GeoDel

Lake Ouachita state park family activities

Lake Ouachita state park offers a lot of family oriented outdoor activities. We were so disappointed when we couldn’t get a camping spot to spend the weekend with our family and friends. Apparently, the park is so popular that reservation has to be done months ahead of time.

Our wood cabin for the weekend in the middle of the woods and overlooking Lake Ouachita.
Our cabin for the weekend

It has been becoming more difficult to get everybody on board the same days off schedule hence it took a while to agree on a date. Luckily, we were still able to reserve a cabin in a nearby resort. Close enough to Lake Ouachita state park that we can just drive there for day activities. Crystal Springs Resort provided the last minute reservation that we needed and provided enough rooms for our large group.

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Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum

The view of the marina at Crystal Springs Resort. We were riding the mountain bikes early in the morning and came upon the marina with boats docked and thinly veiled by the morning mist.
Off the trail biking

We had a lot of activities to do in mind. Though we knew that we cannot do all of it with the our limited time. Trail biking, definitely in our wish list, was dependent on our ability to ride the trails. It’s not the lack of easy trails to ride but rather our lack of preparation and proper protective equipment that makes it not ideal. We needed an activity at Lake Ouachita state park that will allow everybody’s participation.

The start of the Caddo Bend Trail. The posted board describes the trail and gives a general idea on how to navigate it.
Hiking the trail

Last year we were at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. We camped and we hiked the trail. It was our first time to hike as a group and it was fun. I must admit, it was difficult for me but it was still fun. This time, we decided to hike the trail again. The debate was whether to do the half mile or the four mile trail. The four mile trail won so off we go.

A picture of my wife trekking the upslope of the wooded trail. I took a similar photograph a year ago when we hiked the trail at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Solace in hiking

I felt elated! I don’t know whether it was the solace of being in a wooded area or I was hallucinating from being so tired! Everybody else was happy but couldn’t understand why the old man was walking so slow. In my mind, I was walking as fast as I can. Certainly, I wouldn’t let the old lady walking behind pass me – but she did!

Jay Jay, our trail angel, flashes a smile and a wave when he sees us coming down the slope. He stayed by the footbridge and waited for everybody to make it through.
Fun while hiking

What we wanted was to have a break and have fun, and we did! We forgot our worries, our deadlines, and our work problems. We spent time together and enjoyed each other’s company. Most importantly, we were able to spend time with our family and friends.

Father and son enjoying the boat ride around Lake Ouachita while seated at the bow. I imagine Dad must be giving his son some pointers. Fishing, maybe?
Family time