Whether you're on top of the water or below it, we know exactly how to make the most of your time on Lake Norfork! No matter the season or weather conditions, just ask us and we’ll share the best ways to enjoy the lake.
Scuba Diving
Steve Street, the owner of Blackburn's Resort, is an enthusiastic scuba diver who spends nearly every day exploring the underwater world of Lake Norfork. He’s also an avid spearfisherman. Just a half-mile from the resort, you’ll find Scuba Doo, a full-service PADI shop with experienced divers who hold W.A.S.I. and N.A.S.E. certifications. The owner is a Master Dive Instructor, and the shop offers a large selection of dive and swim gear for sale or rent.
If you're interested, you can earn your scuba certification while staying at Blackburn's. The course takes about a week and includes both in-water and classroom instruction. You'll be taught by skilled instructors with years of global diving experience. There’s no need to purchase gear, as everything you need is available for rent.
Water Skiing & Wakeboarding
With its winding valleys, Norfork Lake rarely experiences rough waters. Only on a few days each year does the water get too choppy for boating or swimming. Thunderstorms may cause waves up to 3 feet, but these conditions don’t last long. Many of the lake’s coves remain nearly glass-smooth all day, making it an ideal spot for water skiing and wakeboarding. Thanks to 500 miles of shoreline, the lake never feels crowded, drawing water sports enthusiasts from all over the Midwest.
Swimming
There are several great swimming beaches near Blackburn's Resort, including Bidwell, Cranfield, and Panther Bay, all of which have restroom facilities. You can also swim from our rental pontoons, off our dock, or enjoy a refreshing dip in our large pool with a slide. Please note that we don’t allow skiing, tubing, or dragging anything with our pontoons or bass boats, except for the ski boat, which requires a three-day minimum rental. However, nearby marinas offer boats specifically for these activities, and you can rent them while staying with us.
Boating
Escape to tranquility with a pontoon rental! Pack it with fishing gear, picnic essentials, swimming towels, and family, then head out on the lake. Find a peaceful, secluded cove in the morning, fish for a bit, cool off with a swim, then cruise around the lake and explore the bluffs and shoreline. Enjoy a picnic onshore or eat aboard the boat. This works just as well in the evening! Please note, grills are not permitted on rental boats, and you must rent a cabin at Blackburn’s to rent a boat. This is a Corps of Engineers rule.
