Where Ozark Waters Meet Southern Grace

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what Arkansas has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

• What child-friendly amenities should I look for in at a lakehouse?

  Essential amenities include fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers for preparing family meals and handling the inevitable pile of dishes, saving money compared to dining out for every meal.

  Properties with pool access offer controlled swimming environments, particularly valuable when lake water temperatures might be too cold for small children.

  Consider rentals near state park playgrounds and designated swimming beaches, such as those at Lake Catherine State Park or Lake Ouachita State Park, which feature lifeguarded areas during the summer months.

  Look for rentals featuring game rooms with pool tables, board games, or video game consoles to keep children entertained on rainy days or in the evenings. Fenced yards provide peace of mind for families with young children or pets, especially near water, where supervision is crucial.

  Many family-oriented properties also include essential extras like high chairs, pack-n-plays, children’s life jackets, and beach toys, eliminating the need to pack bulky items.

• Which regions in Arkansas offer good family-friendly water activities?

  Lake Ouachita State Park, home to Arkansas’s largest and cleanest lake, provides crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, plus over 40 miles of shoreline perfect for exploring hidden coves by kayak or boat.

  The Mountain Home area, encompassing both Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake, stands out as Arkansas’s premier fishing destination where families can catch striped bass, walleye, and trout while enjoying calm waters perfect for beginning water skiers.

  Crowley’s Ridge State Park offers a different experience with its unique geological features, combining lake activities with educational nature programs and easy hiking trails suitable for all ages.

  DeGray Lake Resort State Park near Hot Springs adds the bonus of a full-service marina, guided fishing trips, and an on-site golf course for multi-generational appeal.

  Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine near Hot Springs provide the perfect blend of water recreation and nearby attractions, including the Mid-America Science Museum and Magic Springs theme park, ensuring entertainment options beyond the water.

• Where can we find romantic cabins for our honeymoon?

  Arkansas offers couples seeking romantic waterfront escapes an abundance of intimate settings, from secluded mountain lakes to luxurious resort properties with stunning natural backdrops.

  Mount Magazine State Park, perched atop Arkansas’s highest peak, features spectacular bluff-top cabins equipped with private hot tubs, fireplaces, and panoramic views of the Petit Jean River Valley, creating an unforgettable setting for proposals or anniversaries.

  The Eureka Springs area combines Victorian charm with pristine lake access at Beaver Lake, where couples can find historic bed-and-breakfasts or modern cabins with private docks perfect for sunset watching.

  Hot Springs Village provides a more refined experience with golf course views, spa services, and elegant lakefront condos overlooking Lakes DeSoto, Cortez, and Balboa.

  For ultimate seclusion, consider lesser-known gems like Lake Wedington near Fayetteville or the intimate coves of Greers Ferry Lake, where private cabin rentals offer outdoor soaking tubs, couples massage services, and gourmet kitchen facilities for romantic dinners.

  Many properties cater specifically to honeymooners with packages including champagne, local wine tours, and pre-arranged sunset boat cruises.

• When is the best season for a quiet romantic escape in Arkansas?

  Late spring, particularly April through early June, presents ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures ranging from 65-80°F, wildflowers blooming along shorelines, and water temperatures warming enough for comfortable swimming without the summer crowds.

  Early fall from September through October offers equally appealing conditions with the added bonus of spectacular fall foliage reflecting on lake surfaces, creating stunning photo opportunities for anniversary celebrations.

  These shoulder seasons also bring significant advantages, including lower rental rates, easier restaurant reservations in nearby towns, and better availability at premium properties that book months ahead during peak summer.

  Avoid July and August when temperatures exceed 90°F, humidity peaks, and popular lakes like Beaver, Ouachita, and Norfork become crowded with family vacationers.

  Winter months offer unique romantic opportunities with cozy cabin stays featuring roaring fireplaces, though many water activities will be limited.

  For the most intimate experience, plan mid-week stays when you’ll practically have hiking trails and scenic overlooks to yourselves.

• Are pets allowed to come, and are there extra fees or restrictions?

  Most Arkansas waterfront rentals welcome pets as valued family members, though policies vary significantly between state park cabins, private resorts, and individual vacation homes.

  State park facilities at Mount Magazine, Crowley’s Ridge, and Lake Catherine typically allow pets in designated pet-friendly cabins with advance reservations and fees ranging from $10-25 per night per pet, with a usual limit of two pets per cabin.

  Private resorts and vacation rentals often charge higher fees between $50-150 per stay or $15-30 per night, though these properties may offer more flexible policies regarding pet size and breed restrictions.

  Standard requirements include proof of current rabies vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and maintaining pets on leashes no longer than 6 feet in all public areas.

  Many properties require pets to stay off furniture and bedding, with damage deposits ranging from $100 to $300, refundable upon inspection.

  Arkansas state parks prohibit pets on swimming beaches for health reasons but welcome them on hiking trails and in camping areas.

  Always inform your host about pets during booking to avoid cancellation issues, and pack familiar items like beds and toys to help pets adjust to new surroundings.

• Can we find larger group rentals, like multiple bedrooms or event-ready cabins in Arkansas?

  Arkansas excels at providing spacious waterfront accommodations perfect for multi-generational reunions, corporate retreats, and celebratory gatherings with friends.

  State parks like Crowley’s Ridge and Mount Magazine offer group lodges sleeping 8-16 guests with commercial-style kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and large gathering space