Here Are 12 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Arkansas, According To Our Readers
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Melanie Johnson
Author
Did you know that Arkansas is home to more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs? And of course, the Natural State would have no shortage of bodies of water to complement its beauty. With so many lakes scattered throughout the region, it’s hard to narrow them down to the best ones. So, we asked our loyal readers from our Facebook pages, which lakes they love the best. And according to them, these are the 12 most beautiful lakes in Arkansas. And in no particular order, let’s explore these gorgeous lakes and what they have to offer.
Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas, USA
Nestled at the foothills of the Ozarks in Heber Springs, Greers Ferry Lake is a 40,000-acre paradise. Known for its pristine shoreline as well as its crystal-clear water, this lake attracts thousands of visitors each year. And with over 300 miles of shorelines, it’s a great area for camping, water recreation or just laying out on the sandy beaches that oftentimes rival the Caribbean. And the lake is so beautiful that it is often placed in the top ten of the most pristine lakes in the country.
Lake Wilhelmina, Arkansas 71953, USA
Popular for fishing and gaming, this 200-acre lake boasts a boat ramp, a fishing pier as well as an abundance of bluegill and redear fish population. It’s also a major supplier for catfish and rainbow trout to other lakes in Arkansas. But perhaps it’s most famous for the record holding 5-pound crappie that was caught about 11 years ago. While the fishing might attract many visitors, the stunning sunsets are the star of the show on Lake Wilhelmina.
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Beaver Lake, Arkansas, USA
Built in 1966, Beaver Lake is a gigantic manmade reservoir on the White River in Carroll County. As one of the most popular and beloved lakes in Arkansas, it attracts many visitors who love to swim, scuba dive, boat, fish, kayak, and more on this beautiful lake. Not only is this 28,200-acre lake a paradise for water recreation, but it also provides flood control, hydroelectric power, and is a major source of water supply for Arkansas.
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Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA
Hands down, Lake Ouachita is the clearest as well as the largest lake within the borders of Arkansas. In fact, this 66,000-acre pristine treasure is the perfect ecosystem for rare jellyfish and sponges. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love spending time on the water, then Lake Ouachita will be a paradise for you. You can swim, scuba dive, kayak, and more on this lake. Also, there are over 100 islands for you to explore.
Lake Chicot, Arkansas 71653, USA
As the largest natural lake in Arkansas, Lake Chicot is also the largest oxbow lake in North America. Located in the Arkansas Delta, this 20-mile lake is a hotspot for anglers who fish for bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and more. The lake is also a sanctuary for birdwatchers because migratory birds like ibises, egrets, and storks flock to the lake each year. And of course, the sunsets are warm and inviting.
Bethel Lake, Hot Springs, AR, USA
This hidden gem in Hot Springs is a 13-acre oasis along the Northwoods Trails. It was built in 1881 as part of the Hot Springs Water Company project. Though small in comparison to other lakes, this gorgeous haven is a great place to hike or ride mountain bikes. If you’re looking to escape into a peaceful and relaxing place, then Bethel Lake is the sanctuary for you.
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Bull Shoals Lake, United States
Famous for its world-renowned fish population, Bull Shoals attracts thousands of anglers every year. Boasting 94,000 acres of water and over 1,000 miles of shoreline, there is plenty to do besides fishing at this lake. Situated along the White River, this reservoir is a popular vacation spot for families to enjoy boating, swimming, wakeboarding, water skiing, and so much more. Additionally, there are tons of campsites, parks with picnic areas as well as incredible caverns that are open for exploration.
Shady Lake, Arkansas, USA
Nestled inside the Ouachita Mountains, this remote mountain lake is the perfect place to escape from it all. It’s a 25-acre sanctuary completed with the Shady Lake Recreational Area that includes lakefront campsites, picnic areas, hiking trails, and more. There’s a rock bridge, a flowing creek as well as a waterfall, and it’s the perfect lake to find some peace and quiet.
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Lake Atkins, Arkansas 72823, USA
Perhaps the least known lake on this list, Lake Atkins is eerily stunning in the winter months. Located in Pope County, this 750-acre manmade reservoir was built in 1956. Boasting four fishing jetties as well as five boat ramps, this beautiful lake is a great spot for all anglers looking to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Lake Dunn, Arkansas 72396, USA
One of the two lakes at Village Creek State Park, at 65-acres, Lake Dunn is among the smaller lakes in Arkansas. However, it is one of the prettiest if you enjoy seeing brilliant autumn hues. Due to its location inside Village Creek State Park, you can enjoy camping, multi-use hiking trails, nature programs, boat dock, and it also boasts a sandy beach.
Table Rock Lake, United States
Another reservoir along the White River, Table Rock Lake is a beautiful crystal clear lake that stretches from southwestern Missouri into northwestern Arkansas. This manmade gem boasts 800 miles of breathtaking shorelines and it’s known for its world-class fishing as well as water sports, boating, swimming, and more. So, it's a recreational paradise for the many visitors that it attracts each year.
Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA
At only 3-acres, Mirror Lake is the tiniest lake on the list but by far, it is the most beautiful. And don’t be fooled by the size because this stunning reservoir located near Mountain View packs a big punch. The lake was created after the damming of Blanchard Springs, and the 58 degrees turquoise blue water is a haven for rainbow trout. In fact, Mirror Lake boasts some of the best rainbow trout fishing in Arkansas. Additionally, there is a picturesque multi-tiered waterfall that will leave you breathless. This picture-perfect lake might be tiny, but it is a mighty gem.
Well folks, these are the 12 lakes that our readers voted as the most beautiful in the state. Did your favorite lake make the list? If it didn’t, then we recommend that you join our Only In Arkansas Facebook page and our Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook group, and you too can submit your entry for the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas.
And here are 9 more lakes in Arkansas that are equally stunning.
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