Arkansas’s secondary nickname is the Diamond State; that’s because we’re home to the world’s only open-to-the-public diamond mine. In addition to the countless actual diamonds that have been found in Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas is also home to five glorious diamond lakes. These diamond lakes in Arkansas are so-called because of their clarity. In fact, you won’t find more sparkly gems anywhere.

1. Lake Ouachita is near Hot Springs and is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest.

Coming in at 40,100 sparkling acres of gorgeous water, the largest diamond lake is Lake Ouachita. It’s one of the clearest lakes in the world.

It’s so clear, in fact, that (totally harmless) freshwater jellyfish live there. That’s super cool because those (again, totally harmless) freshwater jellyfish literally can’t live anywhere that doesn’t have super pristine water.

Learn more about hiking around Lake Ouachita State Park.

It’s also the largest lake entirely within Arkansas and contains over a hundred islands you can explore.

2. Scenic Lake Hamilton is also close to Hot Springs, and it’s incredibly scenic. Lake Hamilton was built in 1932, and it’s been a popular place for recreation ever since.

With inns where you can stay on the shores of Lake Hamilton and proximity to Arkansas’s most popular town for tourism, Lake Hamilton has become a popular place for recreation of all kinds.

Lake Hamilton also has a riverboat that will take you for an awesome cruise around the lake!

3. Lovely Lake Catherine is located near Malvern, just minutes south of Hot Springs. At only 1,940 acres, Lake Catherine is a small lake, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm.

Lake Catherine State Park has cozy little cabins where you can relax. How enchanting!

Falls Creek Falls is just a short hike from the shore of Lake Catherine.

You'll also be near the tumbling Lake Catherine Falls. These cascades are gorgeous and gentle, and make for the perfect splashing spot for youngsters following this two-mile trek, which is generally considered "easy" for most hikers, too! Learn more about hiking near Lake Catherine State Park.

4. The oft-overlooked Lake Greeson is located between Glenwood and Murfreesboro, and it’s a paradise for fishermen interested in channel cats and rainbow trout.

It’s also a great place to go sailing or swimming...

... or a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the view. Truly, this lake is one of the best hidden gems in Arkansas!

Last but certainly not least, Lake DeGray is home to Arkansas’s only resort state park, and with a beach that rivals the coast, this Arkansas State Park so scenic that it’s no wonder they chose to call it a resort!

The water of Lake DeGray is incredibly clear, and the park lodge is well-equipped to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible!

There are yurts at Lake DeGray, too, making for a veritable "choose your own adventure" in the wilds of Arkansas!

All five of the diamond lakes in Arkansas are incredibly clear and so beautiful. There’s absolutely no excuse for you not to visit every single one.

Learn more about the Diamond Lakes, undeniably some of the best lakes in Arkansas, when you watch the video below:

For more pristine lakes in Arkansas, be sure to check out these nine clear-blue beauties. And if you are looking to find things to do near the five Diamond Lakes of Arkansas, you should check out this post on Hot Springs!

And don't forget to download AllTrails+ for all your hiking adventures in Arkansas!