Few state parks across America are classed as resort state parks. That's because no state park offers quite as many activities, amenities, or adventures as DeGray Lake Resort State Park in western Arkansas. Located just a stone's throw from the state's hottest tourist destinations — Hot Springs and Little Rock — there's so much to do, see, and experience here that you'll want to park the RV and stay for a night or all week. In addition to premium RV campsites offering first-class amenities, the park's well-equipped yurts and lodge are excellent alternatives for glampers who need their creature comforts. When you're ready to step outside the campervan and stretch your legs, you'll find more than enough opportunities for adventure. Head down to the lake to enjoy some water sports, trek the trails for an intimate encounter with area wildlife, or practice your stroke on the park's golf course. Forgot to pack the clubs in your campervan? No worries! DeGray Lake Resort State Park even offers a pro shop where you can grab some golf gear and hit the green. Horseback riding, mountain biking, tennis, disc golf — whatever you like to do or play, DeGray has got you covered. If all that still isn't enough for the avid adventurers among you, DeGray Lake Resort State Park's interpretive programs will surely satisfy everyone's inner thrill-seeker. After working up a healthy appetite in the great outdoors, treat your camping party to a classy meal and an adult beverage at the park's upscale Shoreline Restaurant, located in the park's lodge. Leave the marshmallows and hot dogs at home for this camping trip and experience the perfect blend of resort-style luxury and state park outdoor adventure at DeGray Lake.
Conveniently located about an hour southwest of Little Rock on I-30, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a stone's throw away from Highway 7—which leads north into the town of Bismarck. Here, campers can restock on basic provisions, grab a bite to eat, or gas up the motorhome. Due to the park's proximity to a major highway, travel to and from the park should not pose a problem, even for large vehicles or those hauling trailers — curves and inclines are few and far between on this route. Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs are north along Highway 7, allowing RV travelers to extend their Arkansas excursion or take exciting day trips and detours near the park if they wish. Popular day-trips include Hot Springs National Park and Ouachita National Forest. If you find one day isn't enough in these outdoor oases, both offer overnight camping for tents and RVs.
Driving through the Degray Lake State Park will be a breeze, as all roads are paved and wide enough to accommodate standard vehicles as well as big rigs. The park roads will lead you to all major attractions, including the campgrounds, driving range and pro shop, dump stations, hiking trails, the swimming area, and park offices.
You won't have any trouble finding a parking spot at DeGray Lake Resort State Park if you're just visiting for the day. The largest parking area is by the lodge and stables. Additional parking lots are located by the docks, the golf course, and all along Caddo Bend Road. During the busy summer months, extra parking may fill up quickly with day visitors. If you're planning on driving to and from the campground during your stay, you may want to consider bringing an extra car or bicycles to get around the park.
The clue is in the name: DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a prime place for tent and RV campers to stay in style. The park's RV sites are designated Class AAA or Class B, with 22 premium sites and 81 standard sites. Premium sites come with full hookups and plenty of room for slide-outs. Even standard campsites come with electricity and water hookups. Big rigs are welcome here, with the largest site accommodating vehicles up to 88 feet long. Be sure to specify your requirements at check-in, as different sites accommodate vehicles of different lengths. Campers will enjoy all the standard amenities here, including picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and centrally located bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. Although the campground is open year-round, the restrooms are open seasonally from March to November. DeGray Lake Resort State Park is also pet-friendly, so bring your favorite canine camping buddy along for the fun! (Just be sure to do your bit to help maintain the park's resort status by cleaning up after your pooch). Reservations can be made up to one year in advance, and are recommended during the peak summer months.
All sites at DeGray Lake Resort State Park that haven't already been reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Have you got kids camping with you? Treat them to a guided ride on horseback. The park staff aims to make this experience as easy and accessible as possible for guests of all ages. No special clothing or experience is required, and staff will assist guests with mobility issues and with mounting and dismounting their horse. Guided rides take approximately one hour and are available from early March to late November. Ask a park ranger for more information if you are interested in riding during your RV vacation.
When most folks hear the phrase interpretive program, they probably picture educational excursions out in the woods with a park ranger. And while DeGray Lake offers some woodland workshops, it also offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including snorkeling, sunset cruises, guided mountain biking trips, and fun annual events. The best part? Interpretive programs are available year-round; check the events calendar when you embark on your RV adventure. You won't want to miss some of the exiting things happening at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
DeGray offers so much to do that it can be tempting to tire yourself out trying to cross everything off of your checklist. For the laid-back landlubbers traveling with you, birdwatching is a great way to relax after a day packed with adventure. Depending on the season, you can spot hundreds of species of finches, hawks, hummingbirds, kingfishers — you name it, DeGray Lake probably has it! Check out the resort's website for a full list of birds and butterflies at DeGray Lake.
Although Degray Lake is most renowned for recreational boating, anglers can also take advantage of this nearly 14,000-acre body of water when they bring the campervan to the park. Not only is the lake brimming with hybrid striped bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish, but the marina also offers all the amenities for fine fishing -- from boat rentals to a bait and tackle shop. Anglers also have the option to cast out from shore with canoe oars. The lake's wide variety of habitats, ranging from deep water to island nooks and coves to wooded shorelines, make for excellent fishing during any time of year.
Go glamping in one of DeGray Lake's three yurts! This stylish accommodation comes with all the trimmings and then some, including electricity, a locked screen door, bunk beds, and even wood floors. You'll also enjoy standard amenities like a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and drinking water. You will need to bring some of your own provisions if you plan to stay in a yurt, though; these might include linens, matches, and eating utensils. The yurts can accommodate up to six guests and reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
If a yurt still isn't glamorous enough for your camping crew, DeGray Lodge is an elegant option that offers nearly 100 rooms with sweeping lake views. Rooms are equipped with top-notch amenities like flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and more. Some rooms are even pet-friendly! Guests will also have access to a hot tub, fitness center, and heated pool. (Only lodge guests are allowed to use these facilities). The Shoreline Restaurant is also located onsite and offers a variety of dishes from sun-up to sun-down. Both the lodge and the restaurant are open year-round.
Golfing? Check. Tennis? Check. Disc golf? Check! The sports available at DeGray will keep you and your fellow campers out of the pop-up and leave you feeling fit as a fiddle. Forgot to pack your athletic equipment in the motorhome? Just head over to the golf course and check out the selection on offer at the pro shop. Guests at the lodge can also use the fitness center and swimming pool to keep up their cardio regimen.
With two boat launches, a spacious dock, and an on-site marina with fuel and bait, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a lake lover's paradise! Looking to live large during your DeGray vacay? Why not rent a party barge? Other rentals available from the marina include flat bottomed boats with motors, deck boats, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. If you towed your own boat behind the Sprinter, a boat launch and trailer parking are available at the marina and other areas in the park for no extra cost.
Five main trails wind their way throughout this resort park. All trails are rated easy, and most are less than a mile long. Birdwatchers will want to explore the aptly named Chickadee Trail, a half-mile loop through the woods and along the shore. Saginaw Historic Trail is an excellent option for hikers who love history and provides, and it is a shortcut to the lake that runs along a historic abandoned railbed.
If you'd rather be in the water than on it, you'll find some sandy swimming beach areas throughout the park that make the perfect place to top up your tan. The Caddo Bend Day-Use Area is a favorite amongst locals and park guests alike and features a sandy beach and a roped-off swimming area that is off-limits to all watercraft. Visitors will also like the proximity to restrooms, extra parking, a playground, and the variety of covered picnic tables in the area.
