Lake Charles State Park in Lawrence County is a 140-acre Arkansas park in the Ozarks along the Black River, centered on the 645-acre artificial Lake Charles. Created as a multipurpose reservoir, the lake was designed to control flooding, protect the watershed, support wildlife habitat, and provide fresh water to Shirey Bay Rainey Brake during hot summer months. The project began with local conservation efforts in 1954 and was completed through cooperation among state agencies and local residents. Construction started in 1964, and the park was dedicated on May 28, 1967. Today it offers outdoor recreation including fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, and nature interpretation.