Many Arkansas vacations occur on or around the water, because of the numerous lakes, rivers, and streams in the state, and there is a lake in Arkansas that will accommodate whatever interest you have. An Arkansas lake vacation can take advantage of more than 600,000 acres of natural and manmade lakes scattered across the state. Once you find your perfect lake in Arkansas you will be able to indulge in fishing, boating, swimming, as well as take advantage of all the attractions that surround the lakes. Arkansas lakes are some of the most popular tourist destinations.

There are eight dams along the more than 770-mile course of the White River, which flows from Fayetteville north to Branson, Missouri and then back into Arkansas where it meanders its way south until it enters the Mississippi River. Two of the dams are in Missouri. Lake Beaver Arkansas is one of the lakes created by the six dams in Arkansas. It's nestled high in the Ozark Mountains in the northwest part of the state, and only a short drive from the spas of Eureka Springs. Completed in 1966, Lake Beaver Arkansas provides 28,370 acres of natural scenic beauty and recreational activities.

There are more than 650 camping sites around the 487 miles of Lake Beaver Arkansas shoreline, as well as twelve parks offering swimming beaches, hiking and biking trails, and boat launching ramps. Cabins, resorts, and other lodging possibilities abound throughout the area. There is bass fishing, and plentiful crappie, bream, and catfish.

Other Arkansas lakes in the Ozarks include Bull Shoals on the lower White River, which is one of the best bass fishing spots in the state. Greers Ferry Lake has a rainbow trout hatchery. Lake Norfolk boasts nineteen developed shoreline state parks. You'll find Lake Dardanelle located about halfway between Little Rock and Fort Smith.

Lake Hamilton Arkansas is another manmade lake, and is located more or less in the center of the state, not far from Little Rock. Hot Springs National Park is right on its northern shores. It was completed in 1932 with the building of the Carpenter Dam on the Ouachita River. The 7,200 acres of Lake Hamilton Arkansas is both a vacation destination as well as a popular residential lake. Lake lodging includes condos, golfing and fishing resorts, cabins, and motels that ring the lake on all sides. You can also take advantage of the many Hot Springs hotels and charming bed and breakfast inns.

An Arkansas lake vacation here gives you access to all the many outdoor recreation possibilities, and Lake Hamilton Arkansas is easily accessible to attractions such as Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, the beautiful Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens, as well as lunch and dinner cruises on the 400-passengers Belle of Hot Springs riverboat. There are outlets to rent or purchase all kinds of boats and water sports equipment, and outfitters are available as fishing and hunting guides.

Other Arkansas lakes in the Ouachita Mountains include DeGray Lake, very popular for camping and also located near Hot Springs. Greeson Lake is stocked by the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission and is near the city of Murfreesboro. The largest lake in Arkansas is Lake Ouachita at more than 40,000 acres. It boasts the most pristine shoreline (970 miles) in the state, and more than 100 uninhabited islands are available for primitive camping.

Wherever you are in the state, you can find a rewarding Arkansas lake vacation waiting.