It’s impossible not to love a trip to one of the cleanest lakes in the U.S. Lake Ouachita is crystal-clear and stunningly beautiful. In fact, it’s the clearest lake in Arkansas, and as such, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring, too. This lake is beyond perfect for the warmest days of the year! Whether it’s for a week or one day, Lake Ouachita will completely enchant you.

If there were ever a lake-based beauty contest, this one would win every award.
Jackie McNair/Google Maps
Lake Ouachita has the most islands to explore, it's the largest lake within the state, and it's even one of the cleanest lakes in the entire nation. The brilliantly clear waters and inviting beaches make this lake nearly impossible to want to leave. Lake Ouachita sits in between quite a few communities, but the official address for the state park it lies within is 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, Arkansas, 71956.
There are all sorts of water-based activities to enjoy here.
Daria Byron/Google Maps
Swimming is a must during the summer, but that's certainly not the only time to visit! Fishing, island camping, boating, and scuba diving are just some of the things to do at the lake.

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It's not hard to make friends during a scuba dive trip.
Micah May/YouTube
The lake is so clear that harmless jellyfish and sponges that only live in the most pristine environments thrive here. This makes scuba diving quite the adventure! Even if you don't spot a jellyfish, the other fish won't be shy.
You certainly don't have to stay in the water to appreciate the splendors of the lake, though.
Lee Hiller/AllTrails
Camp at the state park, or pitch a tent to have your own private island for a night. Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about the islands of the lake. If you can't stay overnight, you can still take on a trail or two around the lake for a day of forested adventure.
It's impossible to resist the natural charm of Lake Ouachita's pristine waters.
Bruce Larison/AllTrails

To take a virtual scuba dive tour of the lake, watch this YouTube video by Micah May:

What’s been your favorite trip to Lake Ouachita? Do you agree that it’s the clearest lake in Arkansas? What are your favorite swimming lakes in Arkansas? Reminisce with us – we would love to hear from you.

For more of the most beautiful, cleanest lakes in Arkansas, check out this Arkansas lakes road trip that takes you to seven different stunning lakes to admire and enjoy!

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Clearest Lake In Arkansas

Tori Jane | June 03, 2021

Where can I go camping at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas?

Lovers of lakeside camping will be more than happy to hear that there are plenty of places to stay overnight (or longer) in beautiful Lake Ouachita State Park.

In fact, there are 93 available campsites at the park, including 58 Class “AAA” campsites, 23 Class “D” campsites, and 12 walk-up sites. If tent or RV camping isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - you can also reserve an adorable cabin right at the lake!

There is no entry fee to the park itself, however, check the official Lake Ouachita Forest Service website for camping permit information.

What are the best swimming lakes in Arkansas?

Arkansas is a state so beautiful that it’s almost pure magic! There are hundreds of pristine spots perfect for swimming on a warm day - so many, in fact, that we can’t list them all in this short paragraph. However, some of our favorites include places like:

  • Lake Sylvia
  • Blanchard Springs
  • Mulberry River
  • and, of course, Kings River Falls.

One thing is for sure, that shortlist is nowhere near all-encompassing. There are dozens more, so make sure to take a look at this article for a more complete list of swimming lakes in Arkansas. 

What are the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas?

There are so many that we just don’t know where to start! Lake Ouachita is an excellent example of the pristine beauty in Arkansas. It’s not just the clearest lake in the state; it’s also one of the cleanest, crispest lakes in the United States! That’s quite an accolade, and we’re pretty darn proud of it.

Of course, that’s not the only beautiful lake here in Arkansas. There are also gems like Greers Ferry Lake, which is beautiful and great for photographers, too, and the Blue Hole near Jerusalem, Arkansas, is a must-see! Lake Dardanelle is quite a paradise, with water that reflects the crisp blue sky above.

Here are some more of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas that are my favorite:

  • Beaver Lake, Rogers
  • Mirror Lake, Fifty-Six
  • Table Rock Lake, Near Beaver
  • Bull Shoals Lake, Mountain Home
  • DeGray Lake, Bismarck
  • Norfork Lake, Mountain Home
  • Lake Fort Smith, Mountain Home
  • Lake Greeson, Murfreesboro
  • Lake Wilhelmina, Mena
  • Lake Chicot, Lake Village


Check out this previous article highlighting 12 of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas according to our readers. 

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Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA