Reviews
Lake Catherine
User Reviews
Amanda Fogarty
I did not realize this place had housed German POWs. The story of how well they were treated and that the POW actually brought his wife to see lake Catherine after the war made me happy. The fireplace is still there and beautiful. The view from behind the visitor center is gorgeous. From the campground there is the ugly factory across the lake which isn't my favorite. The trail was awsome. There wasn't much water in the waterfall this time of year but the view was great. The trail was fun and perfect for a beginner.
Christy Foster
Gorgeous lake and super nice campground! We were lucky enough to get Site 58, right on the water and it may very well be the best site in the campground. Each site has a nice long level paved pad, a picnic table on a paved pad, a stationary lantern hook, a graveled tent pad, water, sewer, electric and a fire ring you can cook on and a Charcoal grill. Each section (A, B and C) have their own restrooms with two clean showers and two bathroom stalls for each sex. There are several hiking trails directly from the campground and you can fish for trout snd Bluegill from your camp site. It's only a 20 minute drive to Hot Springs National Park. We're staying two nights and we're already wishing we would have booked more, as it's already filled with no availability for longer.
Matthew Stullich
Very quiet well maintained state park. No fee to get in. I was camping but they have a swim area with nice clean changing rooms and a small marina with rentals. I had a water view tent spot. Electric and water included. As a note the power station complex across the bay in full view. Also at night lots of dog barking across the bay as well. ( No fault of the parks). Took about 30 minutes to the National park.
Rich t
We camped here for nine days and really enjoyed our stay. We were a little bummed out to be in loop A which was up the hill a little from the lake. However, it was much quieter, larger sites with better spacing and still very convenient access to everything with a short walk. Lots of trails, boat rental and plenty of activities for the kids.
Christina Bethalee
Beautiful area. Free to hike and swim. The trail layout is confusing. To the waterfall hang right on the red trail where the wooden sign is. We took the long way by accident. Rocky, slippery, little waterfalls along the way & babbling brooks too! You need water shoes to cross spots and with traction. Once we got down there a lot of trash from about 50 foreigners/tourists and lots of photo shoots. Crowded. I love that people come to visit —PLEASE PICKUP YOUR TRASH! We love and treasure our State Parks and respect our places visitors. Nice swimming hole and downhill to get to the water. No trash cans or bathrooms on trails & waterfall.
Paul Hudson
Absolute gem. Helpful and friendly at the visitors center. Kayak kiosk was easy to use. Beautiful paddle to the Fall River Falls. Then we hiked the Fall River Falls trail. It was 2 miles. If you hike away from the falls first then it’s a moderate hike. The first 1/3 of a mile or so you crisscross a beautiful stream. The next 2/3 are mostly woods. The falls are amazing and the water is ice cold. The hike back to the parking lot is much easier. Mostly rolling flat trail. If you wanted an easier hike you could hike this way in and out.
J Brazier
Absolutely in love with this place. We hiked to the waterfall, Camped two days in the walk in primitive tent site where Fire pits, grill and picnic tables are set up. Public bathrooms and bath houses are available. They have horse back riding and kayak rentals. Family friendly. It was just me and my 9 & 11 yr old with our dog. We went swimming every evening. We will definitely be returning. Just make sure you lock everything up at night, the raccoons love eating your snacks.
J Cruse
Very nice state park. Sites are pretty level and to have water and power was fancy. The waterfall at the end of the trail was cute and fun to take a small hike to.
Elizabeth Barttelbort
I really enjoyed being there today. We did the waterfall hike and rented kayaks from the kiosk. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Great rates and overall the park was well kept.
Heidi OToole
Great little park to tent camp. Make sure to secure your food! The raccoons are ready for midnight snacks! The trails are well maintained and marked. The waterfall was present, but smaller than the pictures show. It was a lovely morning hike.
lea allen
Great campgrounds, nicely maintained trails, beach area to swim and a pretty cool waterfall are a few of the things that make this park a great place to camp! Popular place so book your campsite in advance.
OG George
We LOVE staying at Lake Catherine State Park when visiting Hot Springs. It’s secluded and has that woodsy feel, but it’s also not far from Central Avenue, restaurants, etc…. The park is always clean. We love the Rustic CCC cabins (I wish they had more of the CCC cabins that were pet friendly besides only one). The marina was closed this time due to construction, but it looks like it will be really nice when it is completed. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing if you stay in the Rustic Cabins. The screened in porches are an extra bonus! You can’t beat the price either. The staff at the office are always so friendly when checking in. It rained while we were there, so on our last day, we went to the waterfall trail and it was amazing! We actually saw a double waterfall this time. We highly recommend this state park.