David Samuel, FireWise Coordinator, visited Lake Charles State Park to make FireWise assessments on April 14, 2008.

The park is well-maintained, lean, green and clean with very little risk from wildland fire, which places Lake Charles State Park on the Arkansas FireWise Honor Roll. 

Pictured from left to right are Danny Rowsey, Lawrence County Ranger; Robert Thomas, Lawrence County Forester; Kendra Harris, Assistant Park Superintendent; Kristyn Watts, Park Interpreter; Randall Watts, Park Superintendent; and Curtis Shepherd, Randolph County Ranger.

According to state park literature, the park, located on the on the shore of Lake Charles, offers 645 acres of spring-fed waters in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The lake offers good catches of bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The park also features 60 campsites, 23 Class AAA and 37 Class B, and one Rent-an-RV. Within walking distance are picnic sites, hiking trails, a standard screened-in pavilion with ceiling fans, launch ramp, swimming beach, and playground. The visitor center's gift shop offers gift items, camping supplies, and snacks. Park interpretive programs include party barge lake tours and guided kayak tours.

From Hoxie, go eight miles northwest on U.S. 63, then six miles south on Ark. 25 to the park. Additional contact information can be found at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakecharles/.

 

 

 

 

The park assessment team discusses proposed control burn to reduce fuels at Lake Charles State Park.