Sometimes on a summer day, there’s nothing better than sitting on one of the best beaches in Arkansas with a cooler, good friends, and good music. Arkansas has some of the best places across the state (we’ve mentioned in previous articles the beautiful spots at Lakes Hamilton and Catherine, Lake Ouachita, DeGray Lake, Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals, Norfork Lake, and along both the Buffalo and White River) to relax on the sand. Pack your favorite swimsuit or trunks and take a trip across the Natural State and enjoy a day at some of the best beaches in Arkansas!
- Lake Ponder: Located in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould, Lake Ponder offers trails and a relaxing beach by the swimming lake.
Wikipedia Boat, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available at Lake Ponder.
- Lake Leatherwood: This spring fed lake is defined by one of the largest hand-cut limestone dams in the nation.
Wikipedia This 85-acre lake with over three miles of shoreline is the center attraction for Lake Leatherwood Park, a 1,600-plus-acre municipal park constructed during the 1940s.
- Table Rock Lake: Designed, built and operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Table Rock Lake and Dam has become a paradise for boaters, scuba divers, and swimmers alike.
Flickr/Doug Wertman Enjoy a holiday on the beach at one of 13 campgrounds adjacent to Table Rock Lake.
- Charlton Recreational Area: Swim or have a picnic along picturesque Walnut Creek, a cold, spring-fed mountain stream in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest.
Flickr/Katie Schenk This historic recreation area features a captivating native stone dam that forms the swimming area and rustic bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps federal work program in 1935.
- Shady Lake: This 25-acre recreational impoundment in the Ouachita National Forest is served by an accompanying U.S. Forest Service recreation area.
arklahomahiker.org The recreation area includes more than 90 campsites and a popular swimming beach.
- Shores Lake: The beach at this 82-acre lake is in the Ozark mountain vacation setting of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
Flickr/Marco Becerra While boats are allowed, the maximum boat motor size is 10 horsepower.
- Blue Mountain Lake: Located in the shadow of Mount Magazine, Blue Mountain Lake has offered many recreational opportunities since its completion by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1947.
Flickr/Jason Ahrns Water sports such as water skiing, swimming and boating are popular here.
- Spring Lake: This beach on the edge of the Ozark Mountain Forest is a favorite area for water sports, swimming, and fishing.
Flickr/Scutter This 82-acre lake is in the Magazine Ranger District of the Arkansas River Valley.
- Cove Lake: The 160-acre scenic Cove Lake features swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. Boating and jet skis are allowed in certain areas as well.
Flickr/Clay Leben Located near Paris, Arkansas, this mountain lake is located in the shadow of Mount Magazine along Scenic Arkansas Highway 309.
- Lake Austell: Enjoy the sun and beach at one of two fishing lakes in Village Creek State Park.
Wikipedia Lake Austell is located at Village Creek State Park in Wynne, Arkansas.
- Bear Creek Lake: This 625-acre lake was constructed atop Crowley’s Ridge in 1938. It’s situated on the north end of the St. Francis National Forest and features a popular swimming beach along with great fishing spots.
arkokhiker.org In addition to the beach, the park has an easily accessible boat ramp as well.
- Storm Creek Lake: This 425-acre lake was constructed atop Crowley’s Ridge and lies within the south end of the St. Francis National Forest, and also features another popular beach for locals to visit.
fhwa.dot.gov Swimming, camping, and hiking are available at the lake, as are 14 campsites open only from April through Labor Day weekend.
- Beaverfork Lake: Conway’s largest city park is located on the west end of this lake on Arkansas Highway 25.
Flickr/David The lake features a popular family beach and a boat launch ramp (with a user’s fee). Enjoy the day at one of the best beaches in Arkansas.
- Lake Sylvia: This old-style beach in Perryville is a great time for kids and adults alike!
encyclopediaofarkansas.net This 18-acre lake is just off of Arkansas Highway 324 in Perryville.
- Jacksonport State Park: The beach at this historic location also includes boat ramp access to the White River.
Wikipedia Jacksonport State Park offers a wildflower conservation area for visitation and the Tunstall Riverwalk Trail for hikers.
- Long Pool: Long Pool Recreation Area lies along beautiful Big Piney Creek and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, including relaxing on the beach and swimming.
Flickr/JustTooLazy A large natural pool, steep rock bluffs, and captivating forests are just a few examples of the natural beauty surrounding this recreation area.
- Knopper’s Ford: Situated along Sugar Creek in the Ouachita National Forest, Knopper’s Ford offers a semi-primitive experience for campers seeking time in the sun.
Flickr/Carol Van Canon The closest town to Knopper’s Ford is Boonville, Arkansas.
- Lake Greeson: This 12-mile-long lake features clear waters and steep, rocky ridges that form numerous islands and long peninsulas that extend far into the water.
Flickr/hallie h h Camping and picnicking are also available at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ parks and at Daisy State Park located around the lake shore.
- Lake Bennett: Located in Wooly Hollow State Park, this lake serves as a well-known recreation lake for swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking.
Flickr/Gordon Canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats, and motor boats are available for rent at the state park.
- Lake Charles: This 645-acre spring-fed lake offers an excellent beach to spend an afternoon in the sun before taking a dip to cool off.
Flickr/Dave Thomas In addition to great swimming opportunities, canoeists and boaters will have a great time on the water too!
Where else do you like to go in Arkansas to catch a few rays or take a cool dip in the water? There’s a lot of places across the Natural State to get your summertime glow going! Tell us about your favorites in the comments below and let us know if we missed any of the best beaches in Arkansas!
Wikipedia
Boat, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available at Lake Ponder.
This 85-acre lake with over three miles of shoreline is the center attraction for Lake Leatherwood Park, a 1,600-plus-acre municipal park constructed during the 1940s.
Flickr/Doug Wertman
Enjoy a holiday on the beach at one of 13 campgrounds adjacent to Table Rock Lake.
Flickr/Katie Schenk
This historic recreation area features a captivating native stone dam that forms the swimming area and rustic bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps federal work program in 1935.
arklahomahiker.org
The recreation area includes more than 90 campsites and a popular swimming beach.
Flickr/Marco Becerra
While boats are allowed, the maximum boat motor size is 10 horsepower.
Flickr/Jason Ahrns
Water sports such as water skiing, swimming and boating are popular here.
Flickr/Scutter
This 82-acre lake is in the Magazine Ranger District of the Arkansas River Valley.
Flickr/Clay Leben
Located near Paris, Arkansas, this mountain lake is located in the shadow of Mount Magazine along Scenic Arkansas Highway 309.
Lake Austell is located at Village Creek State Park in Wynne, Arkansas.
arkokhiker.org
In addition to the beach, the park has an easily accessible boat ramp as well.
fhwa.dot.gov
Swimming, camping, and hiking are available at the lake, as are 14 campsites open only from April through Labor Day weekend.
Flickr/David
The lake features a popular family beach and a boat launch ramp (with a user’s fee). Enjoy the day at one of the best beaches in Arkansas.
encyclopediaofarkansas.net
This 18-acre lake is just off of Arkansas Highway 324 in Perryville.
Jacksonport State Park offers a wildflower conservation area for visitation and the Tunstall Riverwalk Trail for hikers.
Flickr/JustTooLazy
A large natural pool, steep rock bluffs, and captivating forests are just a few examples of the natural beauty surrounding this recreation area.
Flickr/Carol Van Canon
The closest town to Knopper’s Ford is Boonville, Arkansas.
Flickr/hallie h h
Camping and picnicking are also available at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ parks and at Daisy State Park located around the lake shore.
Flickr/Gordon
Canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats, and motor boats are available for rent at the state park.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
In addition to great swimming opportunities, canoeists and boaters will have a great time on the water too!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Crowleys Ridge, Arkansas 72450, USAAddress: Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USAAddress: Table Rock Lake, United StatesAddress: 154 Milholen Trail, Royal, AR 71968, USAAddress: Shady Lake, Arkansas, USAAddress: Shores Lake, Arkansas 72947, USAAddress: Blue Mountain Lake, Arkansas, USAAddress: Spring Lake, Arkansas 72824, USAAddress: Cove Lake, Arkansas 72855, USAAddress: Lake Austell, Smith Township, AR 72396, USAAddress: Bear Creek Lake, Independence Township, AR 72360, USAAddress: Storm Creek Lake, St Francis Township, AR, USAAddress: Beaver Fork Lake, Cadron Township, AR 72032, USAAddress: Lake Sylvia, Maumelle Township, AR 72126, USAAddress: Jacksonport State Park, Newport, AR 72112, USAAddress: Long Pool Recreation Area, Dover, AR 72837, USAAddress: Knoppers Ford Rd, Booneville, AR 72927, USAAddress: Lake Greeson, Arkansas, USAAddress: Lake Bennett, California Township, AR 72058, USAAddress: Lake Charles, Black River Township, AR 72458, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beaches in Arkansas July 19, 2020 Jackie Ann Are there any inflatable waterparks in Arkansas? While it may be hard to find an inflatable waterpark in Arkansas, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The Natural State has plenty of waterparks that will keep the whole family entertained during those hot summer months. One of the most popular parks is Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith. If you’re closer to the southern part of the state, visit Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana, and if you’re in the central/eastern part of Arkansas, be sure to check out Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall, Arkansas. What are the most beautiful hikes in Arkansas? With over 300 miles of hiking trails just at Arkansas State Parks alone, you can bet that Arkansas is the perfect state for anyone who loves to hike. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the raw and natural beauty of Arkansas, and luckily there are countless trails that you can explore. For history buffs, Petit Jean State Park offers several different trails, including one particular hike that will lead you straight to a historic log cabin that dates back to 1845. If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Nebo State Park has some truly jaw-dropping mountain views, while those that prefer to stay closer to the ground will enjoy the foothill hikes of the Ozark Mountains at Lake Charles State Park. Which state parks should I visit in Arkansas? Arkansas has 52 state parks peppered throughout the state, so chances are you’re not far from at least one of them. Devil’s Den State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. Known for its unique rock formations and caverns, the park gets its name from a rock dam that spans Lee Creek forming Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake that’s great for fishing. If you’re looking to spend time on the water, Lake Catherine State Park is a great place to spend a weekend. Nestled along the shores of Lake Catherine in the Ouachita Mountain region, visitors can rent a boat and explore the lake from a new perspective, or set off on foot and check out the hiking trails and impressive waterfalls within the park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beaches in Arkansas
July 19, 2020
Jackie Ann
Are there any inflatable waterparks in Arkansas? While it may be hard to find an inflatable waterpark in Arkansas, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The Natural State has plenty of waterparks that will keep the whole family entertained during those hot summer months. One of the most popular parks is Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith. If you’re closer to the southern part of the state, visit Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana, and if you’re in the central/eastern part of Arkansas, be sure to check out Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall, Arkansas. What are the most beautiful hikes in Arkansas? With over 300 miles of hiking trails just at Arkansas State Parks alone, you can bet that Arkansas is the perfect state for anyone who loves to hike. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the raw and natural beauty of Arkansas, and luckily there are countless trails that you can explore. For history buffs, Petit Jean State Park offers several different trails, including one particular hike that will lead you straight to a historic log cabin that dates back to 1845. If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Nebo State Park has some truly jaw-dropping mountain views, while those that prefer to stay closer to the ground will enjoy the foothill hikes of the Ozark Mountains at Lake Charles State Park. Which state parks should I visit in Arkansas? Arkansas has 52 state parks peppered throughout the state, so chances are you’re not far from at least one of them. Devil’s Den State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. Known for its unique rock formations and caverns, the park gets its name from a rock dam that spans Lee Creek forming Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake that’s great for fishing. If you’re looking to spend time on the water, Lake Catherine State Park is a great place to spend a weekend. Nestled along the shores of Lake Catherine in the Ouachita Mountain region, visitors can rent a boat and explore the lake from a new perspective, or set off on foot and check out the hiking trails and impressive waterfalls within the park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While it may be hard to find an inflatable waterpark in Arkansas, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The Natural State has plenty of waterparks that will keep the whole family entertained during those hot summer months. One of the most popular parks is Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith. If you’re closer to the southern part of the state, visit Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana, and if you’re in the central/eastern part of Arkansas, be sure to check out Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall, Arkansas.
What are the most beautiful hikes in Arkansas?
With over 300 miles of hiking trails just at Arkansas State Parks alone, you can bet that Arkansas is the perfect state for anyone who loves to hike. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the raw and natural beauty of Arkansas, and luckily there are countless trails that you can explore. For history buffs, Petit Jean State Park offers several different trails, including one particular hike that will lead you straight to a historic log cabin that dates back to 1845. If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Nebo State Park has some truly jaw-dropping mountain views, while those that prefer to stay closer to the ground will enjoy the foothill hikes of the Ozark Mountains at Lake Charles State Park.
Which state parks should I visit in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 52 state parks peppered throughout the state, so chances are you’re not far from at least one of them. Devil’s Den State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. Known for its unique rock formations and caverns, the park gets its name from a rock dam that spans Lee Creek forming Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake that’s great for fishing. If you’re looking to spend time on the water, Lake Catherine State Park is a great place to spend a weekend. Nestled along the shores of Lake Catherine in the Ouachita Mountain region, visitors can rent a boat and explore the lake from a new perspective, or set off on foot and check out the hiking trails and impressive waterfalls within the park.
