DeGray Lake Resort State Park is one of the 52 beautiful state parks in Arkansas and, as the name suggests, it is the most “resort-like” of all the parks.

We also think that it is a highly under-rated state park! It has so much to offer but is rarely crowded!

Lake DeGray State Park is one of only 5 Arkansas state parks with a lodge. It also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a beach, a golf course, fishing, camping, hiking and is situated right on lovely Lake DeGray.

Wooden sign that says welcome DeGray Lake State Park LodgePin

Bask in the Sun at Lake DeGray State Park

Here is everything you need to know about Lake DeGray State Park in order to plan a perfect Arkansas getaway!

Location

Lake DeGray State Park is perfectly situated in the pine forests of the Ouachita Mountains. It is only about an hour from the capital city of Little Rock and only about 45 minutes from the resort town of Hot Springs.

It is right on the shores of lovely Lake DeGray and feels perfectly secluded although it is not far from I-30 with easy access to all areas of the state.

Address:

DeGray Lake Resort State Park. 2027 State Park Entrance Road Bismarck, AR 71929

View of a pretty lake. You see the shoreline on the left side of the photo along with some islands in the  distance. The lake water is on the right of the photo. The sky is blue with puffy white clouds. This is Lake DeGray in Arkansas. Pin

Contact Information

Contact:

Phone: (501) 865-5850 Email: LRDeGray@Arkansas.gov

Opening Dates and Hours

  • The Lodge and gift shop (located in the lodge) are open year round 24 hours a day.
  • The Visitor Center is open year round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They are open 8–5 during peak season but be sure and check the official website for their hours during the winter as they may be more limited.

Fees

Like many of the Arkansas state parks it is free to enter. Of course there are charges for staying in the lodge, camping, golfing, etc. but entrance to the park and access to swim beaches, etc is free!

You. might be interested in learning more about the other state parks in Arkansas with lodges!

Best Time of Year to Visit

In our opinion this is a year round park!

Of course, it is perfect on a hot summer day because you can swim or boat. But it would also be lovely in spring or fall and would be a peaceful retreat in the winter.

Visitor Center:

Just to let you know we are Karen and Emily, a mother daughter duo who travel the state of Arkansas together. We love to experience it all. We take photos and videos, write this blog, and create the Somewhere in Arkansas social media.

We have visited almost all of the state parks and one of our best suggestions is: first stop by the visitor center!

The visitor center at DeGray Lake Resort State Park is no exception. It is there that you will find all the information you need about the highlights of the park!

About Lake DeGray

Lake DeGray is one of the five “Diamond Lakes” which are located in Southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains.

Each of these lakes have their own personality and things to do!

Staying at the Lodge

DeGray Lake Resort State Park is one of only 5 Arkansas State Parks that have a lodge! You will drive across a causeway to an island and follow the signs to the lodge.

The lodge has 96 rooms as well as a conference center with room for 300 people.

We recently stayed here and the rooms are clean, comfortable, and well appointed with views of gorgeous lake DeGray.

The gift shop is located just near the check in desk, the lobby is spacious with a nice fireplace which would be a lovely place to relax if you were here during the fall or winter, there is a restaurant and a bar, a swimming pool and a hot tub.

It is all-round a great place to stay!

The lodge at Lake DeGray State ParkPin

Other Places to Stay in the Park: Camping and A Yurt

In addition to the lodge you can also camp at DeGray Lake State Park. There are 25 class AAA sites which have tables, grills, water and sewer hook-ups and 50-amp electricity.

There are also 82 class B sites with tables, grills, water and 30-amp electricity as well as 6 walk-in campsites with tent pads.

Camping is open year round and sites are reservable. Be sure and call to check availability.

We have not camped here yet, but we have looked at the sites and they are very nice and shady and near the lake and swimming beach.

In addition to the campsites DeGray Lake Resort has a yurt!

This is perfect for those who want the experience of tent camping without having to bring their own tent. The YURT will sleep 8 and some basic camping equipment is provided.

Pavilions, Playgrounds, and Picnicking

Even if you aren’t planning to spend the night DeGray Lake State Park is a perfect spot for a day trip!

Check out the Caddo Bend Day use area which has a free boat launch ramp, lovely picnic sites with tables and grills, restrooms, and two rental pavilions for groups.

A nice sandy swimming beach and a playground offer fun and relaxation for all ages.

There is also another shady playground right at the entrance to the park’s lodge!

A swim beach on a pretty lake.Pin

Swimming and Fishing and Paddling and Boating

Lake DeGray offers a bunch of water activities and if you are visiting in the summer you are definitely going to want to get out on the water!

  • Marina: DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a full-service marina! The marina has 108-slips and you can rent fishing boats, party barges, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, and get all your fishing supplies!
  • Paddling: There is a fun 3 mile loop water trail at the park called Islets Cove Paddle Trail. It will lead you in and out of coves and alone the shore with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. You can kayak or paddle board on the loop.
  • Swimming: If you are staying at the lodge you will have access to the swimming pool there, but there is also a sandy swimming beach at the day use area.
  • Fishing: Lake DeGray is known to be a great fishing lake! It has several species of bass as well as bream, crappie, and catfish. DeGray’s islands, coves, and clean deep water make it idea for year-round fishing.
The marina at Lake DeGray State Park resortPin

Other Things To Do

  • Golfing: There is an 18-hole championship golf course at this state park! You can even rent or purchase golfing equipment at the pro shop. It has a driving range and putting green and carts for rent.
  • Horseback riding: Seasonal horseback riding is available in the park when weather permits. You will want to make a reservation for this.
  • Hiking: In addition to the water trail mentioned above Lake DeGray also has a few shorter hiking trails. Some of which lead through the pine forests and others skirt the edge of the lake with nice views.
  • Disc Golf: There is an 18 hope disc golf course on the property for visitors to use. You can even rent discs from the visitors center if you don’t have your own.
  • Interpretive Services: Park interpreters provide nature and recreational programs some of which include lake cruises, kayak tours, snorkeling adventures, and programs at the park’s amphitheater. Be sure and check out what is on offer at the visitor center!
  • Special Events: Some special events offered by the park staff throughout the year are full moon kayak tours, outdoor cooking workshops, Fourth of July island festival, the Eagles Etcetera, and much more!
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I hope that you will enjoy visiting this amazing state park. It is one of our favorites!

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