Second in our regional blog series is Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia! See what makes each of these locations special below:

Bull Shoals Lake, AR

Where Is It: Bull Shoals Lake sits among the Ozark Mountains on the border of Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri, about an hour and a half drive southeast of Branson, MO. With hundreds of miles of forested, rocky shoreline and countless arms and coves it's easy to find seclusion. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Often referred to as the "Caribbean o fthe Midwest" because of its clear water, allowing underwater visibility of 20-30 feet making it a prime destination for scuba diving. There are multiple dive sites with rock walls caverns, sunken boats, and more. A dive shop at the marina offers diving equipment, courses, and packages.

Must See/Do: This area is also known for its fishing, with common catches such as Largemouth, White, Striped, and Black Bass, as well as Walleye, Crappie, Catfish, and Trout.
*The clear waters require the right line color; a light green fishing line is recommended, no larger than a 6-8 lb test.

Best Time to Go: Houseboating season is from April through October -- SEE WEATHER --

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Three houseboat sizes ranging from 8-12 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• 3 night weekend: Fri-Mon
• 4 night midweek: Mon-Fri
• 7 night full week: Mon-Mon or Fri-Fri

More About the Experience: Bull Shoals Lake - The Caribbean of the Midwest

Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Where Is It: Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake (locally and lovingly referred to as SML) is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia, a short 30 minute drive from Roanoke. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: SML is one of the most renowned fisheries on the East Coast. Known for its trophy Striped Bass, the lake is also home to Smallmouth and Largemouth, Crappie, Catfish, Brook Trout, Sunfish, and Muskie.

Best Time to Go: Houseboating season is from April through October -- SEE WEATHER --

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Three sizes of houseboats ranging from 6-10 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• 3 day/2 night weekend Fri-Sun
• 4 day/3 night midweek Mon-Thurs
• 7 day/6 night full week Mon-Sun or Fri-Thurs

More About the Experience: Smith Mountain Lake: Virginia's Blue Ridge Beauty

Start planning your Southern houseboat adventure today! Call your houseboat agents at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and an agent will reach out to you.