Lake Hamilton is a 7,200-acre reservoir on the Ouachita River, wrapping around the south and west sides of Hot Springs. Formed in 1932 behind Carpenter Dam, its shoreline holds homes, condos, docks, and waterfront restaurants.
The feel
Lake Hamilton is the busy lake in the Hot Springs area. Arkansas Power and Light, now Entergy, completed Carpenter Dam on the Ouachita River in 1931 to generate hydroelectric power, and the lake filled in 1932. It is named for Hamilton Moses, who later led the utility. Water flows in from Lake Ouachita upstream through Blakely Dam. In summer the lake fills with pleasure boats, pontoon tours, and dockside dining. Off season, the coves get quiet and the hills around them do the talking.
The homes
The shoreline is heavily developed. Expect large waterfront homes with private docks, lakefront condominiums, and older lake cabins that have been updated over the years. Off the water, neighborhoods offer lake views or deeded or community access at lower prices. Because the lake winds through many coves, two homes a mile apart by water can feel very different: open main channel views on one, sheltered cove water on another. Many owners use their homes as second homes, and some are rented to visitors.
Schools
Several school districts touch Lake Hamilton, and the shore you live on matters. The Lake Hamilton census-designated place on the south shore is in the Lakeside School District. The Lake Hamilton School District, based in Pearcy, serves Rockwell, much of Piney, Crystal Springs, and Pearcy. Other lakeside homes fall in the Hot Springs district or neighboring districts. Despite the name, the Lake Hamilton district does not cover every home on the lake, so confirm the exact address with the district.
Getting around
Arkansas Highway 7 crosses the lake on two islands and runs about 7 miles north to central Hot Springs and about 28 miles south to Arkadelphia. U.S. 70 and 270 skirt the north side near the city. Downtown Little Rock is roughly 60 miles away, reached by way of Hot Springs and Interstate 30. Many owners also get around by boat, since restaurants, marinas, and fuel docks are spread along the shore.
Life here
Boating, fishing, and skiing fill the warm months, and marinas around the lake rent boats and sell fuel and supplies. Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical garden, sits on a peninsula in the lake. Downtown Hot Springs, with Bathhouse Row and Oaklawn, is a short drive north. Below Carpenter Dam, Lake Catherine and Lake Catherine State Park offer a quieter stretch of the Ouachita, and the much larger Lake Ouachita lies upstream.
Owning here
Entergy owns and operates the dams and manages the shoreline. Its Lakes Management group handles permits for new docks, remodeling, repairs, shoreline landscaping, and lighting and electrical codes, and it processes permit transfers when a waterfront home sells. Ask for the current dock permit during your due diligence. The Garland County Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Arkansas Game and Fish handle enforcement on the water. Check FEMA flood maps and get an insurance quote for any waterfront parcel. Confirm millage with Garland County.
