The Memorial Day weekend is coming up and many Americans will be hitting the lakes and parks for a three-day celebration. I know for years that friends and family have traveled to their nearest spot on the lake. Whether it's a family reunion, fishing, camping, or for recreational fun there are plenty of great lakes within a 150 miles radius of here that can turn a dull day into a fun day. I have put together a list of some the best lakes near Texarkana whether you're planning a three-day weekend or just a day at the lake.

Lake Greeson

Arkansas Dept. Parks & Tourism
Arkansas Dept. Parks & Tourism
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For many years in Texarkana when someone says, "There's a party on the lake" the first place that comes to mind is Lake Greeson located in the foothills of the Quachita National Forest in southwest Arkansas. Lake Greeson was formed when the Narrows Dam was built on the Little Missouri River in 1950. The lake was named after Martin White Greeson in 1976 after originally being named Narrows Lake prior to that time.  Lake Greeson is 134 miles long with 12 miles of shoreline and surrounded by 15,842 acres of wooded beauty. Greeson has 15 recreation areas, 416 campsites, 10 boat ramps, six swimming beaches, and three pavilions. There are also cabin rentals nearby.  Now that's enough for any kind of party you may be throwing! Lake Greeson is approximately 69 miles from Texarkana.

DeGray Lake

Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism
Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism
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Located near Arkadelphia, Ark., this 13,400-acre lake is a prime vacation spot and weekend getaway for boating enthusiasts, campers, anglers, picnickers and swimmers. Situated on the outer fringes of the Quachita Mountain range and formed by a dam across the Caddo River, this lake has more than 700 campsites, 15 boat-launching ramps on its shores. DeGray is also known for a great place to scuba dive and go sailing and is home to  DeGray Lake Resort State Park that features a 96 room lodge, 18-hole championship golf course, a swimming beach, trails, and bike rentals and horseback riding. Having picnicked in this area I know firsthand how nice the picnic areas are. And the lake has a great swimming beach! DeGray Lake is located on State Scenic 7 byway eight miles north of Arkadelphia, exit 78 off I-30 at Caddo Valley/Arkadelphia and 29 miles southwest of Hot Springs. DeGray is about a 100  miles from Texarkana.

Lake Gillham

Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism
Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism
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Lake Gillham is a hidden gem located not far from DeQueen, Ark., a little off the beaten path but well worth the getaway in southwest Ark.  Following the completion of the dam on the Cossatot River in 1975 this man-made 1.370 acre lake features 70 campsites, boat ramps, picnic sites, swimming areas and other recreational facilities. Anglers especially love this lake for its largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. A little over an hour drive from Texarkana, I highly recommend this lake for its serene beauty and relaxation.

 Lake O' The Pines

Man boating on lake
ThinkStock
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Lake O' The Pines is probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the piney woods of East Texas. Known for it's vast assortment of fish species this a sportsman's paradise no doubt, but it's also a great place to hunt, camp, picnic or swim. Lake O' The Pines is a huge lake at 16,919 acres of pure fun. Some of the nicest  parks and campgrounds can be found at this lake that specializes in kayaking, hiking, sailing and bird watching. And yes, there are cabins nearby for renting for that special vacation or getaway. When I was in my teens I remember coming here with some relatives and watching my Dad ski on this lake for the very first time. Lake O' The Pines is located between Longview, Texas and Texarkana.

Broken Bow Lake

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
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Broken Bow Lake was developed in the 1960s as the Mountain Fork River was dammed up. This pristine lake consists of more than 14,000 acres and 180 miles of shoreline. The lake stretches into the Quchita and Kamichi wilderness with some magnificent views and even some island shores. From camping, boating, swimming, scuba diving, parasailing the activities are limitless when it comes to having fun at this lake. This lake is situated just north of Beavers Bend State Park a popular vacation destination spot. Cabins in this area are in abundance with spectacular views and surrounded by the natural beauty of the neighboring woods and wildlife. Located in southeastern Oklahoma off U.S. Hwy 259. Broken Bow Lake is a little less than a 90-minute drive from Texarkana.

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