Beaver Lake is a man-made reservoir that is the result of the Beaver Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944 and constructed between 1960 and 1966. Since its creation, the Beaver Dam is estimated to have prevented $52.5 million in flood damage, while providing a variety of recreational facilities around the lake. The Beaver Dam doubles as a power plant that operates two main 56 MW turbines in one house unit that offers a total power generation capacity of 6,347,345 MWHR.

Recreation

Come roast marshmallows over a fire in one of the 677 available campsites at one of the twelve developed parks that offer electricity, fire rings, drinking water, restrooms, and showers. Take the whole family to a swimming beach, picnic site, and hiking trail with an entrance right by Lost Bridge Marina. While you're there, rent a boat from Lost Bridge Marina and go explore the lake for as little as $50 or take the whole family skiing in our 23 ft deck boat. Still looking for more things to do on Beaver Lake? Stop by Lost Bridge Marina and ask for suggestions!

Beaver Lake Facts

  • 487 miles of shoreline

  • Dam completed in 1966

  • 28,370 acre lake

  • Striper and hybrid combined daily

  • limit is three

  • Lake created for flood control and power generation

Beaver Lake Map

Click here to download a Beaver Lake Map

Arkansas boating license information

To rent a boat at Lost Bridge Marina you must be 25 years old. Arkansas law requires anyone that is born on or after January 1, 1986 to have an Arkansas boating license.

We want everyone to have fun on the lake but most importantly be safe. Many boaters take the boat safety course in order to be aware of common boating rules. We recommend the boaters safety course to every renter regardless of boating history.

The Arkansas boater education certificate (commonly known as the Arkansas boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

To legally operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft) on Arkansas waters, a person who is of legal age to operate, whether an Arkansas resident or a non-resident, and who is born on or after January 1, 1986, must have successfully completed an approved safe boating course and carry proof of certification when on board the vessel. The law also affects operators of sailboats. For more information, check out the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Lifejackets, PFDs - what are the rules?

Per the Arkansas Game and Fish website,

  • All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.

  • Children younger than 13 must wear a securely fastened USCG-approved PFD at all times while in any vessel. The only exception is if the child is within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser or houseboat and the vessel is not underway.

  • Each person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on PWCs.

  • Each person being towed behind a motorized vessel on water skis, an aquaplane or other device must wear a USCG-approved PFD.

  • One Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer, in addition to the above requirement.

While it is the renters responsibility to abide Arkansas boating regulations, Lost Bridge Marina will provide you with the required equipment to meet the requirements. Children should be outfitted with the proper size life vest prior to leaving the marina. They must wear these at all times while on the watercraft.

Diver safety

Per the Game and Fish regulations, scuba divers in federally controlled waters must display a "diver down" flag to mark their diving area. Divers spear fishing in Arkansas state waters must display a "diver down" flag and are required to stay within 300 feet of the displayed flag.

New to owning a boat?

We strongly recommend learning all Arkansas boating regulations and be aware you have of proper safety equipment for your new boat.