Arkansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a beach vacation but the Natural State is actually better than most all of the big-name destinations. Arkansas beachgoers need not worry about shark bites or jellyfish stings. We skip the struggle with plane fare or car rides lasting days. Our sandy shores may be busy during summer but putting up with a crowd of a hundred sure beats out elbowing through a thousand. Let’s soak up the sun at some of the best beaches in Arkansas.

1. Lake Ouachita - Mountain Pine
Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, USA
Antrell Williams/Flickr
This postcard-perfect picture is from Lake Ouachita. The lake has the distinction of being one of the cleanest lakes in the entire nation which makes it perfect for scuba diving. Have an adventure and spend the night beachside in the park's cabins or tent sites.

Lake Ouachita is a beautiful lake with plenty of small islands perfect for camping. Join Gatewood Brown as he shows us an amazing kayaking and camping trip on Lake Ouachita:
2. Lake Bennett - Greenbrier
Lake Bennett, 82 Woolly Hollow Rd., Greenbrier, AR 72058
Management/TripAdvisor
Part of Woolly Hollow State Park, Lake Bennett is a great first beach for small Arkansans. The park hosts an annual Fun Day in June on the beach which is a big draw for families looking for a unique day on the lake.
3. Lake Charles - Powhatan
Lake Charles State Park, 3705 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458, USA
Kelly B./Google Reviews
Enjoy the 654 acres of Lake Charles by taking advantage of the park's kayak and party barge tours. Take a long walk on the beach while traversing the shoreside of Cedar Trail. Lake Charles State Park is a wonderful place to camp as well with spaces for tent, RV, and yurt camping.
4. Lake Dardanelle - Russellville
Lake Dardanelle, 100 State Park Dr., Russellville, AR 72802
NotJillian /TripAdvisor
Sink your toes in the sand along the shores of Lake Dardanelle. The lake is popular for its fishing tournaments as well as water skiing. Stop by the visitor center to see their impressive aquariums and learn about the aquatic life that lives in the lake.

Head out to Lake Dardanelle State Park for excellent swimming beaches in Arkansas. Join Farhana Khandoker on a trip to the park in this video:

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5. Lake Catherine - Hot Springs
Lake Catherine, 1200 Catherine Park Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Cletus Lee/Flickr
This waterfall-featuring oasis doesn't require a cruise to a remote Hawaiian island to reach, but just a short hike along Lake Catherine in Hot Springs. The lake and Falls Creek Falls are great backdrops to your next waterside adventure. Stay at the state park or round out your vacation with the amenities at Catherine's Landing.
6. Jacksonport on the White River - Newport
Jacksonport on the White River, 205 Avenue St., Newport, AR 72112
Whatknot/Flickr
A trip to Jacksonport can be tailored to just about any interest. Learn about the town's vital role in the Civil War at the historic state park or party on the beach during the music festival, PortFest. The beach along the White River is also great for family swim trips.
7. Lake Austell - Wynne
Lake Austell, Co Rd 756, Wynne, AR 72396, USA
Todd Stinnett/Google Reviews
This beach is tucked away in Arkansas' second largest state park for land area, Village Creek State Park. Lake Austell is also a favorite for bass fishers.
8. DeGray Lake Resort State Park - Bismarck
DeGray Lake State Park Resort, 2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarck, AR 71929, USA
DeGray Lake Resort State Park/Facebook
This island beach vacation is the ultimate Arkansas getaway. The only resort state park in Arkansas, DeGray Lake has a week's worth of activities. Take a kayak tour around the shores, a guided snorkel excursion, or just relax lakeside.

Outdoors4Adventure takes us to DeGray Lake Resort State Park in this video showing even more Arkansas beaches to enjoy:

The best beaches in Arkansas have a whole lot more to offer than simply a sandy place to lounge on a hot day. With the incredibly scenic areas all over Arkansas, our beaches are a real outdoor adventure. What’s your favorite Arkansas beach? Share with us in the comments!

For another island adventure, take this hike that can only be reached by boat.

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More to Explore

More places to swim in Arkansas

Chris Muras | July 10, 2023

Are there beaches in Arkansas?

Arkansas has some amazing waterfront properties, state parks, and natural areas that take beach lovers on a dream-like getaway on those hot summer days. Here are some of our favorite beaches in Arkansas:

  • Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, AR: Sandy Beach (yes, that's the official name) on Greers Ferry Lake is a delightful, you guessed it, sandy beach. With warm shallow water and lots of soft sand to play in, this beach makes the best family getaway you can imagine.
  • Norfork Lake, Gamaliel, AR: Another incredibly beautiful recreational lake in Arkansas, this lake is often called the Caribbean of the Mid-South. From boating, kayaking, fishing, and of course, swimming on the gorgeous sandy beaches, this lake has it all.
  • Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, AR: Lake Hamilton is a delightful lake, but what makes your swimming adventure even more fun is by staying at this incredible beach house getaway. It is a 5-bedroom home right on the lake with a swimming pool and a resort-style backyard that feels like the Caribbean with palm trees and a waterfall.
  • Crown Lake, Horseshoe Bend, AR: Another lovely lake in the foothills of the Ozarks, Crown Lake has a nice sandy beach ready for summer fun. Head to the Crown Lake Resort for an extra special vacation on the beach. Whether you enjoy a cozy log cabin or drive up in your RV, this resort on Crown Lake in Horseshoe Bend, AR will bring smiles to the whole family.

 

Learn more about many of these places to swim in Arkansas in our article about a few lakes and beaches that feel like the Caribbean right here in Arkansas.

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