Lake Charles State Park: A Natural Retreat in Northeast Arkansas

4.6 (880)

Discover a serene Arkansas getaway with fishing, hiking, and camping on the beautiful Lake Charles in the Ozark foothills.

Home
Arkansas
Delta
Lake Charles State Park

Nestled in the Ozark foothills, Lake Charles State Park offers a tranquil escape with a 645-acre lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. With camping facilities, hiking trails, and a nature center, it's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a peaceful getaway.

A brief summary to Lake Charles State Park

3705 AR-25, Powhatan, Arkansas, 72458, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Charles State Park.

Visit the park in the spring or fall for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Bring your fishing gear and try your luck at catching bass, crappie, bream, or catfish.
Hike the Cedar Trail for an easy, paved walk along the lake shoreline.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views from the picnic area.
Check the park's website or visitor center for information on interpretive programs and events.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Walnut Ridge City Park

Walnut Ridge City Park: A Community Hub

Wings of Honor Museum

Wings of Honor Museum: A Tribute to Aviation History

Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum

Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum: Preserving African American History in Pocahontas

Getting There

Driving

Lake Charles State Park is located at 3705 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458. From Powhatan, head west on Arkansas Highway 25 (AR-25). Drive straight on AR-25 for four miles, then turn left on Lawrence Road 258. The park entrance is 200 feet ahead. There is no fee to enter the park.

Discover more about Lake Charles State Park

Lake Charles State Park, a 140-acre haven in Lawrence County, Arkansas, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Ozark foothills. The park's centerpiece, the 645-acre Lake Charles, was created in the 1960s as a cooperative project to control flooding and provide a fresh water source, and has since become a popular recreation destination. Anglers will find Lake Charles to be a prime spot for catching bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, with the lake regularly stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Three ADA-approved fishing piers provide easy access to the water, and a boat ramp allows for exploring the lake by boat. While there are no horsepower restrictions on the lake, personal watercraft, waterskiing and tubing are prohibited. For those who prefer to stay on land, Lake Charles State Park offers four hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the lake's edge. The paved Cedar Trail is accessible to all, while the White Oak and Mockernut Trails offer scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Butterflies and Blooms Trail meanders through a habitat that attracts diverse wildlife. The park also features a swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a great place for families to spend the day. The visitor center offers camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs, and the nature center hosts environmental education programs during the summer months. Lake Charles State Park offers 60 campsites, including Class AAA sites with water, 50-amp electric, and sewer hookups, and Class B sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. A Yurt is also available for rent, providing a unique lodging experience.