LAKE CHARLES STATE PARK
The park features 60 campsites (23 Class AAA and 37 Class B) and one Rent-An-RV. Within walking distance are picnic sites, hiking trails, a standard pavilion (screened with ceiling fans), launch ramp, swimming beach, and playground. The visitor center's gift shop offers gift items, camping supplies, and snacks. Park interpretive programs include party barge lake tours and guided kayak tours.
Established in 1967, the park is located near Powhatan, Arkansas. It covers an area of approximately 140 acres around Lake Charles. The lake was created by damming the Spring River for flood control and recreation purposes.
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing and hiking trails. In addition to these recreational facilities, it also features picnic areas with grills and pavilions available for rent.
In recent years there have been several improvements made such as new playground equipment installed in 2016 along with renovated restrooms.
1. Lake Charles State Park offers 60 campsites with water and electric hookups.
2. Primitive camping is available for a more rustic experience.
3. The park has two Rent:A-Camp units, including tent, sleeping pads and cooking gear.
4. Group Camping Area can accommodate up to 35 people, perfect for large gatherings or events.
Lake Charles State Park offers a designated swimming area on the lake's sandy beach, perfect for cooling off. No lifeguards are present; visitors swim at their own risk. Swimming outside of the marked areas is not recommended due to boat traffic and safety concerns. The park does not provide any swimming pool facilities-only natural lake swimming experiences.
Anglers and nature lovers will enjoy this park on the shore of Lake Charles, 645 acres of spring-fed waters in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The lake offers good catches of bass, crappie, bream and catfish.
Lake Charles State Park is located near Pocahontas, Jonesboro
Lake Charles State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables and grills overlooking the lake. Pavilions are available for rent.
BUTTERFLIES AND BLOOMS TRAIL : Length: 1/3 mile : Time: 1-1.5 hours
Description: The Butterflies and Blooms Trail meanders through wildflowers and wildlife habitat that changes weekly through the seasons. Wildlife, including birds and butterflies can be viewed along the trail.
CEDAR TRAIL : Length: 1.25 miles : Time: 1-1.5 hours : Difficulty: Easy
Description: The Cedar Trail is a paved trail that extends along a portion of the Lake Charles shoreline. The trail can be accessed from either the picnic area or the campground. This trail provides an excellent opportunity for walking pleasure, wildlife viewing or fishing. Enjoy your walk along the trail but remember, all plants and animals in the park are protected -- please do not disturb them.
WHITE OAK LAKE TRAIL : Length: 1.5 miles : Time: 1.5-2 hours : Difficulty: Easy
Description: This 1.5 mile loop trail meanders across intermittent streams and along the lake shoreline. Wear sturdy shoes and carry drinking water in warm weather. This trail winds through a natural area, but it will only remain this way if we "take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints."
Location: Eight miles northwest of Hoxie on U.S. 63, then 6 miles south on Hwy. 25
Birding enthusiasts can explore diverse habitats, including forests and lake shores. Commonly spotted species include waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, and raptors. The park's location in the Mississippi Flyway makes it a prime spot for observing migratory birds during spring and fall migrations. Birders may encounter species such as Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers, Prothonotary Warblers among others while walking along trails or from bird blinds situated around the area.
From Hoxie, go eight miles northwest on U.S. 63, then six miles south on Ark. 25 to the park.
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