Lake Ouachita
USACE Vicksburg District • Built 1953 • 40,000 surface acres • 690 miles shoreline
Lake Ouachita
Great Day on the Water
Level is right at normal conservation pool (-0.5 ft), water temp is a comfortable 73°f, light winds around 0 mph, no active algae or safety advisories.
What to Know About Lake Ouachita
Consistently ranked as one of the cleanest, purest lakes in the United States. Entirely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest with over 200 undeveloped islands where visitors can pull up a houseboat and camp under pristine dark sky stars.
Boat Ramps & Usability
3 Ramps| Ramp / Access Point | Lanes | Fee | Usable Min Pool | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ouachita Corps Recreation Area & Campground Waterfront RV sites with 50-amp electric hookups and beach access. | 2 lanes | $18-$28 / night | 572.0 ft | Open & Usable |
| Lake Ouachita Main Marina Full service marina with ethanol-free fuel, slip rentals, and bait shop. | 2 lanes | $10 ramp fee / free slip guests | 569.0 ft | Open & Usable |
| Lake Ouachita State Park Public Ramp Paved concrete ramp with dual courtesy docks and lit parking. | 4 lanes | $5 day-use pass | 571.0 ft | Open & Usable |
Full-Service Marinas
1 MarinasLake Ouachita Main Marina
Full service marina with ethanol-free fuel, slip rentals, and bait shop.
Fishing Regulations & Species
State Wildlife AgencyLicense Info: AGFC Arkansas fishing license.
Regulations Summary: Known for 30+ pound trophy striped bass.
View Official Wildlife Department Regulations →Lake Rules & Boating Safety
No private residential docks are permitted on the shoreline; all boat slips are clustered at commercial marinas.
Recent Community Reports
Washita river arm has excellent clear green water. Ran south to Wood Island this morning; no floating logs or hazards observed. Striper boils active off Soldier Creek.
Highport ramp had 4 lanes moving with zero wait. Dock hands assisted with tie-off. Sandbars near North Island are clearly visible in the sun.
Recommended Gear for Current Conditions
Heavy-Duty 3-Rider Towable Tube & Quick-Connect
Water temp is a warm 73°F—ideal for family tubing and towing.
USCG Approved Inflatable Life Vest (Auto-Hydrostatic)
Low profile, lightweight, and legally compliant for adult operators.
Castable GPS Fish Finder & Depth Transducer
Pinpoint submerged humps, river channel dropoffs, and school bait balls.
Affiliate Disclosure: When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are selected algorithmically based strictly on real-time water conditions and safety needs.
Featured Lake Partners on Lake Ouachita
Texoma Pro Striper Charters
Full-day & half-day guided striped bass fishing on 24ft custom center consoles. All tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included. Departs from Highport Marina.
Call for Booking: (580) 555-0199Lakeside Pontoon & PWC Rentals
Premium 24ft tri-toons with 150HP outboards, Bluetooth audio, and bimini tops. Double-decker slide boats available for weekend island raft-ups.
Reserve Online / Call: (580) 555-0144Living on Lake Ouachita
Considering buying a lake cabin, dockable waterfront home, or retirement property on Lake Ouachita? Water levels, dock stability, and flood pool buffers are critical factors in waterfront valuation.
Massive 14-foot flood storage pool protects the upper Ouachita basin and downstream Lakes Hamilton and Catherine.
Hot Springs, AR
$245,000Historic national park city, bathhouses, Oaklawn horse racing, and dining.
Connect with a Lake Ouachita Lakefront Specialist
Private gated compounds and resort living near Hot Springs.