Created in 1932 when the Arkansas Power and Light Company completed Carpenter Dam on the Ouachita River to generate electricity, Lake Hamilton is a 7,460-acre popular recreational and residential lake. Hill Wheatley Park, located on the shore, has a popular swim area with a man-made sandy beach, picnic facilities, and restrooms.
Water-skiing, pleasure boating, and fishing are popular Hot Springs attractions on Lake Hamilton and rentals of watercraft and sport accessories are readily available.