A Road Trip Full of Surprises
This spring, my husband, our three boys, and I loaded up the car for an 8½-hour drive to Beaver Lake, Arkansas. Along the way, we made a pit stop at a gas station—and to my surprise, they had heated seats in the women’s restroom! It’s the little things that make road trips memorable.
The Twists and Turns to Get There
As we got closer to the lake, the roads became incredibly winding. Good thing we packed motion sickness medicine for our middle son, Dominic! If you’re planning a trip to Beaver Lake, I’d definitely recommend being prepared for some curvy roads.
Settling Into Our Vacation Rental
We stayed at a cozy three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental home that was the perfect size for our family.
Our host, Christopher, was wonderful—responsive, helpful, and made sure everything was ready for our arrival.
You can check out the home here: Our Beaver Lake Rental Stay
One tip: bring groceries and supplies with you. The nearest stores are at least 20–30 minutes away, and having a stocked kitchen made a big difference for us.
A Hidden City Beneath the Lake
Beaver Lake itself has a fascinating backstory. Built in the 1960s by the Beaver Dam, the lake actually covers several old towns and homes that were flooded to create the reservoir. In some spots, when the water is clear enough, you can almost imagine the structures hidden below.
Stormy Weather and a Midnight Wake-Up
One night during our stay, all our phones blared with a tornado warning, jolting everyone awake around 2 a.m.!
It was one of those unforgettable moments where you wonder if you should hide in the bathroom—or just ride it out and hope for the best. Luckily, the storm passed without any damage, but it definitely added to the adventure!
Fishing Adventures (and Misadventures)
Fishing was a major focus for our trip.
We had two fishing charters booked, hoping to catch some big striper fish. Unfortunately, the first trip only yielded one fish, and the second was canceled due to weather concerns. Disappointingly, the second captain would not offer a refund.
Thankfully, we stumbled upon the Beaver Dam Store — a local, family-run shop where the owner handcrafts fishing lures and shares priceless advice.
He helped us pick the right gear and gave tips for trout fishing from shore, and thanks to him, the boys caught enough trout for a fresh fish dinner!
If you’re ever in the area, definitely check them out: Beaver Dam Store Facebook Page
Meals, Memories, and Rainy Days
Even with the rainy weather, we made the most of our trip.
We grilled steaks, cooked up trout, and even brought a HoneyBaked Ham meal to enjoy.
(Travel tip: Sam’s Club mashed potatoes + a stick of cream cheese = mashed potato heaven.)
The hot tub at the rental house was the perfect way to end the days.
We also went out to eat one evening and had some incredible trout at a local restaurant—(I’m still finding the name and will link it here once I do!)
Would We Return?
Maybe. The weather made this trip a little more complicated than we hoped, and the winding roads made for a long travel day.
But the beauty of Beaver Lake, the kindness we experienced at the Beaver Dam Store, and the relaxing rental house definitely made it a trip to remember.
Next time, though, we’ll be sure to book everything with trusted local businesses—and bring an extra fishing rod just in case.
