Within the lush, forested Arkansas Ozarks, there is an oasis of clear-blue waters and sandy shorelines. Norfork Lake is a 40-mile long body of water with some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Arkansas. With 550 miles of undeveloped shoreline, Norfork Lake is a hidden treasure offering some of the best outdoor recreation in the state. This unique, out-of-the-way lake in Arkansas is always worth a visit, and here’s why:
Surrounded by rising bluffs and expansive forests, Norfork Lake is one of the Natural State’s best-kept secrets.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
It’s an unexpected outdoor oasis smack in the middle of the Ozark Mountains.
Norfork Lake Fun/Facebook
With 65 miles of uninterrupted waterway, Norfork Lake is a water lover’s paradise.
Eric Palmer/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The lake is home to several big marinas and boat rental companies, each offering different adventures on this hidden gem.
Eric Palmer/iStock via Getty Images Plus The fishing here is world-class; the lake flush with giant crappie, striper, bass, and walleye.
If you’re looking for a big fishing adventure, you’ll find it at Norfork Lake.
Norfork Lake Fun/Facebook
Fishing also makes for a fun, family activity that’s about as close to nature as it gets!
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
Norfork Lake is known for its clear-blue waters, which are more Hawaii than Arkansas.
katrinamiller/TripAdvisor Because of this, it’s a favorite spot for swimming and tubing.
Sand Island is the crown jewel of Norfork Lake. Found on the southeast side of the lake, this little island is comprised completely of white sand.
Jordan Marina/Facebook The perfect location for a beach day, it’s easy to see why this place is often referred to as the Caribbean of the Mid-South!
And perhaps most surprisingly, Norfork Lake is a wonderful place to go scuba diving!
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook (We told you – this hidden oasis has total Hawaii vibes!)
Norfork Lake is rated as one of the top scuba diving locations in the country.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook Depending on the season, you can expect water visibility of up to 60 feet!
A day at Norfork Lake is always a good idea. And with Arkansas’ never-ending summers, you always have plenty of opportunities to visit this Natural State gem.
Eric Palmer/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Norfork Lake really is one of the most beautiful, unexpected places in Arkansas. If you’ve visited before, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
Norfork Lake Fun/Facebook
Eric Palmer/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The fishing here is world-class; the lake flush with giant crappie, striper, bass, and walleye.
katrinamiller/TripAdvisor
Because of this, it’s a favorite spot for swimming and tubing.
Jordan Marina/Facebook
The perfect location for a beach day, it’s easy to see why this place is often referred to as the Caribbean of the Mid-South!
(We told you – this hidden oasis has total Hawaii vibes!)
Depending on the season, you can expect water visibility of up to 60 feet!
For more amazing adventures in Arkansas, be sure to check out these 11 lazy river tubing trips.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Norfork Lake, United States
