~ Carmen
Let me start by saying I’m biased. I truly believe that DeGray is one of Arkansas’s best lakes! My first camping memory involves tent camping in one of DeGray Lake’s many campgrounds. I grew up in Arkansas (USA), and we camped all around “The Natural State”. The one place we came back to time after time again was DeGray Lake. Created by the Corp of Engineers in 1972 by an earthen dam, DeGray Lake has won numerous national awards for its scenic beauty.
Camping with the family at DeGray Lake a LONG time ago!
About thirty minutes from Hot Springs and an hour from Little Rock, the 13,800-acre, DeGray Lake can be reached easily from Interstate 30. Whether you enjoy water and land sports, camping under tall, majestic pine trees, or being surrounded by beautiful, natural landscapes, DeGray is a perfect choice.
Why DeGray Lake is One of Arkansas’s Best Lakes
DeGray Lake
1. Enjoy water and land sports!
Almost every campground on DeGray Lake has at least one swimming beach. At DeGray Lake State Park you can play tennis, golf on the championship golf course, or take a guided horseback ride. At Iron Mountain Campground, you will find the Iron Mountain Trail System which attracts mountain bike riders of all levels (read Iron Mountain Bike Trails).
One of the many swimming beaches that surround DeGray Lake
There is a variety of boat rentals available at several marinas located around the lake. On our most recent camping trip to DeGray Lake we spent one afternoon kayaking around the gorgeous calm water.
Kayaking on DeGray Lake
Wide open spaces for great boating!
Even though DeGray Lake is known for its recreational water sports (water skiing and riding jet skis), every time I’ve camped at DeGray Lake, I’ve seen plenty of fishing. Whether it’s casting a line from the bank or boating to a secluded cover, fishermen from beginners to pros will love the variety of fish found in the lake. Several varieties of bass, catfish, brim, or my favorite crappie are just some of the popular fish varieties in DeGray Lake.
2. Camp under under tall, majestic pine trees!
My first taste of camping was at DeGray Lake. I don’t remember which of the many campgrounds we were at. I just remember having plenty of woods to explore with my big brother. DeGray Lake Resort State Park is one of the most popular campgrounds. The state park has a nice visitor’s center, a beautiful lodge, and 113 campsites. You can even rent a YURT! YURT is an acronym for Year-around Universal Recreational Tent.
YURT! Wouldn’t you love to camp in one of these?
We are big fans of the six Corp of Engineers campgrounds that surround the huge lake. On our last stay we camped at Edgewood Campground. The campground has 49 reservable campsites with electric hookups. Other amenities include flush toilets, heated showers, drinking water, swimming beach, playground and a dump station. Like most Corp of Engineers, the campground was clean and well-maintained. We’ve also camped at the Caddo Drive and Arlie Moore Campgrounds.
Great shaded campsites
Love the beautiful trees!
3. Be surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes!
DeGray Lake is nestled among the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains. Some of the many awards given to DeGray Lake include: Arlie Moore Interpretive Trail as one of America’s Top 25 Hiking Trails, the Highway 7 Recreation Area as one of America’s Top 25 Picnic Areas, and The Caddo Drive Recreation Area was selected as one of America’s Top 25 Scenic Views! The sunsets are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen on a freshwater lake. The water on this lake is crystal clear and great for swimming or even scuba diving! However, for even clearer water, travel a little further north for Lake Ouachita (read Why You Should Go Camping at Lake Ouachita State Park).
Joe couldn’t help falling asleep to the sounds of nature.
Can’t beat DeGray Lake sunsets!
What do you think of DeGray Lake in the great state of Arkansas? Please share by commenting below!
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~ Carmen
PLEASE PIN ME!
JoAnnah
June 5, 2017 9:08 amWow, must have been awesome growing up by a lake as such. Very nice review of the lake!
~Jo Jo
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 6:29 amWe didn’t have much growing up, but we had the great outdoors!
Paula - Gone with the Wine
June 5, 2017 11:25 amI’m originally from Finland which is a tiny country with thousands of lakes in it. So I love lakes and spending time near them. We have done so many camping trips and trips to summer houses by the lakes that it is almost in my blood. And nothing is better than waking up in the morning in the nature with fresh air, birds singing and noises of the water. Looks like you guys had great time!
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 6:31 amWe did! The thing I miss about living in Arkansas is all the beautiful lakes and good places to camp.
Gokul Raj
June 5, 2017 10:39 pmThe kayaking got me. What an amazing location to be alone. Last time I kayaked was in Krabi. Missing those days.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 6:32 amThe lake is so calm, it is easily to spend the day on the water. I’m ready to go back!
Sandy N Vyjay
June 8, 2017 8:43 pmThe blue waters framed by the beautiful pine trees paint a lovely picture of Degray lake. I think it is a lovely place to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature with the family. Would love to cruise along lazily on the lake as the sun sets on the horizon.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:14 amI always get my best rest when I’m out camping!
silvana
June 8, 2017 11:30 pmI live in north Italy and there is plenty of lakes in our area. From most known as Lago di Garda or Lago Maggiore to the tiny ones quite impossible to see on a map.
In summer my favourite destinations as beaches too crowded .
I would be very curious to see the area you describe. Can quite feel the pine trees’ aroma and camping in the nature is my favourite.
Thanks for sharing !
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:13 amSleeping underneath the pine trees is the best!
Adrenaline Romance
June 9, 2017 3:19 amWhat a beautiful place for an adventure-filled weekend. We would love to trek in the woods and camp on the shores of DeGray Lake. We have an inflatable kayak, but it’s too bad we don’t live near a lake. But we do have the sea…..
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:13 amI’ve never kayaked on the sea. I’m sure it is an amazing experience!
Iza Abao
June 10, 2017 4:31 amDeGray looks really nice. It is a great place to explore. I like fishing so I am interested to see the assortment of fishes that you can get here. I like the photo of Joe sleeping on a hammock. He looks comfortable and sleeping soundly.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:10 amIt is a great place for fishing! You’d love it!
neha
June 11, 2017 2:36 amThe lake looks so beautiful. And camping there must have been so super exciting. When I happen to visit Arkansas, I will definitely want to go here.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:10 amI hope you can visit “The Natural State” sometime soon!
Anita
June 11, 2017 12:04 pmThe DeGray lake looks like a great place for various activities and beautiful landscape. I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Pack Your Baguios
June 30, 2017 9:09 amIt is one of my favorite places to camp. We love DeGray Lake!