Lake lounging in the Lower Delta
This summer is no better time to do some “lake lounging” in Arkansas’s Lower Delta region. From fishing to boating to swimming, these lakes offer fun for the entire family, as well as a great way to get cool on a summer’s day.
Cane Creek Lake near Star City is a 1,700-acre lake that was completed in 1987. It’s part of Cane Creek State Park, which sits on the border of the flat Delta lands of eastern Arkansas and the rolling woodlands of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, found in south central and southwestern Arkansas. The lake is known for it’s great fishing, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie and red-ear sunfish. It’s also the perfect lake for kayaking. Cane Creek State Park has a great trail system as well, allowing visitors to run, ride, or backpack through rolling terrain, along the lake, and across three suspension bridges. The park offers camping, great interpretive programs, fishing piers, a bathhouse and a playground. The park also offers a Rent-An-RV if tent camping isn’t what you’re looking for. Find out more by visiting www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cane-creek-state-park.
Bear Creek Lake outside Marianna is a 625-acre man-made lake that offers 30 miles of shore line, as well as camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Part of the Mississippi River State Park/St. Francis National Forest, the lake is known by regional anglers for its largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish and blue and channel catfish. Within the Bear Creek Lake Recreation area, visitors will find three campgrounds, two picnic areas, a mile-long nature trail, a swimming beach and a handicap-accessible fishing pier. If you’re wanting to explore the lake by kayak, you don’t even have to bring your own! Kayaks are available for rent at the Mississippi River State Park.
Nearby Storm Creek Lake is also part of the Mississippi River State Park/St. Francis National Forest. The 425-acre lake was constructed atop Crowley's Ridge in 1938. It lies within the south end of the St. Francis National Forest, and two national scenic byways—the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway, pass nearby. The lake's sportfish include largemouth and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, black crappie and blue and channel catfish. There’s also camping and swimming available at Storm Creek. Log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com/parks/mississippi-river-state-park.
Moro Bay State Park near Jersey is a great summer getaway. The park offers lots of privacy and some of the best cabins in the state. Fishing is popular year-round where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake join the Ouachita River. The park offers 23 Class AAA campsites, trails, picnic sites, pavilion, playground, and the Moro Bay Ferry exhibit. A marina with boat and slip rentals, gas and a store make it a good spot for boaters, but even in peak season, it never feels crowded. Each of the park’s five, fully equipped cabins features two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, and screened deck and outdoor living area overlooking Moro Bay. Check out www.ArkansasStateParks.com/parks/moro-bay-state-park.
So let’s get to the lake!