Is Lake Catherine State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Catherine State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lake Catherine State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Catherine State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lake Catherine State Park?

Lake Catherine State Park is open Open year-round; peak season Memorial Day through Labor Day for marina/swimming activities. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Catherine State Park?

Yes, Lake Catherine State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Lake Catherine State Park?

Cell phone service at Lake Catherine State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lake Catherine State Park have?

Lake Catherine State Park has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Catherine State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Catherine State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lake Catherine State Park?

Lake Catherine State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Catherine State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Catherine State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Catherine State Park

4.80

163 reviews

Top 15% in ARSummer

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

344 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Arkansas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

344 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Arkansas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Catherine State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Campground offers a mix of Class AAA sites (water, 50-amp electric, sewer) and Class B sites (water, 30-amp), cabins, and a seasonal marina and boat...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

501.682.7777; 888.289.2757

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake Catherine State Park

34.4379, -92.9180

Weather at Lake Catherine State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Catherine State Park

Summer is when Lake Catherine truly comes alive, with swimmers splashing in the lake and boaters exploring from the seasonal marina that operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. But here's the beauty of this park: the campground and cabins welcome visitors year-round, so you can experience the Ouachita Mountains through every season—from vibrant spring wildflowers to crisp autumn colors and peaceful winter retreats. Each season brings its own charm to these forested hills and shimmering waters.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in AR

Peak season Memorial–Labor Day; beach, marina and rentals operate then.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season Memorial Day through Labor Day for marina/swimming activities

About Lake Catherine State Park

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Catherine in Arkansas's scenic Ouachita Mountains, this park offers a perfect blend of waterfront camping, rustic cabins, and scenic trails that wind through forested hillsides. Explore a hidden waterfall along the Falls Branch Trail, or simply relax at your lakeside campsite surrounded by handsome stone and timber structures lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly a century ago.

Lakeshore campground with full-hookup RV sites and on-site cabins; a mix of waterfront and interior campsites is reported.

Historical Significance

The park includes native stone and wood structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, reflecting historic park development.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is when Lake Catherine truly comes alive, with swimmers splashing in the lake and boaters exploring from the seasonal marina that operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. But here's the beauty of this park: the campground and cabins welcome visitors year-round, so you can experience the Ouachita Mountains through every season—from vibrant spring wildflowers to crisp autumn colors and peaceful winter retreats. Each season brings its own charm to these forested hills and shimmering waters.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight dancing across Lake Catherine's waters, just steps from your campsite. The park's wooded slopes cascade right down to the shoreline, where you'll find campsites offering direct access to the sparkling lake. Lace up your hiking boots and discover the Falls Branch Trail as it meanders through the forest to a peaceful waterfall, passing beneath the shade of mature trees. Throughout your stay, you'll notice the park's distinctive character comes from beautiful native stone and wood buildings erected by CCC workers in the 1930s—rustic structures that feel like they've always been part of this landscape.

Geological RegionOuachita Mountains

Scenic ViewsMany lakeshore campsites provide direct water views and docks; cabins and some trails offer overlooks across Lake Catherine and into the Ouachita Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Amenities available

Modern lakeside campground with full-hookup RV sites, barrier-free bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings and potable water spigots. Visitor center, playgrounds and marina/boat facilities available seasonally.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A mix of water-based and land-based recreation centered on Lake Catherine and nearby trails, including hiking to waterfalls, boating and fishing opportunities from lakeshore sites and piers, and seasonal marina services.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors have reported abundant mosquitoes in warm months and some trails (including waterfall trails) have wet/stream-crossing sections that warrant caution.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

163 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Catherine State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the hiking trails (including a waterfall), scenic lakeshore campsites, clean restrooms and friendly staff. Users note well-maintained cabins and modern RV hookups; a few minor complaints are reported.

Review Summaries

Based on 163 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic hiking (waterfall and multiple trails), lakeshore campsites with docks and lake views, clean bathhouses and cabins, full-hookup RV sites and family-friendly programs and activities.

Based on 163 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve lakeshore sites for best water access and views and book early for peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Marina and boat rentals operate seasonally; check bathhouse and marina hours...

Based on 163 reviews

Camper Quotes

Beautiful hikes and friendly people all around!; Clean restroom and campsites. The staff was friendly.; The showers are fickle with the hot water the mosquitoes are big enough to take your wallet

Based on 163 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families and RV campers who grab a lakeshore site early will get dock access and water views plus full 50-amp hookups. Summer is peak for the swimming beach and marina boat rentals; the Falls Branch waterfall hike is worth it any time of year.

Skip if

A power plant sits across the lake and is visible from some sites, so the view isn't uniformly scenic. T-Mobile users won't have reliable service, there's no on-site camp store, and mosquitoes can be relentless in warm months without serious repellent.

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Gulpha Gorge Campground sits alongside Gulpha Gorge Creek in Hot Springs National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites under mature shade trees, with direct trail access into the park and a short drive to downtown Hot Springs. Campers use it as a base for hiking the gorge trails, visiting the historic bathhouses, and exploring the thermal springs area.