Is Lake Catherine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Catherine Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Lake Catherine Campground?

Lake Catherine Campground is open Campground and lodging (cabins/yurt) are open year‑round; marina services and some concessions/activities operate seasonally and are reduced in winter/early spring.. 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 Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Lake Catherine Campground?

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

How many campsites does Lake Catherine Campground have?

Lake Catherine Campground has 77 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 Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Catherine Campground. 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 Campground?

Lake Catherine Campground 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 Campground?

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

Lake Catherine Campground

4.80

163 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Campground and lodgi...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Arkansas State Parks

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Campground and lodgi...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Arkansas State Parks

Get Directions

Lake Catherine Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Developed sites include Class AAA (full hookups), Class B (electric + water), walk-in primitive tent sites, and a yurt. Amenities referenced include...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Arkansas State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake Catherine Campground

34.4272, -92.9269

Nearby supplies

On-site marina general store with snacks, ice, basic supplies and firewood

full services available in Hot Springs.

Weather at Lake Catherine Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Catherine Campground

Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, though the humidity reminds you that you're deep in the South. For a more temperate experience, visit during spring's wildflower bloom (April-May) or fall's spectacular foliage show (September-October), when comfortable temperatures make hiking a pleasure. Winter and early spring offer peaceful solitude for those who don't mind cooler weather and limited services—you might just have the trails to yourself.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Campground and lodging (cabins/yurt) are open year‑round; marina services and some concessions/activities operate seasonally and are reduced in winter/early spring.

About Lake Catherine Campground

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Catherine in Arkansas's scenic Ouachita foothills, this wooded state park campground invites you to unwind where forest meets water. Choose from a range of accommodations—from full-hookup RV sites and cozy tent spots to a unique yurt experience—many with lake views that'll have you lingering over morning coffee. With a marina just steps away and trails leading to hidden waterfalls, your lakeside retreat awaits.

Campground offers a mix of developed RV sites (including Class AAA full‑hookup sites), walk-in primitive tent sites, standard tent sites, and adjacent park cabins and a yurt.

Historical Significance

The park contains Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)–era cabins and stonework dating to 1930s New Deal development; these historic structures and associated park infrastructure are part of the park's cultural heritage.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, though the humidity reminds you that you're deep in the South. For a more temperate experience, visit during spring's wildflower bloom (April-May) or fall's spectacular foliage show (September-October), when comfortable temperatures make hiking a pleasure. Winter and early spring offer peaceful solitude for those who don't mind cooler weather and limited services—you might just have the trails to yourself.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself surrounded by a tapestry of hardwoods and pines that cascade down gentle slopes to meet the glassy waters of Lake Catherine. The lake's peaceful coves and inlets create perfect pockets of serenity, where morning mist rises off the water and wildlife stirs in the underbrush. Wander the wooded trails that meander through shaded ravines to discover Falls Branch Falls, or stake out a spot along the shoreline where the forest's reflection creates mirror-like scenes that captivate photographers and patient anglers alike.

Geological RegionOuachita Mountains / Ouachita foothills

Scenic ViewsMany lakeshore and marina‑cove campsites offer direct or partial lake views; trails and overlook points provide views of wooded ravines, clear streams and the small Falls Branch Falls.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsArkansas State Parks reservation system (UseDirect)

Total Campsites77 campsites

Best CampsitesLakeside sites near the marina cove and main shoreline are most sought after for direct water views and easy access to fishing/boating. Class AAA/full‑hookup and accessible paved pads are noted as flat and suitable for larger rigs; walk‑in primitive tent sites are quieter and more secluded.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Developed campground amenities include modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire rings at sites, a marina with boat ramp and rentals, and RV services including electric/water/sewer hookups and a dump station. Visitor center provides limited park Wi‑Fi; cell service is generally good throughout the park.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

WiFi

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A mix of water- and land-based recreation centered on Lake Catherine and the park's trail system, plus interpretive programs and marina services.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and other insects are common near the lake in warm months. Trails can be rocky or muddy after rain; some sites may have tight backing or uneven pads for large RVs. Standard wildlife precautions apply (secure food from raccoons, be tick-aware, watch for snakes).

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

163 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Visitor feedback is strongly positive, praising the lakeside setting, well‑maintained trails (especially the waterfall), friendly staff, clean restrooms, and a range of amenities from full‑hookup RV sites to cabins and a marina. Most reviews emphasize scenic lake views and good facilities; peak season can be busy and hot.

Review Summaries

Based on 163 reviews

What Campers Love

Lakeside campsites and lake views, Falls Branch Falls and hiking trails, full‑hookup Class AAA RV sites and level pads, modern bathhouses with hot showers, marina with boat ramp and rentals, cabins...

Based on 163 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve lakefront or Class AAA sites early for weekends/peak season; bring bug spray and sturdy shoes for waterfall/trail sections (which can be rocky or muddy after rain); expect limited park Wi‑Fi...

Based on 163 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful hikes and friendly people all around!” — “The waterfall was beautiful.” — “The showers are fickle with the hot water… mosquitoes are big enough to take your wallet and there's a...

Based on 163 reviews

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