Now that the summer season is upon us there's no shortage when it comes to some of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas. I'm here to tell you about 5 lakes you may never hear of and are considered some of the best swimming lakes in the natural state.

We've all heard of Lake Greeson, Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamiton, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Catherine, and DeGray Lake which are very popular to Texarkanians but let's take a look at some hidden gems that are just as beautiful but may not get the same recognition as the others.

Lake Sylvia

YouTube THV11
YouTube THV11
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Lake Sylvia is located about 38 miles west of Little Rock and is situated in the Ouachita National Forest this 18-acre lake has a small swim beach with lots of recreational activities available like hiking and camping. The water is crystal clear and the views of the nearby mountainside are picture-perfect.

Lake Charles

YouTube, Arkie Travels
YouTube, Arkie Travels
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Not to be confused with Lake Charles in Louisiana this 645-acre lake is located 45 minutes northwest of Jonesboro and ranks as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the area. The swimming area is located in Lake Charles State Park the lake is considered peaceful by many of its visitors and a great place to unwind with family and friends. Campsites are available with picnic tables and hiking trails nearby.

Lake Wedington

YouTube, Chris Evans
YouTube, Chris Evans
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This beautiful 102-acre lake feeds into the 424-acre Lake Wedington Recreation Area, just west of Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas. This is ranked as one of Arkansas's best-kept secrets for a reason with its scenic views of the pine forest and woodlands Lake Wedington offers paddle boards for rent that can be used in the swimming area. There are a ton of recreational activities available for summer fun like hiking, boating, and fishing.

Mirror Lake

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YouTube, Delana Epperson
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Mirror Lake is probably my favorite out of the bunch for its natural beauty because of the 3-acre lake that is spring-fed from Blanchard Springs Caverns just up the road. The water is always around a cool 58 degrees during the summer months due to the nearby stone and concrete dam. The surrounding forests offer some of the most stunning views that are a reflection of one of the smallest lakes but one of the most magnificent lakes for swimming in Arkansas. Mirror Lake is also home to one of the Top 10 waterfalls in Arkansas.

Lake Bennett

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YouTube, THV11
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This wonderful lake is located in the Hoody Hollow State Park near the town of Greenbriar and has become a popular destination for visitors. It's a great lake for swimming, camping, or boating and the lake dates back to 1935.

So, if you are looking for a lake a little off the beaten path any of the lakes mentioned would make for a great summer outing.

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