Hot Springs lake dock guide (2026)
Who regulates docks on each Hot Springs lake, how Entergy's permits work, height limits, winter drawdowns, and planning tips, with sources.
Updated October 18, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency listed before you start work.
Quick reference
| Lake | Who regulates docks | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Hamilton | Entergy (FERC Project No. 271) | About 7,200 acres; Carpenter Dam, 1931 |
| Lake Catherine | Entergy (FERC Project No. 271) | About 1,940 acres; Remmel Dam, 1920s |
| Lake Ouachita | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | About 690 miles of shoreline; Blakely Mountain Dam, 1953 |
| Hot Springs Village lakes | Hot Springs Village POA | Eleven recreation lakes; Lake Balboa is 944 acres |
How do Entergy dock permits work?
Lakes Hamilton and Catherine were built by Arkansas Power & Light, now Entergy, as part of a federally licensed hydroelectric project. Entergy requires a permit before any single-family dock, pier or deck is built, placed or used:
- The property owner named on the deed completes the application; a contractor can be listed.
- Email the application and fully dimensioned drawings to LakePermits@Entergy.com.
- Entergy says it responds within 14 days with questions or acceptance and an estimated review time, then invoices a processing fee.
- Permits are void if work isn't finished within 12 months; up to two written extensions may be granted.
- Deck height is limited to 5 feet and roof height to 15 feet above summertime full pool.
- Changing a permitted facility's roofline or roof footprint needs prior written approval, and permits don't transfer automatically when a property is sold.
- Permitted facilities can't be used for human habitation.
What about seawalls, ramps and dredging?
Bank stabilization, dredging, boat ramps and swim areas on Lakes Hamilton and Catherine need a separate Entergy shoreline activity permit and must comply with the Corps of Engineers' General Permit 60. Entergy requires riprap along the full length of new seawalls up to normal summer pool level, limits swim areas to 30 by 30 feet, and prohibits cutting trees or vegetation without written approval.
What are the winter drawdowns?
Entergy lowers Lakes Hamilton and Catherine in winter to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Its plan usually alternates 3-foot and 5-foot drawdowns, beginning November 1 and lowering the lakes about 6 inches a day. Drawdowns expose shoreline, which many owners use for seawall and shallow-water work, and floating docks and walkways need to be designed for the change in level.
Lake Ouachita and Hot Springs Village
Lake Ouachita is a Corps of Engineers lake surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so docks fall under the Corps' shoreline rules; contact the Lake Ouachita Field Office at (501) 767-2101. Hot Springs Village's lakes are private and governed by the Village POA, which sets its own dock rules.
Planning tips
- Start early: permit review and building can take months.
- Measure water depth at your shoreline at summer pool and during drawdown.
- Size the dock and lift for the boat you'll own in a few years, not just today's.
- Have a licensed electrician handle dock wiring, with ground-fault protection.
- Get the design, materials, flotation, permit responsibility, timeline and warranty in a written contract.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a dock on Lake Hamilton?
Yes. Entergy requires the property owner to obtain a permit before building, placing or changing a dock on Lakes Hamilton and Catherine.
How tall can a dock roof be on Lake Hamilton?
Entergy limits roof height to 15 feet and deck height to 5 feet above summertime full pool.
When are the Lake Hamilton drawdowns?
Entergy usually starts winter drawdowns on November 1, alternating 3-foot and 5-foot drawdowns from year to year.