Lake and River State Parks in Arkansas

From Arkansas boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming to skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling - not to mention some of the most spectacular scenic views you’ll ever see - the lakes and waterways of Arkansas’s state parks are here for you.

Escape to an island lodge, a cozy park cabin or spend a night camping under the stars next to a blazing campfire on one of the many Arkansas lakes. Discover wildlife and waterfowl from black bears to mallard ducks. Maybe you'll even catch a glimpse a bald eagle, America's national bird, soaring above one of our scenic lakes or Arkansas rivers.

There is simply no telling what adventures and wonders you'll discover in the natural habitats of the Arkansas rivers and lakes that help make up the state parks in Arkansas.

Boating:

Whether you pilot a party barge, are skipper of a sailboat, cruise the coves in your fishing boat, or pull skiers in your powerboat, state parks in Arkansas offer some of the best boating vacations around. Boating in Arkansas is exciting because you have a diverse selection of locations from which to choose. The Natural State contains thousands of acres of open water on our major lakes, miles of Arkansas rivers and streams to explore, and countless smaller fishing holes, and many of these have state parks on them or nearby. Find out more about Arkansas boating regulations park locations, and more.

Fishing:

There are no closed fishing seasons in the Natural State! That's right: You can fish 24/7, 365 days a year. Arkansas fishing can be as simple as a cane pole and can of worms, as graceful as a fly rod in a mountain trout stream, or as exciting as a bass boat racing to the next hot spot. Here, you'll find 9,700 miles of fishable streams and rivers, 600,000 acres of lakes, bayous, creeks, and sloughs open to anglers from expert to novice. Whether you enjoy the serenity of a trout river, quiet coves on Arkansas lakes, a fun-filled family outing, or the thrill of hooking up with a trophy-sized lunker, you will find what you are looking for in Arkansas. Find out more about the Arkansas State Parks located on or near your favorite fishing spot!

Swimming

When summer temperatures hit their high mark, swimming is by far the most popular activity in Arkansas's state parks. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly pool, clear lake water, a sparkling stream, or a good ol' Arkansas swimming hole, the state parks of the Natural State can help you beat the heat. Camping and lodging, picnic areas, and bathhouse facilities vary from park to park, as do lifeguard services. Contact each park individually for further information, including hours of operations, fees, and safety regulations. Click on any park name for a link to that park's Web site.

Water Skiing

Water skiers everywhere seek "good water;" that is, they're on a quest to find wide open water, skiing lakes and Arkansas rivers. In ideal conditions, at dawn's first light and in the hours before dusk, the water's calm surface will be flat and smooth as glass. Here in the Natural State, there are lake and river state parks where the water is free of timber and other obstacles, and there's plenty of room for water skiing and wakeboarding. Kneeboarding and tubing are also popular at these parks. Find out more about the state parks where you can enjoy an Arkansas skiing vacation.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Whether you're a whitewater playboater, a river runner, a Class I floater, or a flatwater touring paddler, you'll find your kind of water in the lake and river state parks of Arkansas. The variety of river adventures is remarkable, ranging from matchless trout fishing trips and rugged whitewater paddling to peaceful float trips ideal for first timers. As for flatwater, touring paddlers will find miles of undeveloped shorelines and hundreds of quiet coves on Arkansas's lakes. Consider camping or renting a cabin in one of Arkansas's lake or river parks during your next outdoor vacation. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at some locations. Click here to find out more about canoeing and kayaking in Arkansas State Parks.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Arkansas wildlife can be found where there's water, so what better place to go birding and wildlife watching than in the lake and river state parks of Arkansas? The diversity of Arkansas's six natural divisions provides habitat for abundant wildlife; plus, Arkansas is on the famed Mississippi Flyway, and migrating butterflies, songbirds, and waterfowl fly through Arkansas by the millions each fall and spring. Many state parks offer guided tours and hikes, conduct workshops and special wildlife programs, and have wildlife, birding and butterfly checklists to assist you in finding the best locations and knowing what to look for when you get there. In these places, you might see big mammals, such as Arkansas black bear and white-tailed deer, or you could watch beavers build a lodge in the water while herons, ducks, and songbirds fly overhead. When you're watching wildlife, every minute is filled with suspense and surprise. To find out more about birding and wildlife watching in the lake and river state parks of Arkansas.

Lodging & Camping

Arkansas State Parks offer campsites, cabins, or hotel-like lodges with a view of one of the Natural State's lakes or rivers. Imagine starting your day by waking up in a waterfront campsite. Or, perhaps you greet the sun from the porch of a lakefront cabin. As you gaze at the water, you catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer drinking at the shoreline. Overhead, you hear the cry of a red-tailed hawk as it soars high above the forest and water. You feel the cool breeze blowing on your face. You are ready to spend your day in an Arkansas state park. Click here to find out more about campsites and cabins in Arkansas on the water.