A beautiful state with thick, lush forests, countless lakes, and rolling rivers, Arkansas is perhaps most famous for its Ozark Mountains and its extensive cave systems, Pre-Columbian burial mounds, and other sites of cultural and archaeological interest. With bodies of water practically everywhere, it's no surprise that “The Natural State” has some really exciting places to dive, despite its landlocked position. Here, we'll dive right in and get a closer look at three lakes you're certain to enjoy exploring.
Norfolk Lake - Arkansas Dive Sites
Located in the north central portion of Arkansas, Norfolk Lake is a reservoir that was formed when the North Fork River dam was completed in 1944. The best place to dive is near Jordan, on the lake's eastern shore. Maximum depth here is about 100 feet, and visibility can be very good - as much as 30 feet. As you explore, you'll find around 29 different sites to enjoy, including a dynamite shack and a tool truck, a school bus, sunken boats, and what remains of home sites that were abandoned when the lake was created. There is no fee to dive here, the fish are plentiful, and air is available at Jordan Marina and Dive Shop, right on the lake.
Greers Ferry Lake - Arkansas Dive Sites
Covering 32,000 surface acres and boasting 276 miles of shoreline, Greers Ferry Lake is huge. The best place to dive here is located between the dam and Eden Isle. Maximum depth is 180 feet, but there's plenty to see in much shallower water, including rock formations and more than a few white bass, black bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, bigmouth bass, walleye, and others. Visibility varies seasonally and is best from mid-September through November, when it can exceed 35 feet. Day use fees are small, and camping is available in the area.
Beaver Lake - Arkansas Dive Sites
Beaver Lake boasts 487 miles of shoreline, covers approximately 28,370 acres, and features maximum depth of about 205 feet at the dam. Here, you'll find all kinds of things to see, including an old bus at a depth of 15 to 20 feet, which is an interesting swimthrough, plus several sculptures people have placed in the lake over the years. The lake's natural features are interesting too, with sunken forests, ledges, and walls to explore, plus with plenty of fish and other freshwater life to encounter along the way. There's a thermocline at about 30 feet; above this though, the water tends to be pleasantly warm during the summer months. Air fills and equipment are available in Springdale, and there are plenty of places to camp around the lake.
No matter what your reason for traveling to Arkansas, be sure to spend some time exploring at least one of these lakes. If you're planning to camp out and you've never been to Arkansas, be prepared for lovely starlit nights and humid days. This subtropical climate is also well known for its mosquitoes, chiggers, and other buggy pests, but if you come prepared with lots of bug spray for yourself and plenty of atmospheric insect repellents for your campsite, you'll find the bugs will happily remove themselves to a more hospitable area, while you continue to enjoy all this beautiful state has to offer.