Hot Springs, Arkansas is home to historic bathhouses and beautiful mountain scenery - but did you know it's also a haven for lake lovers? Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, three stunning lakes – Hamilton, Ouachita, and Catherine, offer distinct experiences for every type of water enthusiast. Whether you're seeking thrilling water sports, trophy fishing, serene nature escapes, or delicious lakeside dining, Hot Springs has a lake day with your name on it. This guide will take you through each lake, highlighting the best places to stay, dine, and play, along with a special look at the fishing scene.
Lake Hamilton: Hub of Lakeside Energy
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and convenient location close to downtown Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton is the place to see and be seen. It’s a hotspot for boating, water sports, on the water dining, and lively entertainment.
Where to Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hot Springs: A relaxed hotel offering comfortable rooms, dining, and an outdoor pool with lake views.
Willow Beach Resort: Provides pared-down, lakefront motel rooms with patios and an outdoor pool for a classic lake getaway.
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn:Lookout Point Lakeside Inn on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a serenely luxurious and romantic retreat renowned for its stunning lake views and pampering hospitality.
Vacation Rentals: Numerous lake houses and condos are available for rent, offering a home-away-from-home experience with private docks and stunning views.
Where to Dine (Accessible by Boat!):
Fisherman's Wharf: A popular steak and seafood spot with a spacious patio, perfect for pulling up after a day on the water. Enjoy grilled and fried fish in a nautical-themed setting.
Bubba Brew's on Lake Hamilton: A casual American restaurant and sports bar offering comfort food, craft beer, pool tables, and live music with a fantastic lake view and boat access.
Back Porch Grill: Accessible by water, it's known for great food and a lively atmosphere.
Cajun Boilers: Nestled on Lake Hamilton, Cajun Boilers serves up a taste of the bayou with flavorful boiled seafood and traditional Cajun favorites like gumbo, boudain, crawfish, and Étouffée.
Sam's Pizza Pub: Sam's Pizza Pub on Lake Hamilton offers a casual, family-friendly vibe with live music on weekends, serving up delicious thin-crust pizza and other pub fare, all easily accessible by car, boat, or kayak!
Best Things to Do:
Boating & Water Sports: This is what Lake Hamilton is famous for! Rent a pontoon, ski boat, or jet ski and explore the coves and open water. Wakeboarding, tubing, and water skiing are all popular.
Captain Jack's Lake Cruises: Enjoy a scenic tour of Lake Hamilton and learn about the area's history and celebrity homes.
Explore by Kayak or Paddleboard: A great way to see the quieter coves and shoreline at your own pace.
Boat Rentals: Lake Hamilton offers several marinas, such as Hot Springs Marina, Sunset Cove Marina & Resort, The Landing on Lake Hamilton including Salty Dog Boat Rentals, where visitors can rent various boats, including pontoons and ski barges, and fill up on fuel for a day of enjoyment on the water.
Fishing on Lake Hamilton:
Lake Hamilton is a productive, year-round fishing oasis, especially known for:
Striped Bass: The lake consistently produces impressive striped bass, with some of the largest in Arkansas (upwards of 40 pounds) being caught here. The area below Blakely Dam (where water flows in from Lake Ouachita) is a hotspot, especially for trout which the stripers feed on.
Largemouth Bass: Anglers can find trophy-sized largemouth bass, often weighing over 10 pounds. Fishing around the numerous docks and in feeder creeks like Big Mazarn, Little Mazarn, and Hot Springs Creek can be very rewarding.
Crappie: Known for high numbers, making it a favorite for those looking to fill a cooler. Look for them around submerged brush piles and bridge pilings.
Catfish: Both Channel and Blue Catfish are abundant.
Other Species: Spotted Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and White Bass also provide good fishing opportunities.
Best Times: While fishing is good year-round, fall and winter see less recreational boat traffic. During summer, early mornings or late evenings are prime times. Night fishing is also popular.
Lake Ouachita: A Natural Gem
Escape to the pristine beauty of Lake Ouachita, Arkansas's largest lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and undeveloped shoreline, almost entirely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, anglers, and those seeking a more tranquil lake experience.
Where to Stay:
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa: A premier, family-owned resort offering a wide range of accommodations from lodge rooms and cabins to condos, plus a marina, restaurants, pools, and a spa.
Lake Ouachita State Park: Offers fully-equipped cabins and a large campground with sites right on the water or nestled in the woods. A great option for a more rustic experience.
Brady Mountain Resort and Marina: Features cabin rentals and a full-service marina, providing another excellent base for exploring the lake.
Houseboat Rentals: For a truly immersive experience, consider renting a houseboat and exploring the lake's many islands and coves at your leisure.
Island Camping: With hundreds of islands dotting the lake, primitive camping is a popular and unique way to experience Lake Ouachita. Boat to an island of your choosing and set up your own home away from home surrounded by lake views and premiere stargazing.
Where to Dine:
Lodge Restaurant at Mountain Harbor Resort: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with beautiful lake views, offering a varied menu in a casual setting.
Harbor's Subway (Seasonal at Mountain Harbor Marina): A convenient option for a quick sandwich or salad while you're out on the lake.
Pack a Picnic: Many visitors opt to pack their own meals to enjoy on their boat or one of the many secluded islands.
Best Things to Do:
Boating & Sailing: With over 40,000 acres of water and minimal shoreline development, Lake Ouachita is perfect for extended boating trips and sailing.
Scuba Diving: Known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, offering excellent visibility for divers to explore underwater formations and see an abundance of fish. Look for the intentionally sunk "Geo-Sites."
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore the Ouachita Geo Float Trail, a water trail highlighting interesting geological features, or paddle to secluded coves and islands. Rentals are available at the state park and various marinas.
Hiking: Lake Ouachita State Park features the Caddo Bend Trail and Dogwood Trail. The longer Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) and sections of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail offer more challenging hikes with stunning lake views.
Visit Three Sisters Springs: Located within Lake Ouachita State Park, learn about the history of these once-famous springs.
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes for incredible stargazing opportunities.
Fishing on Lake Ouachita:
Lake Ouachita is a nationally recognized fishing destination, particularly for:
Largemouth Bass: The lake is renowned for its trophy largemouth bass fishing, attracting numerous tournaments.
Striped Bass: Considered the premier striper lake in Arkansas. Big, open waters allow stripers to thrive, with fish over 30 pounds commonly caught.
Walleye: Often found around underwater ledges, humps, and submerged islands in the central parts of the lake.
Crappie: Abundant and popular, especially around submerged timber and brush piles.
Catfish & Bream: Also plentiful, providing fun for all ages.
Unique Aspects: The lake's clear water can make for challenging but rewarding sight-fishing opportunities. Due to its size, different species often inhabit distinct territories. There's a mercury advisory for consuming larger largemouth bass (over 13 inches) and striped bass (over 25 inches), so check current regulations.
Lake Catherine: The Cozy Retreat
The smallest of the Diamond Lakes, Lake Catherine offers a more intimate and serene setting. It’s nestled between Hot Springs and Malvern and is known for its picturesque state park and family-friendly atmosphere.
Where to Stay:
Catherine's Landing:An upscale RV and camping resort offering RV sites on concrete pads with full hook-ups, as well as fully furnished yurts and cottages. It spans 400 acres with a mile of water frontage on Lake Catherine.
Lake Catherine State Park:Features 20 fully-equipped cabins (some historic CCC-built, others modern duplexes) and 70 campsites, many with lake views.
Nearby Vacation Rentals: Look for cabins and homes in the surrounding area for a private retreat.
Where to Dine:
Cook at Your Cabin/Campsite: Many visitors to Lake Catherine enjoy preparing their own meals. Both Catherine's Landing and the State Park offer facilities for this.
Explore Hot Springs Restaurants: Lake Catherine is just a short drive from the diverse culinary scene of Hot Springs. Enjoy a romantic night of fine dining at 501 Prime or The Bugler, try a family-friendly spot like Bubbalu's, Rod's Pizza Cellar, or 420eats Food Truck Court.
Best Things to Do:
Adventureworks Ropes Course & Zipline (at Catherine's Landing): Soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline adventure or challenge yourself on the aerial adventure course.
Lake Catherine State Park Activities:
Hiking: Explore trails like the Falls Branch Trail leading to a picturesque waterfall, the Dam Mountain Trail for overlooks, or the paved, accessible Slunger Creek Nature Trail.
Marina & Boating: The park's marina offers boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and water bikes. A boat launch is available for those with their own watercraft. Guided lake cruises are often offered.
Swimming: Enjoy the sandy swimming beach near the Visitor Center (no lifeguard on duty).
Horseback Riding: Guided horseback riding is available seasonally.
Interpretive Programs: The park offers guided hikes, nature talks, and demonstrations during spring, summer, and fall.
Relax and Enjoy the Scenery: Lake Catherine is perfect for a peaceful getaway focused on nature and relaxation.
Fishing on Lake Catherine:
While smaller, Lake Catherine offers excellent and diverse fishing opportunities:
Rainbow Trout: The area at the base of Carpenter Dam (where water flows in from Lake Hamilton) is heavily stocked with rainbow trout, making it a prime spot, especially for fly fishers and those wading the shoals.
Striped Bass: Also congregate in the cooler, oxygenated waters near Carpenter Dam.
Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass: Found throughout the lake, often around submerged structures and along the shoreline.
Crappie & Bream: Provide consistent action and are great for family fishing outings.
Catfish & Walleye: Also present in good numbers.
Unique Aspects: Its smaller size makes it easier to learn and navigate. The tailwaters below Carpenter Dam are a significant draw for trout anglers.
No matter your preference, the lakes of Hot Springs, Arkansas, promise unforgettable days filled with adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of the Natural State. Pack your bags, grab your fishing rod, and get ready to make some lakeside memories!
