DeGray Lake spans 13,400 acres with 207 miles of shoreline in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Water temperatures range from 50°F in winter to 85°F in summer, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. The lake sits at 408 feet above sea level with pine-hardwood forests dominating the surrounding terrain.
What to do
Mountain biking: Iron Mountain trail system provides dedicated trails adjacent to the Iron Mountain campground. "The Iron Mountain trail system is adjacent to the campground. I love the rustic simplicity of the place. It is older but well maintained and clean."
Kayaking: Lake Catherine offers excellent paddling opportunities with minimal boat traffic. "It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," notes a visitor to Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Disc golf: DeGray Lake area includes courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "We made a short drive over to DeGray Lake where they have a disc golf course," reports a camper who stayed at Iron Mountain.
Fishing: Multiple access points around the lake provide opportunities for anglers. At Arlie Moore - De Gray Lake, one visitor noted, "Fish was biting and enjoy our time."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Direct lake access at Arlie Moore campground. "Tent and RV + boating and fishing. Camping is diverse enough to be in a the forest or on the lake. Water is warm and I swim less than 20 feet from my tent."
Wildlife viewing: Bald eagles and other animals can be spotted throughout the area. At Caddo Drive, visitors appreciate the "Beautiful and Peaceful place on Degray Lake with mountains as a back drop. Lots of wildlife and very peaceful; the Bald Eagles are an extra treat."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer secluded settings away from crowds. Big Fir Primitive Camping provides "Flat land on a Lake Peninsula secluded from nearly everyone! And even the few other campers that did arrive were barely noticeable!"
Hiking trails: Varied terrain presents options for different skill levels. At Crystal Springs Campground, one camper noted "Incredible hiking all around you. Campground is secluded and quite."
What you should know
Site levelness varies significantly: Many campsites require substantial leveling efforts. At Edgewood, "Some of the sites are very unlevel" while at Iron Mountain "Some sites are very level and some are more challenging to level your RV."
Limited cell service: Coverage can be spotty depending on location. Crystal Springs campers report "Cell service (Verizon) was very good, picked up a good number of tv stations on regular TV."
Site proximity: Some camping areas have very close quarters. At Edgewood, "tent pad 22 is one of 4 in a grouping of tent sites. 21-24 are so close together. If you are with friends or a large family group then it would be ideal."
Primitive options available: For those seeking minimal amenities at lower cost. At Big Fir, "be advised that the bathroom is a pit toilet situation with absolutely no running water. Fires are permitted, and the grounds are monitored fairly frequently."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Catherine's Landing offers extensive child-friendly amenities. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool."
Swimming areas: Designated beaches provide safer water entry. Arlie Moore has "great places to go with the family and get away. Campsites are average, access to water is great, swimming is great, shade from the sun is great."
Ranger programs: Educational activities available at some parks. Lake Ouachita State Park offers "ranger programs, educational displays, swimming beach, cabins and traditional tent/RV camping."
Tick prevention: Perform regular checks during summer months. At Edgewood, some visitors "got ticks on us and so did our dogs" while camping.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Service levels vary widely between campgrounds. At Iron Mountain, "They're all electric hookup only. Dump station near the entrance station. Fill up fresh water before you get there."
Dog friendly campgrounds DeGray Lake: Several locations welcome pets with varying amenities. Lake Catherine offers "nice, shady, level sites with full hook-ups" where pets are permitted.
Winter water shutoffs: Plan accordingly for cold weather camping. At Caddo Drive - De Gray Lake, "You do need to fill your fresh water tank before arrival if visiting this time of year because the water is turned off."
Site selection strategy: Research carefully before booking. "If you're looking for a more resort situation there's a lovely state park with full hookups approximately 10 minutes away. If you prefer a great place to stay with electricity then this is your place."
Guide
