Lake Catherine State Park Rv Camping

Accommodations At Lake Catherine State Park

Lake Catherine State Park | Arkansas State Parks | Best RV Destinations

You have choices of both tent and RV camping, cabins of various sizes, and even a yurt to rent at the park. Camping is available year round. There are bathhouses and a dump station.

Important thing to know before booking

Many of the cabins and campsites are right on the lake which is very nice. However, at most of the campsites and many of the cabins the view across the lake is of a large power plant.

In my opinion this is not at all a deal breaker for staying at the state park but I do think it is important to know.

It could be disconcerting to expect to see mountains and forest across the lake and instead you are viewing an aging power plant.

In my opinion the park and the lake are nice enough that this isnt an issue but it is not mentioned in any of the official park literature so I do want you to know.

Cabins

The park has 20 fully equipped cabins. These come in a variety of configurations. Some are duplex cabins and some of the duplexes can be interconnected. There are quadraplexes as well as some rustic cabins that are on the national historic register.

Many of the cabins have fireplaces making this a perfect cold weather escape.

One of the best cabins has a patio overlooking a pretty little cove and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier.

Several of the cabins have their own fishing docks.

Yurt Camping

The yurt is also near the bathhouse.

Campsites

All sites are paved and equipped with freeze-proof water connections, a picnic table, and fire ring.

Camp At Lake Catherine State Park

Fenter Township, Arkansas

Added by Nick Garcia

Just minutes away from Hot Springs, AR, home of Hot Springs National Park, Lake Catherine State Park is the perfect place to get away into the wilderness.

Lake Catherine State Park offers fully-equipped cabins, over 60 tent and RV campsites, and a small marina selling everything you need for a perfect day on the lake. The beautiful tree covered campground offers a swimming beach, picnic sites, playgrounds and hiking trails. The park also offers interpretive programs include guided hikes and boat tours during the summer months.

The park is centrally located a few miles north off of Interstate 30. It is the perfect camping getaway for residents of Little Rock and the surrounding area. It’s proximity to Hot Springs National Park makes it a great place to stay.

Make sure to check out the Falls Branch Waterfall.

Amenities At Lake Catherine State Park

Visitor Center/Store

Stop by the Visitor Center and store for information or to register for a campsite. The employees here are always super kind and helpful. The center also has nice maps of the park.

The store has snacks, groceries, T-shirts and souvenirs. All the things that you might need while in the park or out on the water.

The only full service marina on Lake Catherine is at the park. It is open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel.

In the summer you can also rent party barges, fishing boats and motors as well as fuel, bait and tackle.

If you want to go un-motorized they have canoes, kayaks, water bikes, and pedal boats available for rent.

Boat Launch

You can bring your own boat and use the launch ramp free of charge. Parking in the marina parking lot is also free.

Picnic areas, Pavilions, and Playgrounds

There is a large picnic area available for day use with a nice childrens playground. The picnic area is first come first serve. This would be a nice place for a childs birthday party.

A large pavilion is available to be reserved for larger groups for a fee. Check with the Visitor Center for availability.

Swimming Beach

There is a nice sandy swimming beach near the Visitor Center. Do note that the beach does not have a lifeguard.

Horseback Riding

Guided horseback riding is available daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and on the weekends through Thanksgiving.

Interpretive Programs and Nature Cabin

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Rv Resorts & Campsites In Lake Catherine State Park

The RV campgrounds at Lake Catherine State Park get great reviews from people who have stayed there, and who loved the nature and wildlife that comes close to campers. Visitors saw quite a bit of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of ducks who love floating on the lake. If you do choose to RV camp, you can rent one from RVshare.com, and you can find the perfect outfit for you and the people youre traveling with, at a price that suits your budget. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you with your RV trip. You can rent an RV at your home and drive it to the park, or if youd prefer, you can fly nearer to your destination and rent an RV there to head to the park. Along with camping right inside the park, you can try one of these nearby campgrounds.

Lake Catherine State Park In Arkansas

This state park has many amenities. It is perfect for those who love fishing and water activities. It also has some great hiking trails including Falls Branch Trail which is one of our Arkansas favorites.

You will find areas for both RV and tent camping, as well as a yurt and some cabins.

Read on to learn all about this little gem of a state park.

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Lake Catherine State Park Ar

Nestled in scenic Hot Spring County in west central Arkansas is Lake Catherine State Park, home one of the five Diamond Lakes. This hidden gem is a rustic and beautiful, with many facilities constructed of native stone and wood by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. While this state park is oft overlooked with Hot Springs National Park so close by, Lake Catherine is ideal for families and those looking for a quiet getaway with easy to moderate trails.

Those visiting the park have many options for overnight stays. There are 20 cabins with fully-equipped kitchens perched right along the lakeshore. All but one have one bedroom, and most of them have wood-burning fireplaces. For families, theres also a two-bedroom cabin, which is fully accessible for those with disabilities, and also features a private and fully-accessible fishing pier and boat dock. There are also two rustic, studio duplex cabins with kitchenettes and screened porch on a quiet cove away from the bustle of the other campgrounds.

The easiest trail is the Slunger Creek Nature Trail. At 5/8th of a mile, its short enough to complete with plenty of time left over for fishing or hiking another trail. Slunger Creek lazily flows by the concrete trail. Benches offer places to relax along the way for hikers to sit and listen to the water flow over the rocks. In early spring, wildflowers bloom along the trail, making it a popular place for nature photographers.

Camping At Lake Catherine State Park

As far as RV camping goes, Lake Catherine State Park has Class B and Class AAA campsites for RVs. Class B sites offer 30-amp electrical and water hookups, whereas Class AAA campsites have 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups. Sites accommodate rigs up to 60 feet long, which gives you some flexibility when searching for an RV rental near Lake Catherine State Park. The campground features restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, hot showers, and a dump station.

Alternatively, you can rent a tent or fully set-up camping spots that feature grills, stoves, lanterns, and even electrical hookups. If you need supplies or snacks, you can find them in the parks visitors’ center.

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Trails At Lake Catherine State Park

There are four nice trails at the state park. Three of the four start at the same spot near the campgrounds but take different routes.

Falls Branch Trail

Falls Branch Trail is a lovely walk in the woods! It is not too strenuous and is good for all ages.

This trail winds through the pine/hardwood forests of the park, crossing Little Canyon Creek several times. It eventually leads to a waterfall on Falls Creek and then works its way back to the trailhead.

This trail is just a little under 2 miles round trip.

NOTE: The waterfall is a wet weather fall. It will not be running if there has not be recent rainfall. When you can catch it flowing it is a stunner!

NOTE: The blazes for this trail are red.

Horseshoe Mountain Trail

This loop trail is about 2.7 miles long. There is a climb on this trail that is a bit strenuous but doesnt last long.

After the initial climb the trail will flatten out a bit and you will be able to see the that you are walking on a horseshoe shaped ridge that loops a narrow valley. The trail is a mix of glades and forest before it drops back down to finish the loop.

NOTE: The blazes on this trail are yellow.

Dam Mountain Trail

This is the third and longest of the main trails at Lake Catherine State Park that start from the same location.

This one is about 3.6 miles long and offers a little bit of every kind of scenery. You will see forests, glades, streams, and the lake. The Dam Mountain Trail is listed as rugged and steep.

Slunger Creek Nature Trail

Entering Lake Catherine State Park

Driving Tour of Lake Catherine State Park Campground in Hot Springs, Arkansas – Campsites

There is no fee to enter Lake Catherine State Park.

Visiting Lake Catherine State Park is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. There are so many outdoor activities to participate in, and theres shopping, eating, and relaxing in hot springs to do as well. While youre on your trip, dont forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details at . We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!

RVshare

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Camping Lake Catherine State Park In Arkansas

Posted by: 50 Campfires in Arkansas, Locations

Lake Catherine State Park offers these guests 20 cabins with fully-equipped kitchens located across the lakeshore. All of the cabins feature a single bedroom. Most of the cabins also feature word-burning fireplaces as well. Lake Catherine State Park is very close to Diamondhead, a Hot Spring, and Malvern as well making it a great place for individuals who want to do more than just spend time at the state park.

Camping Accommodations

Lake Catherine State Park offers their campers a total of 68 different campsites as well as two rent-a-camp sites that offer both woodland views and lake views. This is a park that campers come to when they want to escape their real world problems and become one with nature. The park is beautiful, warm, inviting, and relaxing.

Amenities

Each of the campsites at Lake Catherine State Park includes picnic tables, grills, lantern hangers, and ten pads. They have both pull-in and back-in campsites that have sewage and electrical hookups for their campers convenience.

Things to do

Guests come to Lake Catherine State Park to hike down the trails, to camp on the campgrounds, to stay in the cabins, and to enjoy the boat rentals at the marina. The natural beautiful of the environment surrounding the park is what a lot of people really come to enjoy. The park even has a private and fully accessible fishing boating dock and fishing pier.

Lake Catherine State Park

Inside Lake Catherine State Park

As you might expect in a park along the lake, there is plenty of boating for visitors. You can rent fishing boats with motors, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, row boats, or water bikes. There is fishing available as well – anglers might catch largemouth bass, spotted or striped bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. The lake is also good for water-skiing and swimming.

Some other cool experiences and activities at the park include:

Guided hikes: During the spring, summer, and fall, park interpreters offer hikes, lake cruises, and nature talks. Look for Wildflower Walks, Fall Foliage Tours, and Eagle Awareness Activities.

Nature center: A nature cabin has exhibits that relate to the cultural history of the park, and that teach visitors about the natural environment around the lake.

Swimming: There is a swim beach located near the nature center. Spend the day reading by the lake and taking an occasional dip to cool off!

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History Of Lake Catherine And Lake Catherine State Park

The lake was created by Remmel Dam, the states first major hydroelectric project, in 1924.

The donated land was officially designated a state park on August 22, 1935, making it the first of a number of state parks that would eventually be located beside major man-made lakes.

The Civilian Conservation Corps began park construction in 1937. The park opened that year after construction of a road to the then-remote site.

Evidence of those days can still be seen today in the parks rustic CCC-style wood and stone architecture.

From 1942 to 1945, the park was used as a rest-and-recreation satellite facility for wounded servicemen. German prisoners of war were employed to complete certain structures begun by the CCC.