Lake Ouachita State Park's Area "A" Campground Opens to Rave Reviews

July, 3, 2006

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
State Parks Division

MOUNTAIN PINE -- Camping is one of the popular activities at Lake Ouachita State Park located just west of Hot Springs on the eastern shores of 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita, the largest lake within Arkansas' borders. According to Park Superintendent Lee Howard, the campground now features 41 campsites offering 50 amp electrical service and full sewer hookups following a total campground renovation. Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill and lantern hanger. The hardened surface campsite pads are now longer and wider to accommodate larger RV units. Two campsites are barrier-free to meet the needs of visitors with disabilities. The campground also features 12 new, walk-tent sites. Two modern, barrier-free bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets are located in the campground.

The $1,117,800 project was funded by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. The architect/design consultant was Taylor/Kempkes Architects P.A of Hot Springs. The contractor was Hill and Cox Corporation of Hot Springs.

Howard said, "This is one of the many improvements that visitors to Lake Ouachita State Park will see. Everyone is so complimentary of what this campground improvement means for our park's campers and their camping experience here."

According to Howard, other improvements at the park include the recently renovated Day-use area that features the park's picnic sites, a new bathhouse at Area "A" Campground, and barrier-free access to the park amphitheater.

Campsite reservations can be made during business hours by visiting the park visitor center, or phoning the park at (501) 767-9366. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance commencing from the dates the reservations are made. Single night reservations can be made for Sunday through Thursday. Weekend reservations will be taken for a minimum of two nights. A three-night minimum will be required when a holiday causes a three-day weekend.

Persons with questions about Lake Ouachita State Park are encouraged to call the park at (501) 767-9366, or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com/Lake Ouachita for details.

Lake Ouachita State Park is one of the 52 state parks and museums administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The park features historic Three Sisters' Springs. Eight fully-equipped cabins with kitchens overlook the lake. Park facilities also include picnic sites, trails, a swimming area and full-service marina offering boat rentals, bait and supplies. The park visitor center includes interpretive exhibits and a store.

Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita stretches westward from Blakely Mountain Dam into the headwaters of the Ouachita River. Known for its scenic, Ouachita Mountain beauty and the clarity of its waters, Lake Ouachita has been named one of the cleanest lakes in the country. The 40,000-acre lake is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating and fishing. Angling for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers and largemouth bass can be enjoyed in open waters or quiet coves.

Lake Ouachita State Park is located west of Hot Springs. From Hot Springs, travel three miles west on U.S. 270, then go 12 miles north on Ark. 227 to the park.

For further information, contact Lee Howard, park superintendent, Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, AR 71956 at (501) 767-9366 or via e-mail at [email protected].
 

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501) 682-7606
E-mail: [email protected]

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"