8 Best Lakeside Towns in Arkansas
Aptly nicknamed the Natural State, Arkansas is a gorgeous landlocked state in the middle of the US. Its nature, culture, and arts diversity make it attractive as a travel destination. The state is also a culinary adventure, with restaurants for every palette and style. The cultural and natural charms that define it blend in the small towns.
Small lakeside towns embrace Arkansas's rugged spirit. These communities are surrounded by beauty, primarily the Ozark Mountains, natural springs, and quaint downtown areas packed with retail stores and eclectic restaurants. There are numerous lakes throughout Arkansas, each offering ample boating and fishing opportunities. Check out the best lakeside towns to visit.
Eureka Springs
For good reason, Eureka Springs is one of the most visited towns in the Ozark Mountains. It has many natural springs, stunning views, and a historic downtown centering around the highly photographed Flatiron Flats building. Found on Spring and Center Streets, the iconic structure offers visitors rental flats and a boutique coffee shop. It is set between landmark restaurants like the Grotto and the Spring.
Beaver Lake, a vast 31,700-acre body of water, encircles the town. It stretches for 70 miles with 487 miles of shoreline. Various parks along the shoreline provide modern camping facilities and electricity. Starkey Marina, located on Beaver Lake, is a prominent attraction and the nearest marina to Eureka Springs.
Hot Springs
The resort town of Hot Springs offers pampering and natural beauty. It is bordered by three lakes: Hamilton, Catherine, and the Ouachita. Lake Hamilton features a mix of rustic and modern resorts and restaurants. Lake Catherine is a wooded oasis that feeds the Carpenter Dam. Lake Ouachita is one of three manmade lakes that flow into the Ouachita River and is a popular destination for angling and boating. The lakes are part of the Diamond Lakes Region, a top destination for hiking, camping, and angling.
The area also includes Hot Springs National Park, which Native Americans named the "Valley of the Vapors" because of the steam emanating from its thermal waters—truly a spectacular sight. Additionally, Lake Catherine is a notable natural attraction, featuring the only full-service marina in the region.
Arkadelphia
Arkadelphia is in the scenic Vicksburg District, just south of DeGray Lake, which is over 13,000 acres and has 208 miles of shoreline. The town is also close to the Ouachita and Caddo Rivers, popular for canoeing, kayaking, and watersports. Arkadelphia is also known for its restaurants and very old lodging at inns like the Captain Henderson House Bed and Breakfast.
The historic inn is known as Adelphia's Front Porch. The Captain Henderson House is over 150 years old and is now operated by Henderson State University. Strolling through the quaint town and discovering hallmarks like Juanita's Candy Kitchen and Buck's Country Store is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Arkadelphia captures Arkansas's natural and cultural spirit and is one of the state's best lakeside towns.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista boasts seven impressive lakes: Ann, Avalon, Brittany, Norwood, Rayburn, Windsor, and Loch Lomond. The elegant scenery provides a scenic backdrop for a relaxing stay. Other natural attractions include a sizeable natural surface trail area, ideal for hikers of any skill level. A popular trail is the Back 40.
The trail covers 21 miles of terrain and is primarily designed for mountain biking, but hikers are also welcome to try it. Golf remains a popular activity in Bella Vista, with notable courses such as the Bella Vista Country Club and Scotsdale Golf Course. Additionally, cultural sites include the beautiful Mildred B. Cooper Memorial, crafted by renowned architect E. Fay Jones and his colleague Maurice Jennings.
Jacksonport
Jacksonport State Park is a nature lover's dream destination. It features 20 Class A camping lots, a swimming beach, and the half-mile Tunstall Riverwalk. The 1872 courthouse is now a museum that interprets the riverport's history. Audio and self-guided tours are available at the visitor center.
Round Lake is near the state park, and the White and Black Rivers converge near the town. The rivers made the small town an essential port of call, and its history is fun to explore. Several restaurants near the Jacksonport State Park and Little Rock call many visitors to experience the Old Mill.
Powhatan
Powhatan is situated on the shores of Lake Charles, a 645-acre reservoir constructed in the 1960s. It is popular with kayakers and canoers. The shoreline features a state park with hiking trails, playgrounds, a launch ramp, and Sandy Beach. Visitors can also enjoy lake tours and guided kayak trips.
Cultural attractions are in and around Powhatan. The Arkansas History Commission manages the 3,965-acre Northeast Arkansas Archives, but the public can explore the grounds and discover Lawrence County's history. Powhatan State Park includes six historic structures in their original 19th-century locations.
Mountain Pine
Mountain Pine is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and near Lake Ouachita. The lake is the largest in Arkansas at 40,000 acres and is a top location for boating and fishing. The park has a total of 93 camping sites and four camping cabins. There is also the historic Three Sisters' Spring, a must-see attraction.
Echo Canyon Resort and Marina offers a peaceful, all-in-one getaway. Situated away from town hustle, it features camping, hiking, fishing, and additional activities. The resort provides camping and RV sites as well as cabin rentals. Mountain Pine perfectly blends outdoor adventure with modern serenity, catering to all visitors.
Russellville
Russellville overlooks Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. It is known for its vibrant downtown, restaurants, and local cultural scene. Lake Dardanelle State Park sits along the lake's shoreline and offers hiking trails, a boardwalk, and campsites. The Sport Fishing Weigh-in Pavilion is in town, and many visitors come during fishing tournaments.
The state park is also a Trail of Tears historic site. The visitor center, overlooking the lake, has exhibits that tell the sad story of Native American removal. The small town has three other state parks: Mount Nebo, Mount Magazine, and Petit Jean. Russellville boasts 14 recreational parks, a testament to the community's love of the outdoors. The outdoor adventure and scenic beauty make Russellville one of Arkansas's best lakeside towns.
Why These Lakeside Towns Define Arkansas’s Scenic Spirit
These eight lakeside towns in Arkansas are the best places to visit for their outdoors and cultural attractions. In addition to the gorgeous lakes, the small towns are known for their natural springs, which make them ideal for relaxation. It is easy to see how Arkansas got its nickname, the Natural State, and towns like Powhatan and Arkadelphia embrace the true spirit of the state.
Many visitors come to these lakeside towns for boating, kayaking, and fishing. What makes the trip memorable are the vibrant artistic and culinary scenes in the entertainment districts. You can spend the day exploring Arkansas's top lakes and state parks, then unwind at night at a winery, craft brewery, or live theatre. Arkansas is a truly unique state, and these lakeside towns showcase its finest offerings.
