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

Updated June 2026

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.

Lake Catherine (South Side) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

5 photos

Quick details

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

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.

Best time to visit Lake Catherine (South Side)

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.

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.

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 chip 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).

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.

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