ROGERS, Ark. - The Army Corps of Engineers is urging all visitors to Beaver Lake to exercise extreme caution while levels are high. Campers, swimmers, and boaters visiting park areas should use extreme caution and be aware that certain recreation areas may be closed to the public for their protection.
Boaters should be aware that with the higher water conditions objects normally out of the water are now submerged and difficult to see.
When boating near the shore and in coves, go slow and be extra cautious to avoid such underwater obstacles such as sign posts, picnic tables, trees, stumps and other obstructions that are normally on dry ground. Be sure to have an observer in your boat when possible, slow down, and always wear your life jacket. Use extreme caution when boating at night, as obstructions such as floating debris are even more difficult to see at night.
Although sometimes an inconvenience, the Corps reminds everyone that the current high lake level is normal because, among its other duties, Beaver is one of the six Corps lakes in the White River basin that helps reduce downstream flooding of homes, farms and businesses. The lake is doing just what it was designed to do.
The benefit of high water during early summer is that it covers the shoreline vegetation and allows for a better fish spawn and a greater survival rate for the young fry. Fishing will benefit for a long time to come.
Several campsites have temporarily been closed because of the high lake levels. However, all parks have available campsites for use. Currently, 111 of the 669 sites available are closed because of high water impacts. Of the 558 campsites open, many of those are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campers can make reservations at Lost Bridge North and South, Horseshoe Bend, Rocky Branch, Indian Creek, Starkey, War Eagle, Hickory Creek, Dam Site Lake and Dam Site River parks. Prairie Creek Park’s campsites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To make a reservation for one of these parks, visit www.recreation.gov or call Reserve America at 1-877-444-6777. Campsite fees range from $20 to $25 per night. Golden Age/Access and America the Beautiful Senior/Access cardholders pay 50 percent of the regular camping fee.
All day use areas are currently open for public use, with the exception of the swimming beach and boat launch ramp at the Horseshoe Bend Day Use Area. However, a few picnic sites at various day use areas around the lake are currently inundated by water.
Corps officials remind visitors that day use fees are $4 per vehicle. An annual day use pass is available for $30 for one year from the month purchased. Annual day use passes may be purchased at park gate houses or the Beaver Lake Project Office. Golden Age/Access and America the Beautiful Senior/Access cards reduces the fee by 50 percent.
Despite the higher water levels, the Corps’ Beaver Lake personnel remind visitors that all campgrounds and most day-use areas are open for business. Please call the Beaver Lake Project Office at 479-636-1210 for updates on available recreation areas.