Degray Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
DeGray Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area created by the earthen dam which holds back the Caddo River for 27 miles.. The lake has 208 miles of shoreline and occupies 13880 acres. The DeGray lake area is located in the Ouachita Mountain foothills and is adjacent to the National Scenic 7 Byway, just north of Arkadelphia, Arkasas in the Vicksburg District. The dam was created in 1972, but the region has a human history dating back hundreds of years with the Caddo Indians first settling the area.
The DeGray Lake Dam was the first pump-back capable impoundment that the Corps of Engineers built. It allows water to be pulled back out during times of drought, from the lower lake to the main lake. The 400 acre lower lake creates an excellent habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Today DeGray Lake is known for its myriad of campgrounds, and many water activities that include swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, waterskiing and scuba diving. The area has won awards for being a top recreation area including top hiking trail, top picnic area and top scenic view. The area also hosts fishing derbies, triathlons, and is a popular swimming destination.
The nearby state park has a swimming pool, marina, lodge, and golf course. The DeGray Lake area is just a 45 minute drive from the Hot Springs National Park which makes a great day trip from the park region for RVers.
Looking to rent an RV nearby? Find local RVs at Caddo Valley RV Rentals.
RV Rentals in Degray Lake
Transportation
Driving
The US Army Corps of Engineer, DeGray Lake, can be reached from Little Rock, Arkansas by traveling 55 miles south on the I-30 to Caddo Valley and then heading two miles north on US 7.
To reach the Alpine Ridge campground, take exit 73 from Interstate 30 onto State Highway 8, and proceed west for 19 miles. Turn right onto Fendley Road for 8.5 miles to reach the campground.
The Arlie Moore campground can also be reached by taking Interstate 30 and exiting at exit 78 onto State Highway 7, then proceeding for nine miles before turning left on the Arlie Moore Road, which continues for two miles to the campground.
Also from Interstate 30 and exit 78 onto State Highway 7, proceed for six miles on Highway 7 and turn left onto Edgewood Road, continue for three miles and then take Caddo Drive to the Caddo Drive Campground . If you continue on Edgewood Road for two miles, you will reach the Edgewood Campground.
Travelling to the Ironwood Campground? Take the same route from Interstate 30 onto State Highway 7, proceed 2.5 miles, and turn left onto Skyline Drive for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Iron Mountain Road to reach the campground.
Shouse Ford Campground can be reached by taking State Highway 7 from Interstate 30 north to the town of Bismark, then turning left onto State Highway 84. Proceed nine miles to Point Cedar and then turn left onto the Shouse Ford Road which will take you to the campground in four miles.
All roads are well paved and accessible for RV units and trailers.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Degray Lake
Campsites in Degray Lake
Reservations camping
Shouse Ford
Looking for large beaches, amazing fishing, and watersports from dawn to dusk? Then Shouse Ford Campground may be the ideal spot for your next RV trip. Whether you love the excitement of jet skiing, or the serenity of an early morning glide across the waters with a kayak, Lake DeGray is a great choice. Campsites at Shouse Ford are reservable and provide 50 amp electrical services for RVs. Large RVs up to 60 feet can find appropriate sites at Shouse Ford.
The campground also has hot showers and flush toilet facilities. Warm up after a day on the lake with a nice warm shower before enjoying a night around the campfire! There is a swimming site and beach, amphitheater, boat ramp, and dump station here.
Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and there are lantern posts in the campground that allow for visibility at night. Accessible campsites, paved roads, and paved parking provides easy access for people of all abilities.
Iron Mountain
On the south side of DeGray Lake, visit the Iron Mountain Campground. This excellent RV campground has 69 RV sites with electric hookups. You will also find flush toilets and hot showers here. Not only is there a boat ramp for watercraft, but there is a full service marina located here providing amenities and services to boaters.
Families with small children will enjoy the playground located on site and ADA accessible campsites and toilets as well as paved roads and parking areas make this campground easy for everyone to enjoy. This campground can accommodate large RV units up to 85 feet in length. If you are looking for a large site or would like to obtain waterfront sites or sites with water hookups, be sure to reserve early.
Edgewood
Edgewood Campground is a lakeside campground with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, and lake activities. There are 49 reservable campsites with 50 amp electric hookups for RV campers. Some sites also have water hookups. RVers will also find a convenient sani-dump station on site. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and drinking water supplies.
There is a swimming site and boat ramp providing visitors to the campground access to the lake. Watersports, fishing, and swimming are popular activities at this lakeside campground. Other amenities include accessible campsites and toilets, lantern posts, and a ranger station.
Pets are welcome at Edgewood, but should be kept on a leash and you should be prepared to clean up after your pet. Some sites have tent pads and there are campsites available at Edgewood campground that can accommodate RV units up to 53 feet in length.
Caddo Drive
Check out the Caddo Drive Campground at DeGray Lake. This beautiful campground is located on a bluff overlooking the lake and heavily treed. Some waterfront sites are available so reserve early if you want to be right on the water. The forested areas provide privacy and cool shade during the summer.
The campground has both RV sites accommodating smaller RVs up to 31 feet in length, and tenting sites, all with electric hookups. There are heated shower facilities to use after a day in or on the lake and flush toilets. Water lovers will find a boat ramp to launch watercraft, and a swimming area with a beach for sunbathing and swimming activities.
Accessible toilets and campsites for those who need them can be reserved at Caddo Drive and all campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is also a day use area for campers or visitors not planning on staying overnight. The roads to Caddo Drive and the parking lot are paved and there is a sani-dump station for RVs. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash, and there is a playground for little campers to enjoy.
Arlie Moore
Arlie Moore is situated on the banks of the DeGray Lake. There are some waterfront sites in this reservable campground. The campground is known for the Arlie Moore Interpretive Trail which was rated one of America's Top 25 Hiking Trails by the National Recreation Reservation Service. Visitors camping at Arlie Moore will find a swimming beach, amphitheater, and playground on site. Little ones will enjoy the swimming area and the playground on outdoor adventures with their families.
Amenities include flush toilets and hot showers. A boat ramp provides access to the crystal clear waters of DeGray Lake where campers can take their motor boats and partake in the excellent fishing, or enjoy watersports or sightseeing from the water. Handicap accessible campsites and toilets are also available. Each campsites has a fire ring and picnic table.
RVers will also find that the paved roads and parking lots and dump station are added conveniences. Arlie Moore can accommodate RV units up to 54 feet in length and pets are welcome. Some sites have water hookups as well as 50 amp services.
Alpine Ridge
Alpine Ridge is situated on the banks of DeGray Lake in the shadow of the Ouachita Mountains. This campground has 50 amp electric hook ups, and can accommodate RVs up to 47 feet in length. Facilities at this park include a boat ramp that provides boaters, as well as watersport and fishing enthusiasts access to the lake, which is known for its clear waters and occupies over 13,500 acres. There are also flush toilets, hot showers, a playground, and a swimming beach.
Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, and all sites have electric hookups. There are also accessible campsites and flush toilets, showers, and paved parking for disabled patrons. Other amenities at Alpine Ridge include a dump station, drinking water, grills, lantern posts, and some sites with water hookup sites. The campground is shady with lots of trees and privacy. Alpine Ridge is ideal for families with RVs as it has paved roads and parking and sites that accommodate moderately large RVs.
Seasonal activities in Degray Lake
Off-Season
Hiking
During the off season, hiking trails are less busy with tourists, and you can enjoy a more tranquil hike with more wildlife spotting opportunities. Fall is an excellent time when autumn leaves create a spectacular backdrop for a trek in the wilderness around DeGray Lake. Be sure to bring warm clothes in the off season for rest stops, and layers that can be removed as you warm up on a hike. Check out the Arlie Moore Interpretive Trail which was rated one of America's Top 25 Hiking Trails by the National Recreation Reservation Service! For an easier hike, that is ADA accessible, check out the DeGray Lake Sunset Trail, a 1.7 mile loop near Arkadelphia that is appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
Wildlife Watching/Photography
The Ouachita Mountains and wilderness areas around the lake provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Deer, small mammals, and waterfowl are common sights in the area. Have your camera ready to capture the moment when you encounter the local inhabitants. Do not crowd wildlife, which can become stressed at close quarters. Be respectful, and enjoy the opportunity to see DeGray Lake creatures in their natural environment. Be sure to pack up all foodstuffs and garbage as it can be harmful to local wildlife.
Sightseeing/Auto Touring
Take your time when the area is less busy, in the fall when autumn colors create a spectacular backdrop. Explore geological formations in the area or take a tour down the scenic byway by car when the weather is cooler and enjoy the scenery from climate controlled comfort. The Caddo Drive Recreation Area was selected as one of America's Top 25 Scenic Viewing areas. Views of the vast lake, mountains, and natural wilderness areas are breathtaking in all seasons.
In-Season
Fishing
Known for its world renowned fishing, DeGray Lake is sure to please anglers and fishing enthusiasts. There are a variety of game fish in the lake including hybrid striped bass. You can fish from the banks or make use of one other many local boat launches or the marina to head out on the water in a boat and try your luck. DeGray Lake hosts hundreds of professional fishing tournaments each year, so you can choose to go out solo, with you own party, or participate and compete in one of the many fishing events at the lake.
Picnicking
There are over 300 picnic sites in and around U.S. Army Corp of Engineers DeGray Lake. Of special note, the Highway 7 Recreation Area was voted one of America's Top 25 Picnic Areas. Check out this award winning site, or one of the many picnic areas around the lake. Some picnic areas and day use areas also have swimming areas and playgrounds. Most picnic areas have beautiful views of the lake and the nearby mountains. Pack up a meal and head out to DeGray Lake for an awesome picnic, just for the day, or on an RV camping trip at one of the many campgrounds in the region.
Swimming/Scuba Diving
The beautiful clear waters of DeGray Lake are endlessly inviting for water lovers! Campgrounds and COE recreation and day use areas along the miles of shoreline at DeGray Lake have beaches and designated swimming areas. Lifeguards are not present, so make sure to stay in areas appropriate for your swimming ability, and watch little ones carefully. You can even enjoy some scuba diving in the 47-plus foot deep lake. Check out local dive shops and services if you are interested in dive lessons or renting diving equipment.
