Lake Hamilton, AR

It is a pretty lake. You will be in or near Hot Springs, so food and other entertainment will be convenient. You can boat to a few restaurants. The lake gets really crowded with boats on holiday weekends.

A fun boat trip is to go to the Blakely Mountain Dam that separates Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita. As you approach, you will feel the air get cooler. Near the dam, the water can be in the 50s in summer because it is coming through the dam from deep under Ouachita.

We always stay with folks we know, but they tell us that many of the homes around them are just to rent out to "weekenders" via airbnb or such. Some have boat houses or docks, and there is at least one boat/barge rental place on the lake.

Took the family to Hot Springs last year for a quick trip. Rented a house on Lake Hamilton. Did Garvan Gardens hike, hiked to waterfall in Lake Catherine State Park and did a tubing trip near Glenwood, Ark. Downtown Hot Springs has a few good restaurants and a cool brewery on Bath House Row.

The house was very nice and had a boat dock and awesome outdoor kitchen next to lake. Was in residential area but plenty of room. Only about 5-10 minutes to Walmart and grocery.

If it’s a busy weekend, Hamilton will be rough with all the wake from the boats.
I normally go to skinny dip cove where all the boats tie up and just relax.

The caddo river is in glenwood, which is only about 30-40 minutes from Hot Springs.

If you have any more questions, just ask and once I get on a laptop, I’ll be able to provide more information.

Unless something has changed, be very aware if boating of the lake Nazis (Sheriff, etc) on Hamilton. Can be very strict on drinking or speeding in speed limit areas like under bridges, etc.
tickets are cash on the spot just like a small town speed trap. They will hide in coves near bridges to nail you - including boats or jet skis.