Lake Catherine State Park sits just 45 minutes southwest of Malvern, Arkansas, along the western edge of the Ouachita Mountains. The region features a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round camping at most locations. Water activities remain popular well into fall when temperatures cool and visitor traffic decreases at many campgrounds.
What to do
Boating and kayaking: Lake Ouachita offers exceptional paddling opportunities with calm waters ideal for novice kayakers. "The lake was gorgeous! I wish we had more time to walk trails, but we were just stopping for the night," shared a visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground. The clear water allows great visibility for spotting fish.
Crystal mining: Visitors can dig for their own quartz crystals at Ron Coleman Mining near Hot Springs. "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems," noted a camper at Crystal Ridge RV Park.
Disc golf: Several campgrounds provide on-site disc golf courses for family competition. "Lots of amenities like disc golf, hiking trails, pool, zip line course, lake access and two dog parks that were the cleanest I've seen at an rv park," mentioned a guest at Catherine's Landing.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct lakefront access for fishing and swimming. "This park has everything you need. We got an amazing site right on the water and spent a day here because it was so beautiful," shared a guest at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Wide selection of accommodation types: The region caters to diverse camping preferences from primitive tent sites to luxury glamping. "The cabins are beyond wonderful to stay in and well worth the price. Beautiful scenery and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy," noted a visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds typically feature clean bathrooms and level camping pads. "The facilities are updated and well maintained. The park has a couple hiking options along with the lake activities," stated a camper at Lake Catherine State Park.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Lake Catherine SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," advised a camper.
Varied terrain: Some campgrounds feature significant slopes requiring leveling equipment. "Many sites were on an incline, so there was a lot of terracing w great use of railroad timbers and crushed rock," reported a visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park.
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays see significantly higher visitor numbers. "This was a bit too cramped for us," noted a camper at Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita, highlighting the importance of timing your visit for a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer accessible swimming areas with gradual entry points. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shared a camper at Lake Catherine State Park.
Adventure options: Beyond standard camping, look for campgrounds with unique recreation facilities. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool," reported a visitor at Catherine's Landing describing the family amenities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours provide the best chance to spot local wildlife. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," mentioned a visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check site diagrams for utility placement before booking. "All sites have water, 50/30 amp, sewer, cable, and wifi. Fire pits and picnic tables accompany all sites," detailed a visitor to Catherine's Landing.
Water access: Some campgrounds require additional planning for water needs. "There is no water at the sites...you have to tote your own water to and from the dispersed water spigots," explained a camper at Brady Mountain Campground.
Leveling requirements: Come prepared with leveling blocks, particularly for lakeside sites. "Site 3 is probably the most scenic site in the campground. The sites were basically level," shared a camper at Stephens Park Campground about their glamping experience near Malvern.
