We know Arkansas lakes are beautiful, and probably the perfect place to spend the sweltering Arkansas summer, but which are the clearest lakes in Arkansas? That is, which are the most pristine? Which lakes in the natural state are still in their natural state? From the cleanest waters to the most untouched shorelines, here you’ll find nine of the most clear lakes in Arkansas.

  1. Lake Ouachita

Flickr/Antrell Williams Located near Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita is the biggest lake entirely in the borders of the Arkansas, and it is renowned for the clarity of its waters. There are also more than 100 uninhabited islands where you can camp. Learn more about one of the cleanest lakes in Arkansas, and then go visit! Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA

  1. De Queen Lake

Google Maps This crystal-clear lake is a great destination for scuba divers, boating enthusiasts, and skiers alike. The entirety of this lake’s shoreline is publicly owned, so boaters can go ashore anywhere they want. This is one of the best lakes in Arkansas, so put it on your bucket list.

  1. Mirror Lake

Flickr/Mike Norton Mirror Lake is only three acres, but it is stunningly beautiful, located near the magnificent Blanchard Springs Caverns, and continuously spring fed by the cool waters of Blanchard Spring. It’s also known as a haven for rainbow trout, so don’t forget your gear. Plan your visit by learning more about the lovely Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA

  1. Lake Fort Smith

Wikimedia/Doug Wertman Lake Fort Smith isn’t actually located in Fort Smith, it’s a ways north in the Boston Mountains near a town called Mountainburg. It supplies water to the Fort Smith metro area, so swimming is not allowed. Fishing and boating are permitted, and you can enjoy the lake from the stunning state park located there. Read more about Lake Fort Smith, and then go visit. Lake Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA

  1. Spring Lake

Flickr/Dave Thomas There is more than one lake designated “Spring Lake,” and the one we’re referring to here is the small 10-acre lake created by the damming of Mammoth Springs, which has the highest flow rate of any natural spring in Arkansas. The water is cold, and this lake is on the National Register of Historic Places. Spring Lake, Arkansas 72824, USA

  1. DeGray Lake

Flickr/Armyman DeGray Lake is crystal-clear perfection. It’s so clear that snorkeling is a popular activity there. In addition to the flawless waters, there’s also a full service marina on the north shore. Read more about one of the clearest lakes in Arkansas and its awesome beach, then check it out! DeGray Lake, Arkansas, USA

  1. Cove Lake

Flickr/Anna Located near gorgeous Mount Magazine, Cove Lake is as beautiful as the summit it sits in the shadow of. The swimming area is gorgeous too, but the shaded shoreline around the lake is perfect. Read more about the great recreation at Cove Lake, and then pencil in your next visit. Cove Lake, Arkansas 72855, USA

  1. Lake Dardanelle

Flickr/debbyconway Lake Dardanelle is a renowned bass fishing locale, but its trails and beautiful waters bring all kinds of people to its gorgeous shores. Check out all there is to do at one of the best lakes in Arkansas, and then add it to your list of places to visit.

  1. Wapanocca Lake

Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Built in the delta lowlands and surrounded by trails through marshes, at Wapanocca Lake you’ll find gorgeous waters and the perfect place for bird watching. Wapanocca Lake, Arkansas 72384, USA

The clearest lakes in Arkansas are worth a visit or two! For more lakes you’ll love, try this list.

Flickr/Antrell Williams

Located near Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita is the biggest lake entirely in the borders of the Arkansas, and it is renowned for the clarity of its waters. There are also more than 100 uninhabited islands where you can camp. Learn more about one of the cleanest lakes in Arkansas, and then go visit!

Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA

Google Maps

This crystal-clear lake is a great destination for scuba divers, boating enthusiasts, and skiers alike. The entirety of this lake’s shoreline is publicly owned, so boaters can go ashore anywhere they want. This is one of the best lakes in Arkansas, so put it on your bucket list.

Flickr/Mike Norton

Mirror Lake is only three acres, but it is stunningly beautiful, located near the magnificent Blanchard Springs Caverns, and continuously spring fed by the cool waters of Blanchard Spring. It’s also known as a haven for rainbow trout, so don’t forget your gear. Plan your visit by learning more about the lovely Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA

Wikimedia/Doug Wertman

Lake Fort Smith isn’t actually located in Fort Smith, it’s a ways north in the Boston Mountains near a town called Mountainburg. It supplies water to the Fort Smith metro area, so swimming is not allowed. Fishing and boating are permitted, and you can enjoy the lake from the stunning state park located there. Read more about Lake Fort Smith, and then go visit.

Lake Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA

Flickr/Dave Thomas

There is more than one lake designated “Spring Lake,” and the one we’re referring to here is the small 10-acre lake created by the damming of Mammoth Springs, which has the highest flow rate of any natural spring in Arkansas. The water is cold, and this lake is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spring Lake, Arkansas 72824, USA

Flickr/Armyman

DeGray Lake is crystal-clear perfection. It’s so clear that snorkeling is a popular activity there. In addition to the flawless waters, there’s also a full service marina on the north shore. Read more about one of the clearest lakes in Arkansas and its awesome beach, then check it out!

DeGray Lake, Arkansas, USA

Flickr/Anna

Located near gorgeous Mount Magazine, Cove Lake is as beautiful as the summit it sits in the shadow of. The swimming area is gorgeous too, but the shaded shoreline around the lake is perfect. Read more about the great recreation at Cove Lake, and then pencil in your next visit.

Cove Lake, Arkansas 72855, USA

Flickr/debbyconway

Lake Dardanelle is a renowned bass fishing locale, but its trails and beautiful waters bring all kinds of people to its gorgeous shores. Check out all there is to do at one of the best lakes in Arkansas, and then add it to your list of places to visit.

Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Built in the delta lowlands and surrounded by trails through marshes, at Wapanocca Lake you’ll find gorgeous waters and the perfect place for bird watching.

Wapanocca Lake, Arkansas 72384, USA

If you’re looking for swimming holes, you’ll find them here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

clearest lakes in Arkansas July 01, 2022 Jessica Bohl Where can you camp lakeside in Arkansas? There are some amazing lakeside campsites in Arkansas. One great option is the Crystal Springs Recreation Area located in the Ouachita National Forest. There you will find the gorgeous shores of Lake Ouachita and spots for tent and RV camping. There are about 70 campsites where you can stay the night and then enjoy the lake during the day. Another lake nestled in the Ouachita National Forest is Shady Lake. This 25-acre lake has 66 campsites available that offer a range of amenities. So check it out and see if it’s the right camping spot for you! What are some great spots for fishing in Arkansas? If you’re up for a day of hiking and fishing, there are some great fishing trails in Arkansas for you! Try the 2.24 Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park which brings you to Lake Austell. This haven for bass fisherman will knock your socks off. Or take the Dam 3 to Hardy Trail at Mammoth Spring State Park. The trail is a long 15.7 miles long, but you wont’ have to hike the whole way to find a great spot to cast for rainbow trout.

The OIYS Visitor Center

clearest lakes in Arkansas

July 01, 2022

Jessica Bohl

Where can you camp lakeside in Arkansas? There are some amazing lakeside campsites in Arkansas. One great option is the Crystal Springs Recreation Area located in the Ouachita National Forest. There you will find the gorgeous shores of Lake Ouachita and spots for tent and RV camping. There are about 70 campsites where you can stay the night and then enjoy the lake during the day. Another lake nestled in the Ouachita National Forest is Shady Lake. This 25-acre lake has 66 campsites available that offer a range of amenities. So check it out and see if it’s the right camping spot for you! What are some great spots for fishing in Arkansas? If you’re up for a day of hiking and fishing, there are some great fishing trails in Arkansas for you! Try the 2.24 Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park which brings you to Lake Austell. This haven for bass fisherman will knock your socks off. Or take the Dam 3 to Hardy Trail at Mammoth Spring State Park. The trail is a long 15.7 miles long, but you wont’ have to hike the whole way to find a great spot to cast for rainbow trout.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are some amazing lakeside campsites in Arkansas. One great option is the Crystal Springs Recreation Area located in the Ouachita National Forest. There you will find the gorgeous shores of Lake Ouachita and spots for tent and RV camping. There are about 70 campsites where you can stay the night and then enjoy the lake during the day. Another lake nestled in the Ouachita National Forest is Shady Lake. This 25-acre lake has 66 campsites available that offer a range of amenities. So check it out and see if it’s the right camping spot for you!

What are some great spots for fishing in Arkansas?

If you’re up for a day of hiking and fishing, there are some great fishing trails in Arkansas for you! Try the 2.24 Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park which brings you to Lake Austell. This haven for bass fisherman will knock your socks off. Or take the Dam 3 to Hardy Trail at Mammoth Spring State Park. The trail is a long 15.7 miles long, but you wont’ have to hike the whole way to find a great spot to cast for rainbow trout.