Over the past several days our trees have burst into color, the wildflowers have emerged from the ground, and the birds have happily chirped, all announcing that spring has arrived. This warmer weather invites us outdoors to enjoy the treasures of our Beaver Lake Watershed. This month, I have compiled information about outdoor recreational spaces to encourage you get outside and enjoy our beautiful Beaver Lake Watershed.
Marinas and Boat Rentals
Would you like to spend a day on Beaver Lake? We are fortunate to have several marinas on our lake, many which offer boat rentals. Below are links to our marinas along with their addresses and phone numbers. Most of the marinas officially begin their season in May, but some may offer weekend opportunities this spring to enjoy Beaver Lake. Call or visit our Beaver Lake Marinas to learn more about boating opportunities on Beaver Lake.
Hickory Creek Marina – 12737 Hickory Creek Rd., Lowell, AR 72745 – (479) 751-7366
Horshoe Bend Marina – 16168 East Highway 94, Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 925-1545
Lost Bridge Marina – 12861 Marina Rd Garfield, AR 72732 – (479) 359-3222
Prairie Creek Marina – 1 Prairie Creek Marina Drive, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 925-1623
Ugly John’s Rocky Branch Marina – 8872 Rocky Branch Road, Rogers, AR 72756 – (479) 925-1300
Starkey Marina – 4022 Mundell Rd. Eureka Springs, AR 72631 – (479) 253-8194
War Eagle Marina – 23151 War Eagle Marina Road, Springdale, AR 72764 – (479) 751-2050
State Parks
We are so fortunate to have some beautiful state parks in Arkansas. In the Beaver Lake Watershed we have two state parks that offer wonderful opportunities to explore nature and the some of the streams that flow to Beaver Lake, Withrow Springs State Park and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
Withrow Springs State Park
33424 Spur 23., Huntsville, AR 72740
(479) 559-2593
Withrow Springs State Park is one of our often overlooked gems in the Beaver Lake Watershed, nestled right on the banks of the War Eagle. As a visitor to Withrow Springs, you can safely access War Eagle for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. If you find yourself without a canoe, you can rent one from the visitor center with lifejackets and paddles and they’ll even provide transportation for put-in and haul-back! You’re encouraged to call the park first to check on water levels, before heading out to spend a day on the mighty War Eagle! Floating and angling for catfish, bream, perch, and bass in this Class I, or easy level, stream offers relaxation at its best. The park also has lots of hiking opportunities, hikers can choose from the park’s one-mile War Eagle Trail, 3/4-mile Dogwood Nature Trail, and 1 1/4-mile Forest Trail.
Join us for War Eagle Appreciation Day at Withrow Springs State Park!
If you want to celebrate the War Eagle and join a group of floaters, plan to come out for the annual War Eagle Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 4, 2016. There will be a float trip, exhibitors, free music, and free lunch. The float trip begins at 9am and exhibits open at the Keith Ham Pavilion at 10am. Free lunch will be served at noon. For more information or to register for the float trip please contact Withrow Springs Assistant Superintendent, Adam Leslie at (479) 559-2593
Download the Withrow Springs State Park Brochure Here
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
20201 East Highway 12, Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 789-5000
Hobbs State Park is one of our most prized parks in Northwest Arkansas. Arkansas’s largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area covers a 12,056-acre tract of diverse Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake, stretching from Beaver Lake to the north, to the War Eagle Creek to the south. State Highway 12 bisects the property. The park is managed jointly by Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. It borders Beaver Lake provides many opportunities to enjoy the water and the land.
Kayaking at Hobbs State Park
Hobbs State Park Conservation Area offers one hour and half hour tours on recreational kayaks. Some are during the day, some are by full moon, and some are by sunset. They even offer the full day Intro to Kayaking Workshop that last five to six hours. The participants learn parts of the paddle, parts of the boat, lots of strokes, self-rescues, and all while paddling their kayak on Beaver Lake. Your guide will be an American Canoe Association certified instructor ─ and you cannot imagine how much fun it is! For more information on Kayaking go to: FriendsofHobbs.com
Download the Hobbs State Park and Recreation Area Brochure here
Click here to see the list of upcoming events
US Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas Around Beaver Lake
The US Army Corps of Engineers manages several day-use recreation areas and camping areas around Beaver Lake. These spaces provide affordable access to the lake and shoreline along with amenities such as swimming areas, boat launches, restrooms, and showers to give you a comfortable and fun-filled experience at Beaver Lake.
Download a map of Beaver Lake and the available USACE Recreation Areas here
Below is a list of USACE recreation areas around Beaver Lake along with a linked map that will provide location information, phone numbers, and available amenities for each site.
Dam Site Lake Park – 348 Dam Site Lake Road, Eureka Springs AR 72631
Dam Site River Park – 181 Dam Site Road, Eureka Springs AR 72631
Hickory Creek Park – 12618 Hickory Creek Road, Lowell, AR 72745
Horseshoe Bend Park A – 16165 East Highway 94, Rogers, AR 72758
Horseshoe Bend Park B – 16165 East Highway 94, Rogers, AR 72758
Indian Creek Park – 13324 Indian Creek Road, Garfield, AR 72732
Lost Bridge North Park – 12485 Marina Road, Garfield AR 7273
Lost Bridge South Park – 12001 Buckhorn Circle, Garfield AR 72732
Prairie Creek Park – 9300 N. Park Road, Rogers, AR 72756
Rocky Branch Park – 20181 Park Road, Rogers, AR 72756
Starkey Park – 4022 Mundell Road, Eureka Springs AR 72631
War Eagle Park – 18450 War Eagle Road, Springdale AR 72764
Municipal Parks and Recreation Areas
In addition to the marinas and federal and state parks available within our watershed, municipal parks in Northwest Arkansas offer plenty of opportunity be outside and enjoy the beauty within and nearby the Beaver Lake Watershed
City of Bentonville Parks and Recreation
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation
West Fork Parks and Recreation
Regardless of where you go or what you do for recreation in the Beaver Lake Watershed, the important thing is to get out, explore the watershed, and develop an appreciation for the beauty and the natural areas that we have here in our watershed. We hope you will learn something from the resources we have provided here and share them with your family and friends. Have a great spring outdoors in the Beaver Lake Watershed and the Ozarks!