Blue Mountain Lake is a scenic area surrounded by public forests with Mt. Magazine looming above in the distance. Construction for the Blue Mountain Lake Project began in 1940 as a plan for flood control and water resources. In 1942, all work was stopped on the park to redirect resources to war efforts. After the war, work on the project resumed and it was completed in 1947. There are now five recreational parks on Blue Mountain Lake: Waveland Park, Outlet Area, Ashley Creek, Lick Creek, and Hise Hill.
There are many things to do during a visit to Blue Mountain Lake. The lake is well-stocked with many different types of fish for anglers to catch. Boating is a popular activity on the lake and boat access is easy with boat launches at four of the parks. On hot days, the beach at Waveland Park is the perfect spot to take a swim to cool off. Picnic areas at each park provide a spot to relax, re-energize, and enjoy the scenery.
There are two campgrounds at Blue Mountain Lake, one at Waveland Park and the other at Outlet Area. Both campgrounds can accommodate large RVs and travel trailers. The spacious parking pads at each campsite are paved. Reservations can be made online for most sites, though some campsites at Outlet Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While each park has amenities to offer, it may be necessary to make the short drive to other parks for access to boat launches, the swim beach, and hiking trails.
The five parks on Blue Mountain Lake can all be accessed from roads connecting with State Highway 10. The park roads shouldn’t be troublesome to navigate even for those with large RVs. Waveland and Outlet have campgrounds that can accommodate very large RVs and travel trailers. The majority of the campsites between the two campgrounds are back-in but are spacious.
While each park offers its own amenities from fishing to picnicking to hunting, it may be necessary to drive to other parks to access some amenities such as fish cleaning stations, the swim beach, and boat ramps. If planning to hike, it is about a 30-minute drive to enjoy the miles of trails Mount Magazine State Park offers.
Outlet Park has 38 campsites which can accommodate both RVs and tents. The campsites each have water and electric hookups. There are 26 campsites which can be reserved online. The remaining 12 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each campsite’s parking pad is paved. Most campsites are back-in, but there are some pull-through sites available as well. Outlet Park campground can accommodate RVs and travel trailers up to 72 feet but spaces for rigs this size are very limited. Additional amenities at this campground include restrooms with showers, a playground, and a dump station.
There are 51 campsites that can be reserved at Waveland Park. This recreation area offers water and electric hookups at each of the campsites. Though there aren’t sewer hookups at any of the sites, there is a dump station at Waveland park.
Large RVs and travel trailers can easily fit into the spacious campsites with parking pads stretching to accommodate RVs and motorhomes up to 70 feet in length. All campsites are back-in only and the parking pads are paved. Amenities of Waveland Park include restrooms with showers, a playground, swimming beach, and picnic area.
Blue Mountain Lake does not have designated hiking trails, though the nearby Mount Magazine State Park has 12 of them. The interconnecting trails vary in difficulty with lengths ranging from 0.5 miles to 2.8 miles.
Visitors can also connect to trails leading into the Ozark National Forest. Hikers can expect the terrain of the trails to be rugged, but the hikes are well worth it for the many views of the mountains and surrounding area. If this isn't enough, there are also options for hiking at the Ouachita National Forest a short drive away.
In-season hunting is permitted within designated areas of Blue Mountain Lake. Whether you’re hunting for deer, waterfowl, or another type of animal there is an abundance of wildlife at the lake and in the surrounding forest.
If you're planning to hunt during your trip, check season and hunting regulations prior to your visit and ensure you obtain any necessary permits.
Blue Mountain Lake is well stocked with many types of fish including crappie, catfish, and bass. If you're planning to head out on the water to fish, there are boat ramps at each park except Outlet. The Outlet Area does provide the opportunity for river fishing on the banks of the Petit Jean River.
The spring and fall are ideal seasons for fishing in the region. Anglers can clean their catch at the fish cleaning stations located at Waveland and Outlet Areas.
Blue Mountain Lake is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic. There are picnic areas at each of the five parks. These picnic areas include group picnic shelters that are covered, providing shade from the hot sun and protection from the rain if the weather takes a turn.
The group shelters also have electricity and grills. The picnic shelters are perfect for celebrations with crowds both small and large.
Boating is a popular activity on Blue Mountain Lake whether you’re planning to fish, water ski, or spend a leisurely day out on the water. Boat ramps are available at all of the recreational parks with the exception of the Outlet Area and are open year-round.
Whether you’re in a motorboat or a paddleboat, there is much to see and explore on Blue Mountain Lake. Paddle along the shoreline or find a spot to anchor and relax. While out on the water, look for some the birds and other wildlife that live near Blue Mountain Lake.
On hot summer days, nothing will feel more refreshing than taking a swim or at least dipping your toes into the water of Blue Mountain Lake. The designated swimming area provides a great location to swim or to simply relax on the beach or under the shade of a nearby Cypress tree.
Forgot your life jacket? Waveland Park does have loaner life jackets near the swim beach. Once finished, be sure to return the life jacket for others to use.
