Arkansas' Largest Lake Offers Crystal Clear Waters And Scenic Hikes

When it comes to underrated natural destinations, Arkansas has got to be high on the list. This Southern state is much more than farm towns and cotton fields, boasting ancient stone mountains, emerald rivers, deep forests, and rugged gems such as this under-the-radar state park. It's called "The Natural State" for a reason, and one of the treasures that really makes it earn this title is Lake Ouachita.

Created between 1946 and 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control and hydroelectric project, Lake Ouachita (pronounced "wash-ah-taw") is spread out over 40,000 acres with over 975 miles of shoreline. This massive aquatic body boasts pristine waters along with more than 200 islands. It's also surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, one of the region's largest and most unspoiled nature reserves.

With so much natural bliss on hand, it should come as no surprise that Lake Ouachita draws up to four million visitors a year. The good news is that both the lake and its wild surroundings are big enough to where it's possible to find solitude even during the busiest times of the year.

Lake Ouachita is located about an hour west of the resort city of Hot Springs, which is also home to this healing and relaxing national park. While the town makes a great base for exploring the region, many people instead head to the lake to camp. Nestled right on the shoreline, Lake Ouachita State Park offers 93 campsites as well as eight fully-equipped cabins. The campground also has a marina, swimming areas, and kayak rental on site. 

You can also head to one of 1,100 sites in 13 campgrounds on the lakeshore maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, or if you're feeling more adventurous, launch a boat from one of the lake's 20 launches and head out to an island. There, you can set up a tent and enjoy primitive camping, where — despite the lack of amenities — you'll be guaranteed all of the privacy you could hope for.

Most people who come to the lake either get in or out on the water. Swimming is popular, as is boating of all kinds. The lake also holds large numbers of bass and catfish, attracting anglers wishing to wet a line in the hope of hooking into a lunker. Another popular activity is scuba diving. The lake's crystal-clear waters make for excellent visibility, and the region's unique geology attracts divers who wish to take in the otherworldly rock formations — along with creatures such as freshwater jellyfish — visible beneath the surface.

The Ouachita National Forest, which surrounds the lake, offers opportunities to soak up some of the most untouched woodlands in the Southern U.S. A mixture of over 60 species of conifer and deciduous trees, the forest is a hiker's wonderland, with a network of trails allowing for maximum exploration.

The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (also known as LOVit) may be the most popular path. This 40-mile up and down route runs along the southern edge of the lake and offers glimpses of wildflowers and historical sites, as well as arresting views of the lake and expansive woodlands. It's a moderately challenging path that can be done in sections, as the Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds offer places to stay along the way.

To get to Ouachita Lake, fly into Little Rock's Clinton International Airport. From there, it's just a bit over an hour and a half to get to the lake by car. For more out-of-the-ordinary freshwater experiences in the region, check out this unique Tennessee lake.