Splash the summer away at one of The Natural State's many lakes. Pretty Lake Catherine, one of the Ouachita’s Diamond Lakes, is located near Hot Springs. It was formed in 1924 by the construction of Remmel Dam on the Ouachita River. The 1,940-acre lake was named after the daughter of Arkansas Power & Light Company founder, Harvey Couch. AP&L built the dam and lake to provide recreation, hydroelectricity and cool water for a steam-powered generating plant. Couch also donated much of the land that comprises Lake Catherine State Park. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1937 to 1942.
In addition to swimming, the park also offers rental boats year-round), a marina with bait and fuel that is open in the summer months, and a launch ramp. A pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, a laundry and trails round out the park attractions. Gifts, groceries, snacks and ice are available at the visitor center that overlooks the swimming area and nature center. The visitor center is open year-round while the nature center is open seasonally. Nestled along the shore are 17 fully equipped cabins with kitchens, some of which have fireplaces, and a boat dock. Several of these structures were built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Seventy Class A campsites including Premium, Preferred, Class A sites and two Rent-A-Camp sites dot the lakeshore and secluded woodlands. Interpreters provide guided hikes, boat tours, programs and workshops during summer.
