Bella Vista was built around water. Seven lakes wind through its wooded Ozark hills, offering boating, kayaking, swimming beaches, and some of the best bass and crappie fishing in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s your guide to each Bella Vista lake — where to launch, where to fish, and how to get on the water.
Good to Know: Who Can Use the Lakes
All seven Bella Vista lakes are privately owned and maintained by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA) for members and their registered guests — they are not open to the general public for boating, fishing, or swimming. The easiest way for visitors to get on the water is to stay at a Bella Vista vacation rental whose host can register you for lake access, or to visit as the guest of a POA member. An Arkansas fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older, and motorized boats must be registered with the POA. Looking for a lake anyone can visit? See Lake Bella Vista below.
Loch Lomond
Bella Vista’s largest lake (477 acres) and the only one with a full-service marina — boat & kayak rentals, bait shop, gas, a lakeside restaurant, and the best largemouth bass fishing in town. Read the full guide »
Lake Ann
A central, family-friendly lake with a covered pavilion, picnic tables and grill, boat ramp, courtesy dock, and restrooms — perfect for an easy afternoon of paddling and picnicking. Read the full guide »
Lake Avalon
Bella Vista’s beach lake, with a swimming beach, covered picnic area, and an enclosed, heated fishing dock for comfortable year-round fishing. Read the full guide »
The Other Bella Vista Lakes
- Lake Windsor — a large, popular lake for boating and fishing, with launching ramps off London Drive and at the dam off Cannock Lane.
- Lake Brittany — a quieter lake with a launching ramp at the dam off Ashwell Lane.
- Lake Rayburn — one of the smaller, more secluded lakes, good for peaceful paddling and fishing.
- Lake Norwood — a small, tucked-away lake popular with anglers looking to get away from the crowds.
Lake Bella Vista (Public)
Just south of town at the northern tip of Bentonville, Lake Bella Vista is the one area lake open to everyone. This 132-acre public park has a paved 1.75-mile loop trail, fishing and kayaking, a playground, a covered pavilion, and a veterans memorial — a great free stop for a walk or an easy paddle. Read more »
Back to Things to Do in Bella Vista, or explore Northwest Arkansas outdoors.