Arkansas' Under-The-Radar State Park Is A Dreamy Lake Escape With Trails And Camping Spots

With 52 state parks encompassing a total of nearly 55,000 acres, nature lovers heading to Arkansas are prone to choice overload. Whether it's the rushing waterfalls at Lake Catherine State Park or the world's only public diamond mine where anyone can dig for treasures, these gorgeous preserves offer plenty of unique ways to enjoy the great outdoors. The best part? Arkansas is one of the states where entry to the state parks is free of cost – barring only a few facilities where tour charges are applicable. One such free-to-enter refuge lies in the Ozark foothills and is a perfect lakefront escape for crowd-averse travelers. Lake Charles State Park is tucked quietly on the shores of its namesake reservoir and may get overlooked when scanning the wild and wide beauty of The Natural State.

Though once on the radar, it's the kind of wilderness-wrapped retreat that surprises outdoorsy travelers with its ample recreation opportunities — whether that's peaceful trails, great fishing, or comfortable camping — as well as casual exploration for those looking to get lost in nature with a good book or with good company. Moreover, this 140-acre retreat comes highly recommended on Tripadvisor, too, with one reviewer writing, "We have been to a lot of state parks. I MUST say this is absolutely the best park hands down." Reviews also praise the park's maintenance and cleanliness, as well as its frequent patrols, which make many visitors feel safe during their time here.

The calm waters of Lake Charles make kayaking a very popular activity, and if you don't want to drag down your own boat to the facility, both solo and tandem kayak rentals are provided by the park, too. You can also jump in for a refreshing dip at a designated swimming beach — there are no lifeguards, though, so be extra cautious. The aquatic fun doesn't stop there; fishing is another popular activity at the park. Multiple fishing piers (which also double up as scenic overlooks) make it easy to hang out or cast a line, and there's a buffet of species underwater, like catfish, bass, bream, and crappie, that lead to successful catches. Forgot your fishing gear? Fret not! The visitor center has a full line of bait and tackle to meet either some or all of your angling needs. FYI: The fishing essentials are only sold from March to October, the reserve's peak season.

On land, you will have much to explore, with 3.3 miles of stunning and well-maintained trails. Start with the leisurely, half-mile Butterflies & Blooms trail, which meanders from the visitor center to the campgrounds. Colorful wildflowers punctuate the path in summer for a rewarding experience. More sweeping views await at the Cedar trail — a paved 0.75-mile route along the lake's edges. Look out for the gorgeous, rugged limestone outcrops and charming wooden bridges along this path. Further, for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the park's longest trail — the 1.5-mile wooded White Oak — awaits. Keep your binoculars ready for bird species like woodpeckers, cormorants, ducks, and herons, as well as other critters like white-tailed deer, raccoons, and armadillos.

You can stay overnight at one of the park's comfortable campsites. At the time of writing, there are a total of 60 reservable campsites. One Google reviewer writes, "Campgrounds are neat, all with grills and [fire pits]. You can see the lake from almost all the campsites." There's even a yurt available to book, complete with heating, cooling, and cozy bunk beds, for those who love nature stays but prefer a little extra comfort. Unfortunately, proximity to the lake also means there will be tons of mosquitoes around. Packing a strong insect repellent is a must at this campground, especially in the warmer months of May through September.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March to November, with weekend timings changing to 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during colder months. When you arrive, take some time at the visitor's center to get information about the park. There are also snacks and a gift shop – so you can purchase some memorabilia from your dreamy lake escape in Arkansas.

Two major airports – Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis International Airport in Tennessee — put you about two hours away from the park by car. When you choose the latter, do stop en route at Jonesboro, an artsy Arkansas college city with Southern eats and scenic trails, for a longer excursion in the peaceful Northeast corner of the state.