Arkansas' Largest Lake With Over 200 Islands Is A Postcard-Worthy Diving, Swimming, And Boating Paradise

Arkansas' abundant, natural beauty is wildly underrated, with plenty of hidden gems. Lake Ouachita — one of the southern state's crystal-clear lakes ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving — is a great example. Spanning over 40,000 acres, it's the largest lake in Arkansas and ranks among the cleanest in the nation. No wonder it's a haven for water activities, like diving, swimming, and fishing. Plus, its calm waters and over 200 islands make it one of the best spots for boating.

Another highlight? All 1,300 miles of the lake's shoreline are encircled by the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. Imagine the landscape: glassy, blue waters surrounded by lush views and serene wildlife sounds. You'd think a destination like this — beautifully tucked into nature's lap — is hard to get to, but that's not true. The nearest airport is Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, and from there, it's a 20- to 30-minute drive to the lake's many access points via highways US-270 or US-70.

A popular starting point is Lake Ouachita State Park, located 15 miles away from Hot Springs. It offers campsites, cabins, guided excursion tours, and marinas for boats and kayaks. It's essential to plan your visit carefully, given the lake's vast size and the numerous outdoor activities available. That said, Lake Ouachita makes slow living enticing, and it's perfectly fine to set up camp along the shoreline or in the forest and commune with nature for the entire trip.

Lake Ouachita is a man-made lake that came into existence after the Ouachita River was dammed in the 1950s. The resulting reservoir flooded entire forests and even mountaintops. As a result, the underwater landscape has a unique topography, featuring remnants of old settlements and distinctive rock formations, along with shipwrecks, timber trees, and interesting artifacts, such as Fearless Rock, a submerged memorial in honor of U.S. Navy SEAL Adam Lee Brown.

Underwater explorers will be delighted to know that Lake Ouachita has at least 30 designated dive spots. Beginner divers can explore the Blakely Dam. This is where you'll find the memorial and be able to reach depths of up to 36 feet. Experienced divers, on the other hand, will enjoy the diving stops on the 16-mile-long Geo Float Trail. One site, for example, is Zebra Rock, a stunning dark sandstone with white quartz veins all over it. Irrespective of where you choose to dive, you will be treated to an impressive array of aquatic wildlife, like the rare, non-stinging jellyfish, bass, perch, catfish, and walleye.

Just like diving, a vast majority of the lake is also open to a refreshing dip with five designated swimming beaches. One of them is located at the lakeside Brady Mountain Resort, which features facilities such as a fully serviced marina and restaurant. Time the trip right if swimming and diving are on your bucket list. The waters start to warm up in May and reach their warmest temperatures during July and August. Check weather conditions, as winds and rain can affect visibility.

Did we mention that the lake is dotted with over 200 islands? Not just that, but all of the islands (except Bird Island) are open and free for primitive camping. A popular option is Hotel Island, known for its soft sand, natural caves, and unspoilt shoreline. It can get busy during the day when kayakers and paddlers stop by to explore its rugged beauty. Another gorgeous base is Crystal Island, dotted with pine trees and milky quartz crystal deposits. Whether you decide to camp or not, add them to your island-hopping activity for the day.

Since the islands are undeveloped and the network can be spotty, it's essential to carry all the necessary supplies. Visitors are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" policy to maintain nature's bounty. Do your part by accumulating garbage, following regulations, and using little to no soap (a common eco-friendly camping item you should avoid). If you're using a boat to hop the islands, be aware of Arkansas' laws. For starters, you'd need a boating license for all vessels except kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes. In Lake Ouachita, you can't legally operate any boat 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes after sunset. Additionally, for your safety and as part of mandated measures, wear a life jacket at all times.