There are lots of beautiful places where you can have a picnic. These spots are perfect for people who love nature or families looking for a nice outdoor activity. You can find picnic spots in Ouachita. Each spot has its special beauty that makes it perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a simple picnic or a weekend adventure, these picnic spots in the Ouachita area offer peace and stunning views. What are some popular picnic spots in Ouachita?

Ouachita National Forest – Attractive picnic spots in Ouachita

One of the most famous picnic spots in Ouachita is Ouachita National Forest.

The Ouachita Mountain Range is unique because it’s the only one that stretches from east to west. Originally, the forest covered only 589,973 acres, but now it’s grown to 1,789,666 acres, with 1,434,872 in Arkansas and 354,794 in Oklahoma. This rugged mountain area is great for sightseeing and hiking trails.

Year-round, revel in the splendor of lush flora, babbling streams, tranquil lakes, and captivating wildlife, all amidst breathtaking vistas, rendering it an ideal locale for outdoor escapades. Indoors, bask in the glory of majestic mountain panoramas while indulging in sightseeing, camping, off-road riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, non-motorized boating, and dispersed camping. Additionally, discover the enchanting picnic spots in Ouachita, enhancing the allure of this natural wonderland.

You can camp anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest if you like roughing it. But if you prefer more facilities, there are lots of public and private campgrounds all over the mountains. They have things like RV hookups, bathrooms, showers, and more.

Some things to do in Ouachita National Park:

• Start with a car trip along the Talimena Scenic Drive. This highway stretches from Mena, AR to the Oklahoma portion of the park. There are plenty of beautiful views as well as worthwhile attractions for you to stop and photograph along your route. There are numerous picnic spots along the way.
• If fishing is your passion, you’ll discover abundant opportunities to cast your line in the Ouachita National Forest. The majority of lakes within the park are accessible to boaters eager to reel in the big catch.
• Whether you’re fishing, or simply cruising on the lake, boating offers a fantastic way to enjoy your day at the park. If you don’t have your boat, you can rent one from various locations around Ouachita Lake.

Lakes in Ouachita National Forest

Hot Springs National Park – One of the beautiful picnic spots in Ouachita

Exploring the natural wonders of Hot Springs National Park is a must when seeking picturesque picnic spots in Ouachita.

Hot Springs National Park boasts a vibrant cultural history. It serves as a symbol of healing and pays homage to the 20th-century “American Spa” tradition. The majestic architecture of our nine historic bathhouses is complemented by the natural wonders that have attracted visitors for centuries.

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a unique blend of nature and relaxation. Renowned for its natural hot springs and bubbling pools of warm water, it has been a destination for centuries, offering visitors a chance to unwind in its soothing waters. Besides the hot springs, the park features scenic trails perfect for hiking and immersing oneself in nature’s beauty. Explore diverse plant and animal life while enjoying a leisurely stroll. Additionally, the park boasts historic bathhouses where visitors can delve into its intriguing past. Whether you seek relaxation in the hot springs or an adventure amidst nature, Hot Springs National Park offers something for everyone to enjoy, along with picturesque picnic spots in Ouachita.

Some things to do in Hot Springs National Park:

• Take a leisurely walk along Bathhouse Row, which is the main attraction drawing visitors to Hot Springs National Park. Situated downtown, you’ll encounter eight distinct historic bathhouses constructed between 1892 and 1923.
• Experience a duck ride: in this 75-minute tour, you’ll delve into the park’s history, admire Bathhouse Row, and enjoy scenic views while cruising on Lake Hamilton.
• The park has three spots where you can feel the thermal water. Despite emerging from the ground at 147 degrees F, by the time it fills the pools, it’s cool enough to touch. It includes The Display Spring, Hot Water Cascade, and The Fordyce Fountains.

In addition, there is also a picnic area atop Hot Springs Mountain:

• On the South end of the Grand Promenade, located off of Reserve St.
• At the Mountain Tower off Hot Springs Mountain Drive
• At the West Mountain Pavillion on West Mountain Drive
• The Gulpha Gorge Campground Day Use Area

Hot Springs National Park: Nature’s spa in Ouachita

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Lake Ouachita State Park – Fresh picnic spots in Ouachita

Lake Ouachita State Park ranks among the top picnic spots in Ouachita, offering unparalleled natural beauty and serene settings for outdoor dining.

Lake Ouachita is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As Arkansas’s largest lake, spanning 40,000 acres of pristine water. Visitors flock to Lake Ouachita for a myriad of activities including swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The lake boasts an abundance of fish species such as bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass… Additionally, nestled within the Ouachita National Forest are picturesque picnic spots in Ouachita, adding to the allure of spending a day amidst nature. With a variety of options for overnight stays, Lake Ouachita offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for all.

The park has 93 campsites (58 Class AAA, 23 Class D, and 12 walk-in tent sites).  Also, eight cabins with kitchens feel like home, and most have a view of the lake. Plus, there are four simpler cabins right in the campground that are cheaper.

Some things to do in Lake Ouachita State Park:

• One of my favorite activities at Lake Ouachita is kayaking. People can either bring their kayaks, join a guided tour, or rent equipment from the marina.
• Lake Ouachita is a fantastic spot for swimming. There’s a special swim beach, but there are also lots of other places where people can go for a dip.
• The park has nice places to camp with great views of the lake. You can choose from a few different spots to camp, and some of them have shade and look out over the water.

Lake Ouachita is a sparkling gem of nature

Frequently Asked Questions:

What animals are in Ouachita National Forest?

The Ouachita Mountains are home to many kinds of animals. In the forest, you can find plenty of white-tailed deer and coyotes. There are bison and elk here too. Now and then, you might see a black bear, although they’re not seen very often in the forest but they still live around the whole area.

Is the water from Hot Springs good to drink?

Drinking the hot springs water is perfectly normal, even encouraged.

Is Lake Ouachita the cleanest lake?

It’s one of the cleanest lakes in the country, with stunning scenery all around.

Is Lake Ouachita natural?

Lake Ouachita is a big lake made by people, covering 40,100 acres. It’s one of three lakes created by people along the Ouachita River.

Conclusion

With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural beauty, Ouachita Adventures offers an array of captivating picnic spots for nature lovers. Whether you prefer lakeside vistas, mountaintop panoramas, or secluded forest retreats, there are picnic spots in Ouachita waiting for you.

You can refer to: Exploring The Best Water Activities at the Ouachita Mountains