Welcome To Lake Ouachita
Welcome to the beautiful waters of Lake Ouachita! Nestled in the Ouachita
Mountains just 10 miles
west of Hot Springs Arkansas, Lake Ouachita provides the perfect getaway from
the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are looking for quiet
relaxation or need a little adventure, Lake Ouachita is the place for you. 
Built
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1954 as part of a flood
control, hydropower, and navigation project, authorized purposes now also include
recreation, water supply, and fish and wildlife management. The
land surrounding Lake Ouachita is part of the Ouachita National Forest, which
encompasses 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
Approximately 1.2 million people visit Lake Ouachita each year. With
40,000 acres of water and 20,000 acres of public land, Ouachita offers an abundance
of recreational opportunities. The Corps of Engineers maintains over
1100 campsites and 18 boat ramps on Lake Ouachita. Boating, fishing,
scuba diving and island camping are especially popular here.
Facts about Lake Ouachita:
- 690 miles of shoreline
- Over 200 islands
- 20 Corps recreation areas
- 9 Marinas, 1 State Park
- Crystal clear, cool and clean water
- World class striper fishing
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Lake Ouachita Field Office
1201 Blakely Dam Road
Royal AR 71968-9493
Phone: 501-767-2101
FAX: 501-767-4952 |
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Camping Reservations:
1-877-444-6777
www.recreation.gov |
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Ouachita News
Lake Ouachita Recreation Areas Are Open
Apr 19 2012
All the recreation areas and campgrounds on Lake Ouachita are open and ready for use. Recent heavy rainfall and storm events in the Lake Ouachita area posed issues where some of the campground's campsites had to be closed for a short period of time in order to make repairs from the storm's damage, those repairs have been made and the campsites are now open.
On May 1, 2012, the campsite reservations will go into effect. Lake Ouachita will still be participating in the reduced campsite reservation study. The purpose of this study is to obtain information comparing the number of sites being occupied on a first-come first-serve basis versus those sites being available through the reservation program. This information will provide the Manager's the opportunity to make future determination if changes need to be made on sites to be included in the reservation program.
BOATERS
Boaters are reminded to ensure all safety equipment is on board and in working order before venturing out onto the lake. While in storage, the safety equipment may have been damaged and no longer usable in case of an emergency. Be sure to double check fire extinguishers, all lifejackets and sounding devices to ensure they are working as designed.
SWIMMERS
Swimmers are encouraged to always swim in designated areas around the lake. NEVER swim alone and parents, PLEASE keep a real close eye on all children, "small and tall" alike. Everyone should learn to swim, but also learn to swim WELL. Swimming lessons are available in the Hot Springs area, please contact the YMCA at (501) 623-8803 for more information and when classes are forming.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Want to be a volunteer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contact Park Ranger Amy Shultz at (501) 767-2101 ext. 3075 to learn more about Lake Ouachita’s Adopt-A-Shoreline/Island and other volunteer activities at Lake Ouachita.
For more information on Lake Ouachita's campgrounds, day use areas, pavilion reservations or just general information, contact the Lake Ouachita Field Office at (501) 767-2101, office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Annual passes can be purchased at the Field Office during these business hours.
