About Spillway (Lake Ouachita)
Overview Spillway Recreation area is tucked away in a small cove of Lake Ouachita. The day-use area offers shoreline fishing access, swim beach, restroom, boat ramp, reservable pavilion and access to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT). The LOViT trail is a 40 mile long trail system that meanders along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. The area is also home to Echo Canyon Resort and Marina. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour. Recreation Water skiers, jet skiers and anglers can all enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake, while hikers enjoy the location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), which meanders across the south end of the lake. Natural Features Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101. Nearby Attractions Head to Hot Springs National Park and discover how it earned the nickname, "The American Spa." Or take a scenic drive through the 1.8 million-acres of Ouachita National Forest.
How to Get There
From Hot Springs, AR: 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 Blakely Mouantain Dam. Spillway Reacreation area is at the end of Blakely Dam Road
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Spillway (Lake Ouachita)
Heading to Spillway (Lake Ouachita)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Spillway (Lake Ouachita)?
No central reservation system listed for Spillway (Lake Ouachita). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10103089) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Spillway (Lake Ouachita)?
From Hot Springs, AR: 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 Blakely Mouantain Dam. Spillway Reacreation area is at the end of Blakely Dam Road
How do I contact Spillway (Lake Ouachita)?
You can reach the park at phone: 501-767-2101 or email: lakeouachita@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
