Arkansas is rightly nicknamed the natural state since it's dotted with beautiful lakes, rivers, wildlife, and mountains. This landlocked southern state has 23 state parks located along rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. There are many unique things to see in Arkansas, including in its state parks.
So during summer visitors pack their swimsuits and flock to these Arkansas beaches and splash their worries away for as long as it lasts. Below are eight beautiful beaches that visitors can consider having a splash on while visiting Arkansas.
8 Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is Arkansas's largest lake and has 40,000 acres of pristine, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. This lake also has 975 miles of scenic shoreline that immerses visitors in nature's wonders as they enjoy themselves.
At Lake Ouachita visitors can also swim, ski, scuba dive, boat, kayak, fish, or hike on trails of Lake Ouachita State Park. There also are 93 campsites including some on the water that offer diverse camping experiences to visitors.
Well-equipped cabins with kitchens, outdoor grills, and bathhouses are also available. Camping, cabins, and boats can be booked online.
7 Lake Charles
The 645-acre Lake Charles is a perfect destination for families with young children and has plenty of fun activities to engage them.
Waters by the sandy beach are shallow enough for young children to swim and there are floaters to keep them above the water's surface. On the sandy shoreline, parents can engage their children's creativity by building sand castles.
Young children can also kayak at Lake Charles and boat tours are also available. Since this lake is within the lush, Lake Charles State Park there are other recreational activities that visitors can engage in like hiking, camping, picnicking, or go on guided nature tours with park interpreters.
Visitors can book the various facilities at Lake Charles State Park online.
6 Lake Dardanelle
The 34,300 acre reservoir Lake Dardanelle along the Arkansas River has plenty of recreational activities for visitors. Apart from visitors sinking their toes in the sand on the shoreline, they can engage in sport fishing, swimming, and water-skiing.
This lake is within Lake Dardanelle State Park where visitors hike on nature trails, boardwalks, and see the five aquariums at the visitor center. Within the State Park are 57 campsites that accommodate overnight visitors including some by Lake Dardanelle's waters.
Park interpreters are available to educate and show nature lovers the ecosystem in the lake and within the state park. In the evenings, visitors can catch amazing sunsets and fish while standing on the fishing pier.
A lunch or dining by Lake Dardanelle shores adds to visitors' experience. Facilities by Lake Dardanelle can be booked online.
5 Lake Catherine
Lake Catherine is surrounded by the beautiful and scenic Lake Catherine State Park. At this lake visitors kayak, camp on the beach next to the lake, or meditate on a pier surrounded by the lake's calm waters.
In the evenings, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunset while standing on a pier and fishing. There is also an accessible pier for those with physical disabilities.
Lake Catherine also has a marina that opens in summer where fishing bait plus drinks and snacks are sold. Other fun amenities within Lake Catherine include picnic sites, playgrounds, hiking trails, and beautiful waterfalls that visitors see while up and about around the state park.
There also are cabins to accommodate visitors by the lake or within the lush jungle of Lake Catherine State Park. Reservations to use the recreational facilities around Lake Catherine can be booked online.
4 Jacksonport
Located at the confluence of the White and Black Rivers the beach at Jacksonport is known more for its rich historical heritage than as a beach recreational spot, still, visitors will have plenty of fun here.
There are camping and picnic sites, plus hiking and river walk trails to go on walks. Visitors can also swim or have fun at the playground here. The main historical site that sheds light on the Civil war period that visitors can tour is the magnificent brick red 1872 courthouse and visitor's center with Civil War era exhibits.
During the tour of Jacksonport, visitors may catch civil war reenactments like the firing of canons or guides dressed for that period. Camping and other facilities within Jacksonport can be booked online.
3 DeGray Lake
Besides being a beach destination DeGray Lake at the foothills of Ouachita Mountains is known for its magnificent geological formations, and DeGray Lake Resort State Park, the only resort state park in Arkansas. Around Degray Lake, are camping spots, a marina, a tennis court, a golf course, and the resort lodge.
Visitors to DeGray Lake can also swim, go on sunset cruises, snorkel, boat, fish, scuba dive, hike, bike, and ride horses around the lush DeGray Lake Resort State Park precincts.
DeGray Lake Resort also has first-class conference and lodging facilities, and 81 Class B campsites. Weddings, retreats, and conferences can be conducted at the DeGray Lake Resort, as well as fun activities for children. Visitors can book a stay at the resort lodge online.
2 Lake Bennett
The 40-acre Lake Bennett is surrounded by the lush Woolly Hollow State Park and besides offering a great beach experience visitors can fish, swim, and boat here. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing boats can be hired here by visitors.
Woolly Hollow State Park also has four beautiful trails where visitors hike while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings, plus a 9.4-mile mountain biking trail. There are also camp and tent sites where visitors spend the night by the lake, and a hot shower bathhouse.
History lovers may enjoy the 1882 rugged Woolly Cabin. Reservations for the various facilities around Lake Bennett can be booked online.
1 Lake Leatherwood
The 85-acre, spring-fed Lake Leatherwood is among the largest hand-cut limestone dams in the U.S. and has over three miles of shoreline. It is also the main attraction of the over 1600-acre Lake Leatherwood City Park and an ideal destination for swimming, boating, and fishing which can be done from the boat or on the lake's bank.
The park itself has about 15 miles of nature trails suited for hiking and mountain biking.
Around Lake Leatherwood are nice picnic sites and cabins, plus historic stone walls and bridges and unusual rock formations worth seeing. Birders will likely catch a glimpse of herons, geese, bald eagles, and wild turkeys among other birds.
Visitors can contact Lake Leatherwood's management via email to get more information.