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Lake Columbia, Arkansas, USA

The Timberlands Region of Arkansas is home to Lake Columbia, a 2,950 acre reservoir situated northwest of Magnolia the country seat of Columbia County. Constructed in 1986, Lake Columbia is one of the largest impoundments created by the Arkansas Game and Fish in South Arkansas. While the Columbia County Rural Development Authority operates the dam and controls the water level, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides…
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    • All About Lake Columbia, AR

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Arkansas - Timberlands Region, AR -

    The Timberlands Region of Arkansas is home to Lake Columbia, a 2,950 acre reservoir situated northwest of Magnolia the country seat of Columbia County. Constructed in 1986, Lake Columbia is one of the largest impoundments created by the Arkansas Game and Fish in South Arkansas. While the Columbia County Rural Development Authority operates the dam and controls the water level, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides visitors with boat docks, fishing piers and picnic areas. Some of the boat docks and fishing piers are handicap accessible.

    Columbia Lake is divided into four zones with one of the zones inaccessible to unauthorized visitors. Half of the lake is open for pleasure boating and water skiing, while three quarters of the Columbia Lake is accessible to anglers who will enjoy fishing in the timber flooded parts of the lake for largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, red ear sunfish, and bluegill.

    The area surrounding Columbia Lake has a rich history and some fascinating sites to visit. First inhabited by Native American, Columbia County was known as a region with abundance of natural resources. It was these resources that drew settlers to the area shortly after Arkansas achieved statehood in 1836. First cotton then timber, oil, gas and bromine, the natural resources provided Columbia County with economic capital. The courthouse square of Magnolia is lined with tress by the same name. History buffs may want to solemnly stroll through the Magnolia City Cemetery. There they will find the final resting place of the highest ranking Confederate officer buried in Arkansas, Major General John Porter McCown, as well as a number of other known and unknown Confederate soldiers. While in Magnolia, garden enthusiast may want to walk though 600 plus acres of the Agricultural and Horticultural Farm of the Southern Arkansas University that was founded in 1909.

    Campsites can be found around the Lake Columbia that offer water and electrical hook-ups. There is also an RV rental located nearby. The undeveloped shores of Lake Columbia do not offer residential homes or vacation rentals, however, accommodations such as hotels and bread and breakfast can be found in the nearby towns of Magnolia and McNeil. The Logoly State Park is located in McNeil and is the first environmental education state park in Arkansas. There are a few campsites located at the park along with a bathhouse with hot showers, a standard pavilion, playground, trails, picnic sites and a visitor center. Interactive educational nature activities make Logoly State Park a child friendly place. Children will enjoy exploring nature though hikes, fish and alligator viewing at the aquarium and having fun with hands on exhibits.

    For Lake Columbia visitors who do not mind to dive a little may enjoy staying overnight in Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas and the home of former President William Clinton. In addition to great food, exciting shopping and fun site seeing, visitors can explore the William J. Clinton Presidential Center which has the United States newest Presidential Library that holds the largest collection of presidential history.

    Visitors can enjoy the beauty of wood lined shores of Lake Columbia while taking in all the sites and sounds around. They can take pleasure in the rural surroundings of Lake Columbia yet still be close to nearby city life. Whether visitors come out for some thrilling pleasure boating or some relaxing fishing, they will find Lake Columbia offers something the whole family will enjoy.

    Things to Do at Lake Columbia

    These are some activities in the Lake Columbia, AR area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Playground
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Columbia?

    Lake Columbia has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Columbia

    If you’re considering a Lake Columbia lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Columbia Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Columbia lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Columbia Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Columbia County Rural Development Authority

    Surface Area: 2,950 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 240 feet

    Average Depth: 11 feet

    Maximum Depth: 27 feet

    Water Volume: 28,787 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1986

    Drainage Area: 46 sq. miles

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