With more than 600,000 acres of waterfront in Arkansas, there are many great lakes to visit. Boating, skiing, paddle boarding, fishing, and camping are fun options for enjoying the Arkansas lake life. The depth and clarity of the state’s lakes make them ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Here are just a few of the great lakes to visit in Arkansas this summer.

01 | Lake Ouachita

This man-made reservoir located just outside of Hot Springs is the largest lake in the state, with more than 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. The clear water and over two hundred islands make it ideal for scuba diving–but boating and fishing are Lake Ouachita’s main activities. The Blakely Mountain Dam separates the lake from the Ouachita River, where the Ouachita National Forrest looms just off the shoreline.

02 | Beaver Lake

Located in the Ozark Mountains near Eureka Springs and Rogers, Beaver Lake features 28,000 acres of clear water and is an attraction for water sport lovers, anglers, hikers, and birdwatchers alike. Beaver Lake is nationally renowned for bass fishing and has become a destination for many fishing tournaments. Other popular activities include boating, scuba diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, swimming, and picnicking.

03| Greers Ferry Lake

Nestled in the Ozark foothills between Clinton and Heber Springs is Greers Ferry Lake. It is among the state’s five largest lakes, and is ranked as one of the cleanest, clearest lakes in the nation. Greers Ferry Lake offers 40,000 acres of water and provides great fishing, water sports, boating, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

A boat ride to Sugarloaf Mountain in the middle of the lake will get you access to trails that will take you to the top of the mountain for spectacular views of the lake and Ozarks.

04 | Norfork Lake

The deep blue waters of this prized 22,000-acre lake located in Mountain Home supports a wide variety of outdoor activities–with boating, fishing, and water skiing as the most popular. Less traditional activities include scuba diving and spearfishing.

The Ozark Mountain scenery surrounding Norfork Lake offers stunning views from every angle. The lake’s clear water adds to the appeal of fishing and diving.

05 | Lake Chicot

This 20-mile-long lake in Lake Village was once part of the Mississippi River before a change of course cut a section off. It is now the state’s largest natural lake and the largest oxbow lake in the country. Fishing is the main attraction here, where striped bass are the ultimate prize, and the catfish are plentiful year-round.

Written By: Cherie Brown