Boating Norfork Lake
If you’ve got a hanker’n to make a few waves, this is the lake to do it on. The water is calm and the scenery spectacular. And there are miles of open water that you can have all to yourself making Norfork Lake a boater’s paradise.
Just imagine skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, or just cruising on water like glass. It’s probably been awhile. Maybe not since your last visit to Norfork Lake?
Bring A Boat, Any Boat!
- A 42 mile length of crystal clear deep blue water, miles wide in places.
- Up to 550 miles of pristine natural Ozark forest shoreline, un-commercialized, un-spoiled, and all of it open to the public.
- No cabin cruisers, no party coves, and the only rocking ‘n’ rolling will come from your radio.
- Hundreds of coves to hang out or hide out in. There are times you can drop anchor in a remote cove and not see another boat for hours.
- Throw in the natural white sand beaches and you have “The Caribbean, Ozark style.”
No Boat? No Problem!
A trip to Norfork Lake just wouldn’t be complete without doing some boating. Boat rentals are available from most marinas to get you on the lake and on your way. Many resorts also offer boat rentals to guests who are staying with them.
There is plenty to do on your Norfork Lake boating trip too. From picturesque islands to quiet sandy beaches, a secluded cove to hang out in, or just a leisurely slow cruise on the crystal clear deep blue water, boating Norfork Lake is a great way to spend a warm summer day, or any day for that matter.
Maybe you might prefer a little faster pace. Want to spend your boating time tubing, possibly some water skiing, or trying out the latest model jet ski. Wherever your boating trip will take you, Norfork Lake marinas are at key locations around the lake to help you.
Water Fun Rentals
Norfork Lake, A Boater’s Paradise
Whether your craft is a ski boat, fishing boat, pontoon, a houseboat, a kayak, or a canoe, there is a place for it on Norfork Lake. You will enjoy piloting your craft on Norfork Lake. Access the lake on your schedule. Our marinas are open all year. Many of our 24 boat launch ramps are open 24/7/365. Can ya beat that? All of this is why Norfork Lake is the top boating and water sports vacation destination of the central United States.
So hitch up your trailer, or bring a friend that has a boat, or just borrow that old scow of your brother-in law’s, and head for the lake. By the way, if you bring your brother-in-law’s boat, most of our marinas have certified mechanics on staff to handle those boat repairs.
Rent A Boat, or a Jet Ski, or even a Houseboat
Most Norfork Lake marinas and resorts offer boat rentals for a day, a week or longer. Choose from pontoons, ski boats, deck boats, bass boats, jet skis, canoes or maybe a houseboat. You will find them all on Norfork Lake. If you are looking for seasonal boat stall rentals, our Norfork Lake marinas can help you with those as well.
Norfork Lake Tourism
would like you to be aware of the following:
Norfork Lake is a federally controlled lake operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The lake is regulated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Federal boating regulations apply as does those of the State of Arkansas.
Norfork Lake is patrolled by the US Army Corps of Engineers Rangers, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Rangers. Their mission is your boating safety. It works. Check our recent safety records.
Kids And Boats
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) at all times on any vessel.
To legally operate any motorboat (including personal watercrafts) 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 carry one of the following:
- An approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) safe boating course certificate
- A valid boating education certificate issued by another state from a boating education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
Additional restrictions apply to operators under legal age.
The Beaches
Water Sports
Scuba
Skiing etc.
Norfork Lake Map
Marinas
Resorts / Lodging
Spear Fishing
HELP US PROTECT YOUR LAKE!
The Norfork Lake Tourism works diligently to
keep your lake free of aquatic nuisances, invasive species, and other
destructive forces to keep Norfork Lake pristine for generations to come.