Located in Nevada and Ouachita Counties in southwest Arkansas, White Oak Lake State Park near Bluff City sits alongside the lake from which it takes its name. The park offers access to fishing on White Oak Lake, as well as other activities such as camping, picnicking and hiking. The lake itself is a fisherman’s oasis, as it’s filled with bass, crappie, catfish and bream. And for those who love to see wildlife, the state park has an abundance of great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, green heronsand bald eagles.
The land that is now under White Oak Lake was purchased by the federal government in the late-1930s as a result of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. This act of Congress was passed to assist farmers during the Great Depression making it possible for farmers to own their own land rather than staying in tenant arrangements. In 1957, the Arkansas state legislature acquired the land and specially designated it for conservation and recreational purposes.
In 1961, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) built White Oak Lake. The lake actually consists of two sections: a 1,031-acre upper lake south of Highway 387 and a 1,735-acre lower lake north of the highway. White Oak is the second largest lake created by the AGFC with the largest being Lake Conway in central Arkansas.
In Nov. 1964, the AGFC leased land for a state park on the lower section of White Oak Lake to the Arkansas Publicity and Parks Commission (now the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism). The 510-acre park opened to the publicon April 1, 1967. On March 7, 1969, the park received official legislative approval as a state park by Act 192.
Since its opening in 1967, White Oak Lake State Park has experienced significant further development and expansion. Thanks to the state’s Amendment 75 conservation tax, which is a one-eighth-percent sales tax that was approved by voters in 1996, a complete renovation of the park’s camping facilities was completed in June 2000.
Located on park grounds is a visitors’ center which not only features exhibits about the state park, but also nearby Poison Springs Battlefield State Park, where a Civil War battle took place in April 1864. Ammunition, belt buckles, buttons and other items found at the Poison Springs battlefield site are part of the display. White Oak Lake State Park is home to a marinaand store which rents fishing boats, party barges, canoes and other watercraft. The park also features a campground, bathhouse, boat launch ramp, a picnic area with pavilions and a playground. During summer months, park staff offer interesting interpretive programs. For more information on camping rates, rental fees and park programming contact the park office at 870-685-2748.
Biking and hiking trails are also very popular at White Oak Lake State Park. In several places along the park’s three trails, snow white sand can be seen on the forest’s floor. This sand is a remnant of when the Gulf of Mexico covered much of what today is the southern United States approximately 40-60 million years ago.
Both White Oak Lake and the state park are quite popular with local residents. However, its location in a part of our state where few tourists visit keeps them from being crowded and burdened with traffic. It is estimated nearly 70,000 people visit the park each year.
If you’re looking for a great place to fish and spot some wildlife, White Oak Lake and state park is a great place to go.Whether you go for just a day or camp a few nights, you will definitely enjoy this part of the Natural State that’s a bit off the beaten path.
Happy new year, Arkansas!
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