You don’t need to own a lakefront home to enjoy the beauty of Norfork! With over 20 professionally managed parks and hundreds of miles of public shoreline, finding a place to launch your boat, take a swim, or enjoy a sunset picnic is easy.
Most of our public access areas are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring they are clean, safe, and well-maintained for your family.
Norfork Lake is divided into several regions. Here are some of the most popular “Day-Use” areas where you can access the water:
Central (near Henderson)
Boat launching, swimming beach, and large picnic shelters.
West side (near Hwy 412)
Sandy swimming beach and easy access for Mountain Home visitors.
East side (near Henderson)
Hiking (David’s Trail), scenic bluffs, and quiet picnicking.
South end (near the Dam)
SCUBA diving access, viewing the Dam, and great fishing.
North end (Hwy 101)
Boat launching and beautiful views of the northern lake arms.
Central (Hwy 412)
Quick boat launching and proximity to the bridge and marinas.
Below the Dam
Watching the spillway, bank fishing, and cold-water river access.
Most “Day-Use” parks offer a standard set of amenities to make your trip comfortable:
Boat Ramps: Concrete ramps with ample parking for trucks and trailers.
Swimming Beaches: Designated areas marked with buoys to keep boat traffic at a safe distance.
Picnic Sites: Many sites include a table and a grill; larger group shelters are available for reservation.
Restrooms: Most parks have vault or flush toilets and accessible facilities.
Playgrounds: Several parks (like Panther Bay and Cranfield) feature play areas for children.
While many access points are free, some developed parks require a small Day-Use Fee (typically around $5 per vehicle).
How to Pay: Most parks have “Self-Pay” stations at the entrance.
Annual Passes: If you are a frequent visitor, you can purchase a USACE Annual Day-Use Pass.
Federal Passes: The “America the Beautiful” (Senior, Access, or Military) passes are also honored at these sites and often provide a 50% discount on fees.
To see a full map of every boat ramp and park on the lake, we recommend downloading the USACE Norfork Lake Map or visiting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District website.
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