Lake with beach and campground

Lake Charles Vacation Rentals

Lake Charles

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Lake Charles
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Why Rent On Lake Charles

Lake Charles is in Lawrence County, Arkansas in the United States. Situated in the The Ozarks along the Black River, 645-acre (261 ha) artificial Lake Charles.
The lake is a result of a partnership of four agencies to construct a multipurpose lake just north of Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Wildlife Management Area in an effort to control flooding and preserve the watershed. Construction on the lake began in 1964, and the park was dedicated in 1967.
The lake is maintained by the AGFC, who stock catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, and others. Camping is available at any of Lake Charles’ 61 campsites (23 class AAA, 37 class B, one RV). Lake Charles offers four trails for walking and hiking, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. There are picnic areas, a playground, a screened-in pavilion with fans, fishing and boat docks, an interpretive nature center and gift shop.

Best time to go
Visit Lake Charles from late spring to early fall, when warm breezes caress your skin and the sun extends its golden embrace. Experience the vibrant Louisiana Pirate Festival in April, where festivity mingles with lively water sports, ensuring adventures abound amid fewer tourists and plenty of sunlight.
Water Quality
Lake Charles in Arkansas exhibits water colors ranging from aquamarine to deep blue, with water clarity varying from murky to silty.
Surface area (mi)
400.78
Max depth (ft)
69.88
Elevation (ft)
272.31
Shoreline length (mi)
14.91

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Charles. You can swim at North Beach, a white-sand beach on Lake Charles, which is open daily from 10am to 8pm. However, swimming is subject to health advisories based on weekly water quality tests.

  • Lake Charles is a popular destination because of its diverse attractions. It offers Vegas-style casinos like the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge Casino Resort, as well as outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in places like Sam Houston Jones State Park and Prien Lake Park. The city also features free museums and lively festivals.

  • There are no daily limits for crappie in Lake Charles, Arkansas, but crappie must be at least 10 inches in length. This size restriction applies to prevent the possession of smaller crappie to help conserve the population. This rule is specific to Lake Charles and several other lakes in the state.

  • There is no public beach at Lake Charles with a boat launch. However, there are several public boat launches in the area, such as Calcasieu Point Landing and Prien Lake Park Boat Launch, which provide access to various waterways for boating and fishing.

  • Towns near Lake Charles, Arkansas, include Black Rock, Hoxie, Imboden, and Walnut Ridge, all located in Lawrence County. These towns are close to the lake, which is a 645-acre impoundment in the region. Other nearby towns include Alicia, Lynn, and Smithville, also within Lawrence County.