Lake Catherine (South Side): Fluorite Rockhounding in Garland County, Arkansas

Public accessBest spot1 mineralGarland County, ArkansasUpdated June 2026

5 photos

Mineral reported: 1
Elevation: 360 ft
Best months: September to June

The south side of Lake Catherine is tied to Garland County fluorite occurrences noted in Arkansas Geological Survey mineral-deposit reports and Mindat locality records. That makes the site a focused stop for a single, recognizable mineral rather than a broad mixed-gravel locality. Reported finds include fluorite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

County: Garland County
State: Arkansas
Nearest road: Wilsons Lake Road
Postcode: 71901
Coordinates: 34.45382, -92.97733

Get directions View on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Best time to visit Lake Catherine (South Side)

53°J

57°F

66°M

75°A

81°M

89°J

94°J

94°A

87°S

76°O

63°N

54°D

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE station (6 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Geology at Lake Catherine (South Side)

This spot sits on ground mapped as Stanley Shale that formed roughly 360 to 330 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Stanley Shale
Age: 360–330 Ma (Early Mississippian)
Elevation: 360 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Today's weather

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The app shows live weather, recent rain, and a daily rockhounding score for Lake Catherine (South Side).

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Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Ouachita National Forest, Mineral Collecting
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Rules and finds
Arkansas Geological Survey
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Lake Catherine (South Side)

Each name opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Fluorite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Lake Catherine (South Side).

Unnamed Location (Uranium/Columbium)Garland County, Arkansas · 1 mi awayUranium Ore, Columbium Ore
Unnamed Location (Magnet Cove area)Hot Spring County, Arkansas · 6 mi awaySphene, Nepheline Syenite
Cove Creek BridgeHot Spring County, Arkansas · 6 mi awayApatite, Monticellite, Magnetite
Cove Creek Bridge BoulderHot Spring County, Arkansas · 6 mi awayEudialyte, Nepheline, Syenite
Unnamed Location (Melanite)Hot Spring County, Arkansas · 6 mi awayMelanite, Nepheline, Biotite
Unnamed Location (Rock crystals)Garland County, Arkansas · 7 mi awayQuartz
West MountGarland County, Arkansas · 7 mi awayPyrite
Unnamed Location Near CemeteryHot Spring County, Arkansas · 8 mi awaySmoky Quartz, Brookite

Lake Catherine (South Side) FAQ

Where is Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

Lake Catherine (South Side) is in Garland County, Arkansas, at 34.45382, -92.97733. Nearest road: Wilsons Lake Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

Lake Catherine (South Side) is reported to produce Fluorite.

Is collecting allowed at Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

The most comfortable months at Lake Catherine (South Side) are September to June.

How do I get to Lake Catherine (South Side)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.45382, -92.97733 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Wilsons Lake Road.