Where the Ouachita and Saline Rivers Meet on the Arkansas-Louisiana Border
Why Rent On Felsenthal Lock and Dam
Felsenthal Lock and Dam sits at the confluence of the Ouachita and Saline Rivers on the Arkansas-Louisiana border, impounding a 100-mile slack-water pool also known as Lake Jack Lee. Completed in 1984 and flanked by the 36,000-acre Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, this destination offers boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing across one of the most biologically rich river systems in the South. A vacation rental near Felsenthal gives your family a home base in genuinely spectacular south Arkansas-north Louisiana river country.
Cabin Rentals in Southern River Country
Vacation rentals near Felsenthal offer cozy cabins and waterfront homes with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces set against the hardwood forest and river bottomland landscape that defines this part of the country. Pet-friendly options are available, and the area’s natural character, shaped by the Ouachita River system and the surrounding national wildlife refuge, gives every stay a genuine sense of remoteness and natural richness.
Boating, Fishing, Hiking, and the Ouachita Paddle Trail
The Ouachita River Paddle Trail, which begins at Felsenthal, is a 227-mile canoe and kayak route through varied terrain and natural scenery that serious paddling families find extraordinary. Boating, fishing, and hiking along the scenic river banks are excellent throughout the season. The Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge’s 36,000 acres of backwater lakes and sloughs give birdwatchers and hunters exceptional access to interior Louisiana and Arkansas bottomland habitat.
Old Lock 8 and Regional History
The Old Lock 8 recreation area on the National Register of Historic Places reflects the long history of commercial navigation on the Ouachita River system and provides an interesting historical stop for families curious about the engineering and commerce that shaped this part of the South. The picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing piers near the lock make it a family-friendly destination alongside its historical significance.
A River and Lake Destination Unlike Any Other in Louisiana
Felsenthal Lock and Dam offers something genuinely different from the typical Louisiana lake vacation: the scale and drama of a major river system, the wildlife richness of a national refuge, and the paddling possibilities of one of the South’s great canoe trails, all from a single vacation rental base. Families who want a real outdoor immersion experience will find nothing quite like it in the region.
- Surface area (mi)
- 155.87
- Max depth (ft)
- 40.03
- Elevation (ft)
- 62.34
Popular activities
- Boating
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jet Skiing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Felsenthal Lock and Dam has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, swimming is not allowed at Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The area is primarily for boating, fishing, and other water activities, with specific regulations to ensure safety and environmental protection. Swimming is not mentioned among the permitted activities in the recreation areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
-
Felsenthal Lock and Dam is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. It attracts visitors with opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. The area also includes day-use facilities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing piers.
-
There are restrictions on eating fish caught in Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The Arkansas Department of Health advises caution in consuming some species of fish from these waters due to elevated levels of mercury. It is recommended to check with the health department for more information.
-
There is no public beach at Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The area offers recreation areas with boat launch ramps, picnic sites, and water-borne comfort stations, but it does not include a beach. It is primarily known for its boating, fishing, and wildlife refuge.
-
Towns near Felsenthal Lock and Dam include Bastrop, Louisiana, El Dorado, Arkansas, and Camden, Arkansas. Felsenthal is located in southeastern Union County, Arkansas, close to the Louisiana state line. These towns are part of the broader region around the Ouachita River where Felsenthal is situated.
