Hot Springs National Park Lakes

Lakes Near Hot Springs National Park

When the weather is right you should spend some time near the water. A lake getaway is perfect for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great arguments to visit a lake in Hot Springs National Park this summer – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Hot Springs National Park have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the data below to see the nearby locations including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Hot Springs National Park

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Hot Springs National Park there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Hot Springs National Park provide tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Hot Springs National Park that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Hot Springs National Park gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Beach blanket
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A cooler with water
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • USB charger
  • Reserve clothing
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Tennis shoes

Specialty lake items

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Your tackle box
  • Bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Something to read

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day on a lake in Hot Springs National Park can provide tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Hot Springs National Park

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Hot Springs National Park and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, every lake will possess their own character and trappings, but here are a handful of items to review when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be extremely busy. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular beach!