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Dierks Lake Contact Information

Contact Dierks Project Office

Location

Dierks Lake Project Office

246 Jefferson Ridge Road
Dierks, Arkansas 71833

Phone

Project Office: (870) 286-2346

Dierks Lake Recreation Activities

Enjoy world-class outdoor recreation in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains - camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and more await you at Dierks Lake.

Campgrounds

3 Public

Campsites

118 Total

Boat Ramps

5 Public

Swimming Areas

3 Beaches

Camping

Three developed campgrounds with over 118 campsites featuring electric/water hookups, showers, and lake access

Two boys and a dog by a campfire

Blue Ridge Campground

Description

Campground is in a wooded secluded area at the north end of Dierks Lake at the mouth of the Saline River. Blue Ridge provides 2 boat ramps, public restrooms with showers, 30 amp electric and water hookups for all sites.

Location & Directions

To get to Blue Ridge Park from the town of Dierks, Arkansas, drive east three (3) miles on Hwy 70 to the Hwy 278 intersection. Turn right on Hwy 278 and go four (4) miles to the Blue Ridge Road. Turn left onto Blue Ridge Road, then drive three (3) miles to the park.

Facilities
  • 22 campsites with electricity and water
  • Showers and flush toilets
  • 2 boat ramps
  • Playground
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Swim beach
Fees: $14 per night
Season: Open Year Round

Horseshoe Bend Campground

Description

Campground is in a beautiful, wooded area just off of the Saline River below the Dierks dam. Quite scenic area great for fishing, kayaking and picnicking.

Location & Directions

To get to Horseshoe Bend Park from the town of Dierks, Arkansas, drive west on Hwy 70 three (3) miles to the Lake Road. Turn right on Lake Road and drive four (4) miles.

Facilities
  • 11 sites with water and electricity
  • Playground
  • Reservable picnic shelter ($25)
  • Showers and flush toilets
  • Bank fishing access
  • Water access for kayaks and canoes
Fees: $14 per night | Picnic Shelter: $25
Season: Open Year Round

Jefferson Ridge Campground

Reservations: Reserve at Recreation.gov or call (870) 286-3214
Description

Campground is located in secluded, wooded area with campsites by the water and on the ridge. Sites offer large living areas with grills and fire rings available. Most sites have 50 amp capabilities and water hookups on site. Jefferson Ridge offers 2 boat ramps, 2 swim beaches and 2 fish cleaning stations along with various bathhouses located across the park.

Location & Directions

To get to Jefferson Ridge Park from the town of Dierks, Arkansas, drive six (6) miles west on Hwy 70. Turn right on Greens Chapel Road, then drive five (5) miles to Jefferson Ridge Park Road and turn right.

Facilities
  • 85 sites with water and electricity
  • 2 shower facilities
  • 4 flush toilets
  • 2 trailer dump stations
  • 3 boat ramps
  • 2 swim beaches
  • 2 playgrounds
  • 2 picnic shelters (reservable - $25 each)
  • Bank fishing access
Fees: $14-$16 per night | Picnic Shelters: $25
Reservable Sites: 52 sites available via Recreation.gov
Season: Open Year Round

Dierks Lake Overlook Pavilion

Scenic overlook pavilion available for day use and special events. Perfect for family gatherings, reunions, and outdoor celebrations with spectacular lake views.

Boating

1,360-acre lake with 5 concrete boat ramps - perfect for bass fishing, skiing, and water sports

PWC's on Dierks Lake

The 1,360-acre lake provides an enjoyable experience for the boating enthusiast. Dierks Lake is known for its wonderful bass and crappie fishing. It is also a great place for swimming and skiing.

Public Boat Ramps: Dierks Lake offers 5 convenient concrete boat ramps with ample parking located in Jefferson Ridge park, Blue Ridge, and just North of the Dam at Jefferson Ridge South.

Boating Safety Guidelines

  • Do not overload your boat
  • Boats must not approach closer to the dam than indicated by warning signs or buoy lines
  • If your boat capsizes stay with it and use it as a life preserver
  • Standing in a boat can lead to disaster
  • Head for shore if bad weather threatens
  • Slow down when approaching small boats, docks, skiers, or fishermen
  • Help any boat in distress and if you need help call for it
  • Each boat is required to have an approved personal flotation device for each passenger

Fishing

Outstanding bass, crappie, and catfish fishing - fish cleaning stations at Jefferson Ridge and Blue Ridge

Young boy holding fish

Fishing provides many hours of enjoyment for the visitors at Dierks Lake. Most of the species found in the lake are also found in the downstream area.

Fish Species

The species most actively sought are:

  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Spotted Bass
  • Crappie
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Various species of Sunfish
Fish Cleaning Stations: Fish cleaning stations are set up at Jefferson Ridge and Blue Ridge parks. These facilities provide fishers with fresh water and electricity to aid them in cleaning and disposing of their catch. Fish remains can be placed in the receptacles provided for proper disposal.

Hunting

Public hunting permitted on project lands - whitetail deer, quail, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl

Whitetail Deer (Buck)

All project lands except the developed public use areas, land around the dam, and other project structures are open to public hunting. All hunting is in accordance with the seasons and other regulations as established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Prohibited Areas: Hunting is not allowed in developed public use areas, land around the dam, and other project structures.

Game Species

Principal game species found in the area:

  • Whitetail Deer
  • Bobwhite Quail
  • Mourning Dove
  • Grey and Fox Squirrel
  • Cottontail Rabbit
  • Waterfowl

Howard County Game Management Area

About 593 acres of land in the upper reaches of the project are included in the Howard County Game Management Area and will be managed in the same manner as the contiguous area.

Access Information

Due to the absence of public roads, access to some project lands is difficult. For the most part access is furnished by the public use area roads and privately owned timber access roads that have remained open to the public. Some areas are accessible only by boat.

Hunting Resources

Download Dierks Lake Hunting Map (PDF)

Download Hunting Pamphlet (PDF)

Enforcement: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel enforce all regulations

Picnicking

4 reservable picnic shelters with electricity, grills, and scenic lake views - perfect for reunions and gatherings

Overlook Pavilion

Picnicking areas are available at many of the sites on Dierks Lake. There are 4 reservable picnic areas, which are great for family reunions or holidays.

Amenities: The picnic shelters are lighted and equipped with barbecue grills and electricity, providing comfortable facilities for group gatherings.

Reservable Shelter Locations

  • Jefferson Ridge Park - 2 picnic shelters
  • Horseshoe Bend Park - 1 picnic shelter
  • Dierks Overlook - 1 picnic pavilion
Shelter Rental Fee: $25
Reservations: Contact the Dierks Lake Project Office
Phone: (870) 286-2346

Swimming

3 beautiful swimming beaches - day use fees apply, always wear life jackets for safety

Swim Beach at Jefferson Ridge Park

Dierks Lake has 3 beautiful swimming areas located in Loop 2 of Jefferson Ridge, Loop 4 of Jefferson Ridge, and Blue Ridge.

Day Use Fees:
• Daily Fee: $5 per car
• Annual Pass: $30

Swimming Beaches

  • Jefferson Ridge Loop 2 - Swimming beach with picnic facilities
  • Jefferson Ridge Loop 4 - Swimming beach with playground access
  • Blue Ridge - Swimming beach with boat ramp nearby
Swimming Safety Suggestions:
  • Swim and wade only where you are familiar with the water depths and the bottom
  • Do not swim alone; there is safety in numbers
  • Always wear a lifejacket
  • Do not overestimate your swimming ability, as distances across water are deceiving
  • Watch children and non-swimmers closely
  • Swimmers should avoid regular boat channels, launching ramps, and docks

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Little Rock District

Dierks Lake Project Office

For current conditions, reservations, and additional information, contact the project office at (870) 286-2346 or visit Find Open Campgrounds.