John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Located along the Arkansas River, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is one of the most popular waterside retreats in the area. The lake sits on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, surrounded by acres of hardwood timber forests and rolling prairies. With a wide range of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, the lake is a great fishing destination. If you visit during the spring and fall, you’ll also find some of the best sauger fishing in the country.
Stretching over 26 miles along the Arkansas River, the lake is great for exploring nature. You can enjoy the scenic shoreline via canoe or kayak, or take a motorized boat out for water skiing. There are miles of trails leading along the shore of the lake, including Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail, a 10 mile trail designed for racing. Birdwatching is also popular, with hundreds of species visiting the lake over the course of the year.
There is one main RV campground near the lake, located at Springhill Park. With over 40 sites to choose from, most of which have electrical hookups for your rig, you’ll be able to camp with modern comforts. Many of the sites have direct views of the water.
RV Rentals in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
Transportation
Driving
Located along the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, John Paul Hammerschidt Lake is evenly divided between the two states. The lake sits on the Arkansas River, and can easily be accessed from a number of highways and main roads, including I-49 and I-540. It’s a great stop if you are passing through the area on an RV road trip.
If you are driving from Oklahoma City, take I-40 out of the city and you’ll get to the lake in just under three hours. From Tulsa, take OK-351 out of the city to I-40 and you’ll arrive in a little over three hours. Coming from Little Rock, take I-40 west and you’ll reach the lake in around two and a half hours.
The area around the lake is RV friendly, with a number of major highways. You won’t have to drive over any narrow bridges or down dirt roads to get to any of the RV campgrounds. Springhill Park is the location for the main RV campground near the lake. To get to the campground, take AR-59 to the south shore of the Arkansas River.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
Campsites in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
Reservations camping
Springhill Park Campground
This is the main RV campground located on the lake, with over 40 sites and modern facilities. Most of the sites have electrical hookups for your rig, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. You’ll have access to modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers, as well as drinking water, dump stations, and group picnic shelters. The campground and day use areas are pet friendly, provided that dogs are kept on a leash at all times.
The main activities at the campground are swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake has some of the best sauger fishing in the country, and you’ll also be able to fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. You’ll also have access to the Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail, a 10 mile long trail designed for racing. The area around the campground is popular for birdwatching, with hundreds of species living near the lake.
All of the sites can be reserved up to six months in advance. Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan on visiting during a holiday weekend.
Seasonal activities in John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake
Off-Season
Hiking
The long stretches of shaded shoreline make John Paul Hammerschidt Lake a popular destination for hikers. A number of trails lead out from Springhill Park Campground Campground, leading up and down the rolling hills that lead up to the Arkansas River.
Hiking is best in the spring and fall, when the woods around the lake are at their most colorful. If you visit during spring, you can enjoy beautiful displays of native wildflowers. Or come in the fall to soak in the autumn landscape along the river.
Birdwatching
Stretching 26 miles along the Arkansas River, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is a great waterside birdwatching destination. Spring and fall tend to be the best times of year for birdwatching, as you can catch dozens of species as they migrate across the lake.
There are a number of birdwatching societies in Oklahoma and Arkansas that can give you more information on the bird species found in the area. Many produce excellent field guides and bird checklists that detail the birds that you should keep an eye out for.
Biking
Surrounded by dense hardwood timber forests, rolling fields, and steep bluffs, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is a popular local destination for mountain bikers. Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail is a 10 mile route connected to the largest RV campground near the lake. The trail is often used for racing, and is designed for experienced mountain bikers.
There are no bike rentals from the main RV campgrounds, so make sure you bring your own if you plan on riding.
In-Season
Water Sports
There’s plenty of room out on the water if you’re interested in water sports. Motorized boats are allowed, making the lake a popular summertime destination for water and jet skiing. If the conditions are right, you’ll also be able to enjoy windsurfing. There is a boat launch located just outside of the main RV campground by the lake.
Boat and gear rentals can be found near Fort Smith, which is about a ten minute drive from Springhill Park Campground.
Fishing
The lake is a popular fishing destination throughout the year. You’ll find a number of fish species in the lake, including largemouth and white bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. It also has some of the best sauger fishing in the country, especially if you visit in late fall or early spring. There are boat launches located at all of the major RV campgrounds around the lake.
Boating
At over 26 miles long, you’ll have plenty of room out on the water at John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake. Motorized boats are allowed, so you can enjoy water and jet skiing, as well as canoeing and kayaking. There are multiple boat launch ramps located at the major RV campgrounds around the lake.
Boat rentals are not offered at Springhill Park Campground, so you’ll need to bring your own or visit a boat rental shop in Fort Smith, located a few miles away from the campground
