Places to stay on the lake

Discover Bella Vista’s Beautiful Lakes: A Guide for Vacation Rental Guests

Bella Vista, Arkansas, is home to seven picturesque lakes, offering a range of activities from fishing and kayaking to swimming and boating. While these lakes are private and primarily accessible to residents, they are open to overnight guests who stay in one of Bella Vista’s many stylish vacation rentals available through Airbnb or VRBO. For nature lovers, these lakes provide the perfect escape, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Ozarks. Here’s a guide to each lake and the best activities to enjoy at each one.

1. Lake Bella Vista

Overview: Lake Bella Vista is a popular spot for family-friendly activities, with its scenic trails and accessible fishing spots. This 23-acre lake is ideal for a relaxing day by the water, surrounded by picnic areas and a paved walking path.

• Activities: Fishing, picnicking, and walking or biking on the nearby trail.
• Highlights: The paved Bella Vista Lake Trail loops around the lake, perfect for a morning walk or bike ride, and there are several picnic areas with beautiful views.

2. Lake Ann

Overview: Lake Ann is a larger lake at 112 acres, known for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings. It’s a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and exploring, with plenty of secluded areas and scenic views.

• Activities: Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and small boating.
• Highlights: Lake Ann is especially popular among anglers, as it’s stocked with bass, crappie, and sunfish. Kayakers enjoy the lake’s peaceful, glassy waters and its scenic coves.

3. Lake Windsor

Overview: At 220 acres, Lake Windsor is the largest lake in Bella Vista and a favorite for those looking for more adventurous water activities. The lake has multiple boat launches and is large enough for motorized boating.

• Activities: Motorized boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming.
• Highlights: With its expansive size, Lake Windsor is ideal for boating and skiing, making it a top choice for families and groups. Its multiple fishing docks also make it a great fishing destination.

4. Lake Avalon

Overview: Lake Avalon, at 67 acres, offers a quieter environment and is one of the best places for a peaceful swim in Bella Vista. This lake also has a designated swim area, complete with a sandy beach.

• Activities: Swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
• Highlights: The sandy beach area is perfect for a family-friendly day of swimming and sunbathing. The calm waters make it easy to launch a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful exploration of the lake.

5. Lake Norwood

Overview: This smaller, 33-acre lake is tucked away and offers a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. Lake Norwood is known for its excellent fishing spots and is a favorite for anglers.

• Activities: Fishing and kayaking.
• Highlights: The quiet nature of Lake Norwood makes it ideal for a serene fishing experience. Anglers can catch bass and crappie, and kayakers enjoy the still, reflective waters.

6. Loch Lomond

Overview: Loch Lomond is a 477-acre lake, making it the largest and one of the most versatile lakes in Bella Vista. It’s popular for motorized boating, fishing, and even sailing.

• Activities: Motorized boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Highlights: With plenty of open water, Loch Lomond is a prime location for boating and sailing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, making it a great spot for bass fishing tournaments and recreational fishing alike.

7. Lake Rayburn

Overview: Lake Rayburn, a 47-acre lake, is nestled in a more natural, forested setting, making it a perfect location for a quiet escape. Its smaller size and tranquil atmosphere make it popular with anglers and kayakers.

• Activities: Fishing and kayaking.
• Highlights: Lake Rayburn’s tree-lined shores provide a beautiful backdrop for a quiet fishing trip or a solo kayak ride. Wildlife is abundant here, making it a lovely spot for nature watching as well.

Planning Your Visit to Bella Vista’s Lakes

With their serene beauty and diverse activities, Bella Vista’s lakes offer something for every nature lover. Whether you’re looking to fish, swim, paddle, or simply relax by the water, staying overnight in a Bella Vista vacation rental allows you access to these beautiful private lakes. Just remember to respect the natural environment and follow any lake-specific regulations.

Note: Bella Vista is a peaceful community that welcomes respectful visitors. If you’re looking to unwind and enjoy nature, you’ll feel right at home. For those seeking a lively party scene, Bella Vista might not be the right destination. Instead, come to enjoy the tranquility and scenic beauty that these lakes and the surrounding Ozarks have to offer.

Explore Bella Vista’s lakeside beauty and book a stay at one of the inviting vacation rentals—whether for a weekend retreat or a weeklong adventure, these lakes will provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway.