Lake Ouachita is a large reservoir created by the impoundment of the Ouachita River. The lake is surrounded almost entirely by the Ouachita National Forest an enormous and pristine woodland blanketing hill country. There are many islands on the lake that are broadly distributed along its complex shoreline. The Joplin Use Area hosts some considerable development both in terms of residences and marinas so expect to encounter crowds on busy weekends. The area does have winding shoreline and multiple islands to explore.