All man-made lakes, these three gems are a large part of Hot Springs AR being the top travel destination in Arkansas.

It all started back in the 1920's when it was just a river running through the valley. The river was the Ouachita & Harvey Couch was the founder of Entergy (our local power company, then called Ark. Power and Light). Harvey had the dream of building hydroelectric dams.

He met a pioneer peace officer in the area named Flave Carpenter, who scouted locations for the dam sites while searching for outlaws along the river. The Ouachita River runs from west Arkansas, eastward through the Ouachita Mountains to Lake Ouachita.

The river is quite its own attraction with cabin & canoe rentals, and excellent fishing & floating with gorgeous crystal clear water. But I'll get to that later on some other page, watch for it!

Lake Ouachita is first, (geographically anyway) running basically from the west to the east but meandering around and covering over 40,000 acres!

The river runs through it (no pun intended) and flows out of Blakely Dam into Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR which basically surrounds the city of Hot Springs like a horseshoe.

Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR is 18.5 miles long and covers 7200 acres. It is a very "social" lake where you can visit friend's who live or summer on the lake, take a boat ride to several restaurants and bars or hang out at the infamous sandbar with the party people! I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing quite so enjoyable as to come home from a hard days work and take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR.

This brings to mind a little plaque I saw recently; it has a lake scene with a boat tooling around and says "There's nothing quite so worth doing as simply messing about in boats".

Whether you're into sunning, fishing, water sports or just cruising around, Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR is the place to do it all! Or do nothing.

In 1924, the first dam was completed and was named Remmel, after Army Col. H.L. Remmel. This created Lake Catherine, which is 11 miles long and covers 1940 acres.

Then in 1932, the second dam was completed and named Carpenter, in honor of Flave Carpenter. The lake formed was named Hamilton.

Lodging on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR Water-loving vacationers have a multitude of lodging options to choose from on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR. Lakeside cabin rentals, vacation condos and full blown resorts to satisfy the needs of singles, couples or the whole family. And then some!

Rest assured, there is a Hot Springs AR resort for all you fun-in-the-sun, bake-on-the-lake types!

Got your own boat? Bring that puppy and leisurely explore the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR. There's plenty of room for water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing, plus an abundance of quiet coves teaming with the catch of the day for you fishermen. Or, try my wife's favorite lake pastime; cruising the shorelines admiring all the lovely lake homes.

Food and Snacks - Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR You can have pizza, seafood, steaks, burgers and home cooking all easily accessible by boat! Many edible goodies are available on the lake.

Watercraft Rentals - Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR Don't have your own boat but want to experience the lifestyle? Never fear, there are Boat Rentals available on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs! Helpful hints for "newbies" on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR * First of all, you gotta know where to put in if you're bringing your own boat. Here's a Lake Hamilton Map with Public and Pay-Per-Use Boat Ramps marked. #1 is Sunnybrook Landing at Entergy Park by Carpenter Dam. #2 is the Andrew Hulsey Fish Hatchery Ramp off of Ark. Hwy. 290. #3 is Hill Wheatley Park off of Majestic Lodge Road. #4 is Gideon's ramp on Treasure Isle Rd, privately owned but use it for a mere $2 per launch. Plenty of parking there too. * It's August and it's hotter than you ever thought possible, we're talking Africa hot! Where can you go to cool off the crew?

Well, other than getting off the lake and in the air conditioning, you fire up your boat and head for Blakely Dam at the upper-west end of the lake. The water that passes through there is coming directly from the bottom of Lake Ouachita...AND IT IS COLD!

You can tell as you get closer because the air temp goes down the closer you get. And it's wonderful! Almost like turning on the A/C.

Warning -- If someone wants to jump in down there, be prepared for them to shoot right back up and need back in the boat in a hurry! (But it is pretty funny!) * Out for a romantic cruisewith your significant other? There is no better sunset view than anchoring just south of the Highway 270 West bridge, next to "the Sandbar", facing west up Kelly Creek. My wife & I try to time our boat rides so we end up there just before dark. Sometimes they're "so-so" but most of the time they're absolutely breathtaking! You never know what day will bring the sunset you will remember forever. * GAS! You gotta know where to get gas right? Well that depends on what part of Lake Hamilton you're on. For instance, if you're around the 70 West bridge, you're gonna want to go to Marineland... ...and if you're over by the 270 West bridge, the only logical choice is Sunset Cove Marina, which is across the lake from the "Sandbar". * Alright, I've mentioned "the Sandbar" a couple times now, I guess it's time to give it up! Party people behold the on-water equivalent of a rave party! Hot sunshine, loud music, happy people in a bunch of boats all tied together, a pretty steady flow of...well, let's say "beverage of choice" and of course... girls in bikinis! The water is rarely more than chest deep on practically anyone so you can walk from boat-to-boat to visit. What more could you ask for? It's the perfect party place! I've seen holiday weekends draw what looks to be as many as 100 boats to the sandbar! WARNING -- Don't get too carried away 'cause the "water-cops" make regular appearances to check on revelers. See...here comes one now! Now, let's talk about fishing on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR In cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, both Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine are part of a fisheries management program started way back in 1939. The Andrew Hulsey Fish Hatchery has 90+ acres of ponds that produce millions of little fingerlings annually to keep the lakes stocked and improve sport fishing. This is one of the most successful hatcheries in the country. Whatever you like to fish for, Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR can satisfy. From the smallest feisty little sunfish to rainbow trout to some monstrous stripers. I mean MONSTROUS! Lake Hamilton has produced two state record catches of stripers. Both were in 1997 and tipped the scales at 53+ pounds! No foolin, 40 pounders are common. Now that's a handful of fish! Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR is no stranger to tournament bass fishing either. In July of 2005, Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton hosted the 10th anniversary Wal-Mart FLW Tour Bass Fishing Competition. This is only the richest stop on the richest tour in all of bass fishing. The top professional bass fishers and co-anglers competed for $1.5 million in prize money. Lake Catherine is home to Lake Catherine State Park and the Diamondhead gated community. The smallest of the Tri-Lakes group, Lake Catherine is 11 miles of a river-like lake that snakes through the Ouachita River Valley. Lake Catherine is a bit smaller perhaps but big on water sports and fishing. Easy access public boat ramps, swimming areas and camping facilities ranging from "roughin' it" to RV hook-ups. The largest of the three, often referred to locally as "the big water" or the "Arkansas ocean", is named Lake Ouachita. (Again, the pronunciation is important here, it's "WASH-I-TA", which is actually a Native American term for "good hunting grounds") The lake is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and has the distinction of being among the nations cleanest bodies of water in an area with some of the cleanest air as well. This lake is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, therefore you will not see residences along the shores. Instead, there are pristine forests, islands to explore, wildlife and thirteen recreation areas from which lucky visitors can base their operations of fishing, camping, hiking, eagle watching, scuba diving and water sports of all kinds. Yes, 13! Every single one of them has a public boat ramp and toilets, and most have picnic areas and showers. All but one of the thirteen have RV spaces and all have tent spaces, most with electricity available. I told you; This is one big, big lake! As a matter of fact, if you're a "Newbie" to Lake Ouachita a map is an absolute must! Or you will get lost...Promise! For those visitors with a few more needs, there are seven resort/recreation areas that feature full service restaurants and marinas. Be sure to inquire about cabins/cottages, boat rentals, fishing guides & houseboat vacation packages. These include the Spillway, Brady Mountain, Crystal Springs, Ouachita Shores, Lena Landing, Mountain Harbor, and Thompkins Bend. Come to Hot Springs and enjoy our beautiful lakes, but please take care and observe all Arkansas Boating Regulations. Watch speed limits around structures and other boat traffic and pay attention to any buoys you see. Above all please be courteous to other boaters and remember: Rule #1, lend a hand to a stranded boater, it's just something you do. You see it's all about "Lake Karma", and a good mariner would never charge or accept compensation for assisting a crippled vessel and it's crew. So what is your reward? The lake gods are pleased and will see that the good deed is returned when you need it most! Y'all come see us! Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs AR History

Located on the southern edge of Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton is a premier vacation destination. This beautiful lake was formed in 1932 with the construction of the Carpenter Dam on the Ouachita River. The Dam is named after Flave Carpenter, the pioneer peace officer who discovered the site while tracking down outlaws along the Ouachite River. Ouachita is a Native American word that means "good hunting grounds and sparkling silver water." The only hunting that happens at Lake Hamilton today is for treasures in one of the many area shops, but the "sparkling silver water" still draws visitors from all over.

Lake Hamilton has almost 200 miles of shoreline characterized by small coves and inlets, and is almost entirely surrounded by homes, restaurants, and resorts. The lake covers 7200 acres and stretches out over 18 miles in length. Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway crosses over the lake. In addition to relaxing at one of the many resorts, visitors can enjoy all types of watersports. Speed boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks share the waters of Lake Hamilton.

Fishing is also a popular pastime, and Lake Hamilton's mix of water temperatures support habitats for a variety of fish. The Arkansas Fish and Game Commission operates the Lake Hamilton Fish Hatchery, and releases fingerlings into the lake each year. Angling opportunities include striped, spotted, white and smallmouth bass; black and white crappie; flathead, blue, channel, and bullhead catfish; walley and chain pickerel. The Commission also stocks the lake with rainbow trout. Lake Hamilton has hosted several fishing tournaments, and with the fishing resources being managed by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, it is sure to host many more.

Seven public recreation areas provide ample opportunities for nature lovers. Three islands dot Lake Hamilton: Rabbit Island, Little Goat Island, and Big Goat Island. Also known as Electric Island, the 118 acre Big Goat Island may be enjoyed for hiking, picnicking, and wild life viewing. Bald eagles spend winter months on the island. Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210 acre botanical garden accessible by boat and car. The Gardens are home to flowers, bonsai, and a spectacular spring daffodil display. Visitors can also cruise the lake on a riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner and dance cruises.

Lake Hamilton is a reservoir created for hydropower generation and municipal water supply. Power generation and water levels are controlled by Entergy Arkansas Inc. (previously Arkansas Power & Light). The power company lowers water levels three to nine feet in the winter for shoreline maintenance and control of nuisance aquatic vegetation. Arkansas Power & Light constructed Carpenter Dam to provide power for the resort community of Hot Springs. Hot Springs Reservation, now Hot Springs National Park, was created over 100 years before the Dam to protect the natural springs that flow from Hot Springs Mountain. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest and smallest area in the national park system. Visitors to the Springs can touch the 147 degree thermal water, tour the historic Fordyce bath house, or hike one of the many trails.

With all the amenities of a premier resort community and sparkling silver waters, Lake Hamilton is sure to delight all the senses.