Why Lake Ouachita Is Arkansas's Hidden Gem For Water Lovers

If you travel in Arkansas as I do, one of my favorite lakes to visit is Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs National Park. Not only is it the "largest" lake in the state, covering more than 40,000 acres, but it is also one of the "cleanest" lakes.

Arkansas' Cleanest Lake is Nicknamed the Carbbean of Arkansas

It is so clean that it gets the nickname the "Caribbean of Arkansas." Lake Ouachita is so clear that it's perfect for diving, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. Surrounded by a National Forest, rocky shores, and an abundance of beautiful islands for camping.

According to Travel + Leisure, the lack of homes on the lake's shoreline helps maintain the water's quality. With 690 miles of shoreline, explorers have a lot to see and do.

Surrounded by the undeveloped Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita's ecosystem is unique, with water quality so clean that freshwater jellyfish, sponges, and shrimp are found in the lake.

Hidden Gem: Sunken Town Underwater in the Cleanest Lake in Arkansas

Ouachita Lake is so clear that you can often see the bottom and the sunken town of Buckville. This was once a quiet, close-knit community complete with homes, a church, and a schoolhouse. Divers say that when the sunlight is just right, you can see the church's stained-glass windows. The Buckville Cemetery, near the lake's edge, remains the only reminder of the town's original location.

Ouachita Lake is Also the Deepest Lake in Arkansas

The average depth of Lake Ouachita is 50 feet, with a maximum depth of 406 feet, making it the deepest lake in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is a man-made lake created when the Blakely Mountain Dam was constructed in 1953.