This peaceful park is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. Boat rentals are available year-round. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a waterfall.
The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier.
There are also many native stone and wood buildings on-site. The history of these structures dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.
The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore.
Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally.
Cabins- Nestled among the tall pines and hardwoods along the lake are 20 fully-equipped, heated and air-conditioned, housekeeping cabins. One large, two bedroom cabin is fully accesible (ADA) and includes a screened porch, patio with table and grill, private pier and boat slip. Enjoy winter evenings in front of a cheerful fire in the fireplace found in most units. Five pet friendly cabins available by special arrangements and fees. Inquire at visitor center.
Camping- The park offers lakeside campsites for convenient fishing and boating, or you may prefer a quiet site in the secluded forest. Hot showers in a heated bathhouse provide year-round convenience. All sites are paved and equipped with freeze-proof water connections, table, and fire ring. AAA sites have water, sewer and 30/50 amp electric. Standard B sites have water and 30 amp electric. A sanitary dump station is nearby.
Rent-A-Camp- For those who don’t own their own camping equipment, Rent-A-Camp is available. It includes a 9 x 12 tent with wooden floor, a 2 burner stove, lantern, table, grill, and other camping equipment. An electrical hookup is provided. Bring your food and sleeping gear and enjoy an easy way to camp.
Rent-A-Yurt- Visitors who enjoy camping but don't have the necessary gear can rent a Year-Round Universal Recreational Tent, or YURT. The YURT is a large, round tent that contains bunk beds for six, lanterns, stove, an ice chest, table and chairs, and a decked floor
Visitor Services, Gift Shop & Store- Registration, information, and the gift shop are located in the visitor center where gifts, T-shirts, picnic and camping supplies, groceries, and snacks are available.
Fishing and Water Sports- During the summer season (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day), party barges, fishing boats and motors, fuel, bait and tackle are handy at the park marina. Canoes, kayaks, water bikes, and pedal boats are also available for rent. Use the free launch ramp for your own fishing or ski rig and park your vehicle in the marina parking lot at no charge. During the off-season, barges, boats, and canoes may be rented from the visitor center.
Other Facilities- A large picnic area with tables, grills, water, restrooms, and a group pavilion is located within walking distance to the sandy swimming beach and playground. Shopping, hospitals, other conveniences and attractions are just 20 minutes away in Malvern and Hot Springs.
Trails- Four trails, Slunger Creek Nature Trail (barrier-free), Falls Branch, Horseshoe Mountain, and Dam Mountain, ranging in length from 5/8 to 4 miles, offer visitors a closer look at the rugged Ouachita (Wa'-sha-tah) Mountains. A brochure describing these trails and interpretive programs is available at the visitor center and the nature cabin.