You’re familiar with Arkansas’s diamond lakes, I’m sure. You’ve probably also heard some talk about Beaver Lake, even if you haven’t been there yourself. There are a few lakes in Arkansas, however, that just don’t get the attention they deserve. One of those incredible lakes is hiding in the upper Delta. That gorgeous lake is called Lake Charles, and it makes for a perfect summer day trip.

Lake Charles State Park is located at 3705 AR-25 in Powhatan.

As far as lakes go, Lake Charles's 654 acres make it pretty small. Don’t let that deter you, because this little lake is big on charm.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
For comparison, Lake Ouachita has more than 40,000 acres.
Lake Charles is so lovely, in fact, that they built a state park around it. That state park has wonderful hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic sites where you can eat your lunch.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
You can camp there too, of course.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
On top of its lovely sandy beach and plentiful campsites, you can also find awesome interpretive programs. They have guided kayak tours and party barge lake tours.
Flickr/Dave Thomas

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The fishing there is pretty great. The lake is home to bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish. You won’t find a more scenic lake to fish, either. They’ve got piers that make give you a chance to cast a little further without bringing a boat.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
If you’d rather spent the day in the water as opposed to being around or in a boat on top of it, you can definitely do that.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Lake Charles might not be the biggest lake in the Natural State, and it might not be the most popular either, but it’s definitely a lake you want to stop overlooking right away.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
After all, there's nothing better for your summertime blues than a little time on the lake.
Flickr/Dave Thomas

For a few swimming holes you don’t want to miss out on, click here. There’s another list of summer fun at this link.

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