Lakes & Rivers
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Arkansas Lakes
Lakes in Arkansas invite more than a view. Lake Ouachita appeals to boaters, scuba divers, anglers and kayaking island hoppers, while its banks serve up treats like the legendary pie at Shangri-La Resort. Lake Greeson and Daisy State Park promise peaceful paddling and top-notch hiking trails. Lake Hamilton puts you in the heart of Hot Springs, where you can cruise past grand homes and dine dockside. For a true Arkansas retreat, DeGray Lake Resort State Park delivers with a full-service lodge, golf, horseback riding and pristine waters ready to swim, sail or float in. Head to 640-acre Crown Lake at Horseshoe Bend to conquer Arkansas’ largest inflatable obstacle course at the aqua park at Crown Lake Resort & RV.
Cliff jumping from the bluffs at Beaver Lake near Rogers and Eureka Springs kicks summer into high gear. Reeling in a lunker largemouth bass on the renowned fishing waters of the Twin Lakes — Norfork and Bull Shoals — near Mountain Home delivers a rush, too. You’ll find more great fishing at 20-mile-long Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the biggest oxbow lake in North America. At Greers Ferry Lake, boat to the island of Sugar Loaf Mountain for hiking, views and lake fun all in one.
Arkansas Rivers
Rivers in Arkansas cut through forests, valleys, farmland and mountains. Some beg for a paddle. Others demand a motor.
The Buffalo National River tops many lists, flowing free for more than 135 miles past limestone bluffs, hidden waterfalls and gravel bars made for camping. It’s the nation’s first national river and Arkansas’ most iconic float. The Kings River is a fisherman’s favorite, with smallmouth bass hiding in its clear pools. The Mulberry River surges in spring with Class II and III rapids, drawing kayakers ready for a workout, while the Cossatot River earns its "Skullcrusher" nickname with some of the most technical whitewater in the South.
Not every float is extreme. Families flock to the Caddo River for tubing and swimming. The Spring River near Hardy stays cool and fast-moving year-round, making it a summertime classic. Easy paddling on the Ouachita River comes with gravel bar stop-offs and mountain views.
Fishing runs strong on the Arkansas River, crossing the state west to east, and the Mississippi River along the eastern border. Anglers cast for trophy brown and rainbow trout on the legendary White River. Along its 722 miles, outfitters, river guides and riverside cabins make it easy to turn a day on the river into a weekend worth repeating.
State parks keep many of these waterways within easy reach, and some offer canoe and kayak rentals. At Cane Creek State Park and Delta Heritage Trail State Park paddlers weave through stands of bald cypress, where reflections ripple with every stroke. Like dirt trails, Arkansas Water Trails guide paddlers through bayous, rivers and backwaters on well-marked routes that blend recreation and exploration.
In Arkansas, lakes and rivers are just the beginning. Cabins, trails and small towns wait where the water meets the shore.
The Beauty of Arkansas’ Lakes and Rivers
Arkansas’ lakes and rivers are a beautiful beacon for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Best Fishing Rivers and Lakes in Arkansas
When it comes to fishing in Arkansas, “The Land of Opportunity,” a former state motto, remains an apt description. The state’s more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams offer anglers numerous chances to land a trophy or catch a limit from a variety of freshwater species.
Explore the Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes Region
Arkansas’s Diamond Lakes Region welcomes travelers looking for hiking, mountain biking, water sports, mining, swimming and more!
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