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Blue Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals

Blue Mountain Lake

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Blue Mountain Lake
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Why Rent On Blue Mountain Lake

Blue Mountain Lake is a reservoir in Arkansas, United States. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake on the Petit Jean River in west central Arkansas, Blue Mountain Lake has approximately 50 miles of shoreline, located between Mount Magazine and the Ouachita Mountains just west of Havana, Arkansas.
Blue Mountain Dam was built in 1947 as a 115-foot-high, 2800-foot-long earthen structure, creating a reservoir with a surface area of about 4.5 square miles, about 50 miles of shoreline, and a maximum capacity of 258,000 acre-feet. Dam and reservoir are owned by operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
The lake offers fishing, boating, swimming and camping; it is also the focal point of the view from the lodge atop Mount Magazine, home of Arkansas’ newest state park.
Blue Mountain Lake is accessible from State Highway 10 west of Havana by turning south on State Highway 309. Waveland Park is the primary access point to the lake, with Lick Creek and Ashley Creek providing limited access as well.

Best time to go
Visit Blue Mountain Lake in late spring, from late May to early June, when wildflowers burst in vibrant hues and the water sparkles under the sun. Ideal for fishing and kayaking, this tranquil haven remains uncrowded, allowing for peaceful exploration.
Water Quality
Blue Mountain Lake's waters are a deep blue, reflecting the clear skies above. The lake's clarity is crystal-clear, offering excellent visibility for fishing and swimming.
Surface area (mi)
7.23
Max depth (ft)
33.99
Elevation (ft)
413.39
Shoreline length (mi)
50

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Blue Mountain Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, you can swim at Blue Mountain Lake. The Blue Mountain Lake Public Beach, located on the eastern shore of the lake, offers a swimming area with a swimming dock and is staffed by Red-Cross certified lifeguards during summer hours.

  • Blue Mountain Lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation because it offers a variety of activities. In Arkansas, it provides swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing with multiple parks and boat launching ramps. In New York, it features paddling, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing across its crystal clear waters and surrounding trails.

  • In Blue Mountain Lake, Arkansas, largemouth bass must be at least 15 inches long to keep, and the daily limit is 6. This regulation applies to combined largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, with no more than 6 smallmouth bass allowed in the daily catch. This rule helps conserve the bass population in the lake.

  • Yes, there is a public beach at Blue Mountain Lake. It is a small beach located off NYS Route 28, across from the Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts, and it has amenities such as Red-Cross certified lifeguards and public restrooms. The beach also features a swimming dock and a partial sand/grass area for swimming.

  • Towns near Blue Mountain Lake include Glens Falls, Gloversville, Potsdam, and Saratoga Springs. These towns are all located within the Adirondack region of New York, making them accessible for those visiting Blue Mountain Lake. They offer various amenities and attractions for travelers.