Bella Vista Lakes

Each of Bella Vista’s seven lakes has a distinct recreational profile, ranging from swimming and paddling to fishing and wake sports. To preserve the character of each lake, the POA has suggested recreational uses and regulations.

Water resources paired with limestone Ozark terrain add significant beauty and a boost to the outdoor recreation options in Bella Vista. The community is home to seven man-made lakes, Sugar Creek running along the main valley corridor, spring-fed streams, and several accessible waterfalls. The lakes were built during the planned-community era of the 1950s and 60s, and each one was given a job. Here’s what each does best.

Loch Lomond — 383 acres · marina

At 383 acres, Loch Lomond is home to the city’s only marina and is the largest lake in Bella Vista, making it ideal for boating, sailing, kayaking, and water sports. The full-service marina provides fuel, boat or kayak rentals, and supplies. The Lakepoint Restaurant and Event Center is situated next to the marina for convenient paddle-in dining. Wake sports are permitted in designated areas, and anglers commonly fish near the dam and along structured shoreline features.

Lake Windsor — wake sports · crappie

Lake Windsor is the second-largest lake in the Bella Vista community. Wake sports are allowed within the main channel, but its true popularity is in the branching coves and inlets that are favorites for fishing, particularly crappie and bass.

Lake Avalon — 67 acres · swim beach

Lake Avalon serves as the city’s primary swimming destination and also has parking and easy access to the Lago Vista Trail. The 67-acre lake features a large sandy beach with plenty of access and amenities for sunbathing and relaxing. Lake Avalon is designated as a non-motorized, no-wake lake. The on-site heated fishing dock allows for year-round angling access.

Lake Brittany — 61 acres · winter trout

With 61 acres, Lake Brittany is used specifically as a cold-water fishery during winter months. From November through April, Lake Brittany is stocked with rainbow trout, offering a seasonal fishing opportunity unique within the lake system.

Lake Ann — spring-fed · Pinion Falls

Lake Ann is fed by a cold spring, bordered by limestone bluffs and the Pinion Falls along its westernmost shoreline. The lake is ideal for fishing and non-motorized boating, a quieter alternative to the larger wake-sport lakes. There are several access points along the lake to the Back 40 Trail network. 33 acres, 79 feet maximum depth.

Lake Norwood — anglers’ favorite · no wake

Lake Norwood is one of the two smallest lakes in Bella Vista. Located at Town Center, Lake Norwood is also the most accessible lake and probably the most visited. During warm weather, this is a favorite lunch spot for members who enjoy the picnic tables overlooking the lake. Lake Norwood is particularly scenic due to the prominently wooded, steep shorelines and low housing density. The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel sits on the ridge above it.

Lake Rayburn — bluegill · boat ramp

Completed in 1975, this small lake is a gem. A no-wake lake, Rayburn provides yet another quiet getaway for fishing or paddling. This lake houses an extremely high density of largemouth bass and a good bluegill fishery, yielding beautiful pan-sized fish. Rayburn also houses a fairly unexploited population of good-sized catfish. The boat dock is at the Bella Vista Historical Museum.

Water activities by location

Guest pass requirement

Access to all Bella Vista lakes, beaches, docks, and boat launches requires a valid POA Guest Pass, required for all individuals age six and older. Visitors staying in short-term vacation rentals have access to the lakes and marina with a pass available through their host. Confirm pass availability with your rental host prior to arrival. Sugar Creek, by contrast, is reached through the trail system and needs no pass — see our fly fishing guide.