Arkansas / Garland County / Ouachita National Forest

Spillway

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically closed from November 1 through February. This location is unstaffed.

About

Spillway Recreation Area occupies a scenic cove on Lake Ouachita, positioned at the end of Blakely Dam Road in the Ouachita National Forest. The facility primarily serves as a day-use area with a swimming beach, boat ramp, and shoreline fishing access along the crystal-clear waters of this 40,000-acre lake. A restroom facility and reservable group pavilion are available on-site. The recreation area serves as a trailhead for the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), a 40-mile hiking trail that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita, offering hikers scenic views and access to remote sections of the lake. Water enthusiasts enjoy the lake for skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and boating. The area is home to Echo Canyon Resort and Marina, which provides additional services for lake visitors. Located just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park, the recreation area sits in the Ouachita Mountains where the lake extends about 30 miles fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River. The facility is designated as an alcohol-free area by court order, and off-road vehicles including golf carts are prohibited.

Directions

From Hot Springs, take US 270 west to AR-227 N/Mountain Pine Road for 6 miles. Continue straight on Blakely Dam Road through Mountain Pine and past Blakely Mountain Dam. Spillway Recreation Area is at the end of Blakely Dam Road.

Nearby Campgrounds