Open
— Open year-round for day use. The pavilion is available for reservation through Recreation.gov.
About
Stephens Park Day-Use Area is a lakeside recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, positioned just below Blakely Mountain Dam on Lake Ouachita. Nestled in the scenic Ouachita Mountains about 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park, this day-use facility provides excellent access to Lake Ouachita's 40,000 acres of clear water.
The centerpiece of the park is a reservable group pavilion equipped with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and lighting, making it ideal for gatherings and events. Additional amenities include bathroom and shower facilities, a playground for children, and excellent shoreline fishing access. Anglers can target bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass from the bank. The nearby Spillway Ramp provides boat access to Lake Ouachita, while the Avery Ramp offers access to Lake Hamilton.
For hikers, the area serves as the eastern terminus of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), a 44-mile trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. The Wood Duck Slough trail is also accessible nearby. The park's location just 10 miles from Hot Springs National Park makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the region. This unstaffed facility operates through Recreation.gov for pavilion reservations.
Directions
From Hot Springs, take US 270 west to AR-227 N/Mountain Pine Rd for 6 miles. Continue straight on Blakely Dam Road through Mountain Pine and past Mountain Pine School. Stephens Park will be on your left just before the base of Blakely Mountain Dam.
Nearby Campgrounds
