hour, $4/Hour
Canoe $5/Hour, $15/Half-Day, $25/Day
Water Bike $4/Half-Hour, $6/Hour
Personal Water Craft $35/Half-Hour, $50/Hour Plus Deposit
Personal Water Craft $150/Half-Day, $250/Day Plus Deposit
Lake Ouachita Fishing Information
Lake Ouachita is recognized as one of Arkansas' superior fishing lakes where the following fish are available in abundance.
Blue Catfish
Bluegill
Bream
Channel Catfish
Crappie
Flathead Catfish
Largemouth Bass
Northern Pike
Ocean Stripers
Rainbow Trout
Redear Sunfish
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Striped Bass
Walleye
White Bass