Beaver Lake

Northwest Arkansas, near Rogers, Bentonville & Eureka Springs, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Beaver Lake is a sparkling reservoir in Northwest Arkansas known for its scenic limestone bluffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush green surroundings.

28,370 acres

Surface Area

204 ft

Max Depth

480 miles

Shoreline

1960–1966

Created

Nicole Chervenyak

Realtor - Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette

Helping families find their perfect Beaver Lake home since 2004 — with care, knowledge, and heart.

(479) 633 - 3708

chervsellsnwa@gmail.com

www.chervsellsnwa.com

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About Beaver Lake

Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1966 with the completion of Beaver Dam on the White River, Beaver Lake was designed for flood control, hydroelectric power, and municipal water supply. Today, it also serves as the primary drinking water source for more than half a million residents in Northwest Arkansas. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, standing 228 feet tall and stretching 1,700 feet across the valley.

The lake’s 480 miles of irregular shoreline are dotted with campgrounds, parks, coves, and marinas, making it an outdoor playground for every kind of visitor. Its clear water and rocky terrain create ideal habitats for a wide range of fish species, while surrounding hillsides support diverse wildlife, from whitetail deer to migratory bald eagles. Scenic driving routes around the lake showcase panoramic views, particularly in autumn when the Ozarks burst with fall color.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Northwest Arkansas, near Rogers, Bentonville & Eureka Springs
Surface Area: ~28,370 acres
Shoreline: ~480 miles
Maximum Depth: ~204 feet
Average Depth: ~60 feet
Built: 1960–1966 (Beaver Dam completion)
Primary Inflow/Outflow: White River
Elevation: ~1,120 feet above sea level
Coordinates: 36.3536° N, 93.9330° W

Beaver Lake Vacation Homes For Rent

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Beaver Lake EVENT GUIDE

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Beaver Lake DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Fishing: Beaver Lake is a nationally recognized fishery. Anglers target striped bass (which can reach 40+ pounds), largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, and sunfish. The rocky shoreline and submerged timber create excellent habitats. The White River below Beaver Dam is also famous for its trophy trout waters.

Boating & Sailing: With hundreds of coves and deep, clear waters, the lake is ideal for motorboating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Water skiing and wakeboarding are popular during summer, while houseboats offer overnight adventures.

Swimming: Designated swimming beaches at parks like Prairie Creek, Dam Site, and Rocky Branch provide safe access to the water with sandy or rocky shores. The lake’s clarity makes swimming especially enjoyable.

Camping & Picnicking: Dozens of campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, such as Lost Bridge North and Hickory Creek, provide tent sites, RV hookups, and family-friendly areas. Scenic picnic spots are spread throughout the shoreline.

Wildlife Watching: Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area and surrounding lands host abundant wildlife, including eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, foxes, and diverse songbirds. Winter eagle-watching cruises are a highlight.

Hiking & Exploring: Trails like the Shaddox Hollow Trail and Pigeon Roost Trail offer hiking opportunities with views of bluffs, streams, and wooded landscapes.

Access, marinas & ramps

Road Access: Convenient entry points are located along U.S. Highway 62 and Arkansas Highway 12, connecting the lake to Rogers, Springdale, and Eureka Springs. Interstate 49 offers easy access from Bentonville and Fayetteville.

Public Parks & Ramps: More than 12 major parks and recreation areas provide public boat ramps, picnic shelters, beaches, and restrooms. Examples include Starkey Park, Indian Creek, and Horseshoe Bend.

Marinas: Full-service marinas like Prairie Creek Marina, Lost Bridge Marina, and Starkey Marina offer boat rentals, fuel docks, fishing supplies, slips, and lakeside dining. These are popular hubs for visitors renting boats or jet skis.

Trails & Greenways: Hiking trails and bike paths around Hobbs State Park link directly to the lake’s shoreline, expanding outdoor access beyond the water.

Safety & regulations

Life Jackets: Arkansas law requires children under 13 to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on boats. Adults are strongly encouraged to wear them at all times.
Fishing Licenses: All anglers over the age of 16 must possess a valid Arkansas fishing license, available online or from local vendors.
Boating Rules: Observe all posted no-wake zones near marinas, docks, and swimming beaches. After dark, boats must display navigation lights.
Alcohol Restrictions: Alcohol use is regulated differently in various recreation areas; public intoxication and unsafe boating are strictly enforced.
Camping & Fires: Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings and grills within campgrounds. During dry periods, burn bans may be in effect.
Environmental Protection: Littering is prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to practice “Leave No Trace” principles to protect the lake’s pristine environment.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Eureka Springs: About 20 minutes away, this Victorian mountain town is packed with art galleries, historic architecture, boutique shops, and spas.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville): A world-renowned art museum founded by Alice Walton, featuring works from colonial times to the present.
War Eagle Mill: A working water-powered gristmill and cultural site with a restaurant, gift shop, and the famous War Eagle Craft Fair.
Ozark National Forest: Hiking, camping, and scenic drives are just a short trip away. Fall foliage drives are especially popular.
Razorback Greenway Trail: A 40-mile biking and walking path linking Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, with easy detours to the lake area.

Events & community

Beaver Lake is a lively hub for outdoor and community events. Nationally sanctioned fishing tournaments draw professional anglers to the lake each year, and sailing regattas are hosted by local yacht clubs. During winter, eagle-watching tours sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers attract birding enthusiasts from across the country. Local communities add to the vibrancy with seasonal farmers’ markets, live music events in nearby towns, and annual festivals such as the War Eagle Craft Fair and Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville. Together, these activities make Beaver Lake not just a destination but a year-round lifestyle experience.