Bear Creek Lake

Lakes: / Rivers

2675 Ark. 44
Marianna, AR 72360
Phone: 870-295-5278

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/mississippiriver/

Bear Creek Lake in the St. Francis National Forest offers many outdoor recreation opportunities.

The 625-acre Bear Creek Lake was constructed atop Crowley's Ridge in east central Arkansas in 1938. It lies within the north end of the St. Francis National Forest, and two national scenic byways - the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway, pass nearby. This USDA Forest Service lake on Crowley’s Ridge has more than 15 miles of shoreline, and this makes for an abundance of good fishing for big bluegill and redear when the fish are in shallow water on the spawning beds. Look for beds of spawning fish on the gradually sloping banks, particularly near points, and also in the backs of the wider (and therefore shallower) coves. The peak of spawning activity usually occurs during the new moon in April and again on the new moon in May.

Anglers visit the lake in search of its largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish and blue and channel catfish. Abundant wildlife readily seen in the national forest includes whitetail deer, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, wild turkey and a wide variety of other birds.

Swimming and hiking are available at the lake, as are three campgrounds (41 individual campsites and one group site) that remain open year-round. No bathhouses are available and the campgrounds rely on vault-style toilets. The only hook-ups available are for water at 17 campsites.

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Witts Springs – Witts Springs, AR: We have had at least 1000 or more people attend our parade. We have vendors, music, we have a huge cookout by our local EH club and then around 5pm our Volunteer Firefighters have a fish dinner. Learn More ...

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