Posted in Arkansas August 06, 2020 by

The Dot Of Water Visible From Mt. Magazine Is Actually Blue Mountain Lake, A Gorgeous Arkansas Campground

Your trip to the top of the world, otherwise known as Mount Magazine, can easily launch into another weekend getaway! After your mountaintop visit, take a short drive to Blue Mountain Lake. This gorgeous lake is so much more than the initial blue dot you see from Mt. Magazine! Let’s enjoy the drive and find the perfect campsite for a lazy lakeside weekend.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Looking out from the lodge atop Mount Magazine you may have noticed the shimmering blue water in the valley below.
Flickr/Scutter
Zooming in with a lens or binoculars will reveal more of the lake but the best way to truly enjoy this beautiful sight is from the shore!
Blue Mountain Lake is a modest reservoir on the Petit Jean River near Havana.
TripAdvisor/C Carson
Everything about this area, including the drive, makes for a relaxing and gorgeous getaway. The lake has five recreation areas as well as seven designated spots for primitive camping. Let's explore a few of the options for a weekend away.
If you prefer peaceful seclusion, then Ashley Creek Recreation Area should be your first stop before heading into the water.
TripAdvisor/C Carson
The small area has a couple of picnic tables, plenty of sightseeing, and a boat launch. This area is perfect for anyone needing to unplug and reconnect to nature.
Ashley Creek is located on the north side of the lake, near the town of Blue Mountain. If you head east you'll come across two more note-worthy stops: Waveland Park and Outlet Park Rec Areas.
Google/noryRN
These are the two main campgrounds of Blue Mountain Lake and they're perfect for a family camp out. Both have plenty of space (and hook-ups) for RVs and easy-access pads for tents. Although these are the main stomping grounds for the lake, collectively the parks have less than a hundred campsites.
Either of these campgrounds will launch you into adventures both on and off the water.
Google/noryRN
Relax with wildlife photography or fishing on the shoreside of the lake. The Outlet Park provides some stunning overlooks to drink in as well!
All of your favorite water toys can be used on lake, too!
TripAdvisor/C Carson & K Morgan
Thrill seekers can spend hours riding jet skis and tubes, touring the lake by boat, or just by swimming in the clear water.
Blue Mountain Lake is more than a dot in the shadow of Mount Magazine - it's a true Arkansas gem!
TripAdvisor/C Carson
For details on all the campgrounds to see which one fits your family's needs best, head to this site. You can also visit the Corps of Engineers' webpage on the area here.

Which campground is your favorite at the lake? Share with us in the comments below! We would love to see your Blue Mountain Lake adventures in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Address: Blue Mountain Lake, Arkansas, USA