DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers equestrian experiences in the Ouachita Mountains with various camping options. The park's trail system extends through wooded terrain with periodic lakefront access. Riders must be at least 6 years old and weigh under 250 pounds for safety reasons, with no personal horses allowed on the dedicated riding trails.
What to do
Wildlife observation trails: DeGray Lake State Park features multiple hiking paths where visitors regularly spot deer and other wildlife. According to Michael H., "DeGray Lake is very pretty, and calm. The sunrise and sunsets are serene. This is a very laid back area to camp. The trails are far from challenging, and the Park Rangers are very helpful."
Geocaching opportunities: The park maintains several geocaching locations throughout the property. Natalie S. notes, "Had fun geocaching and deer sighting. Great to have sewer hookups so didn't have to use the park bathrooms."
Water recreation: Boondockers Landing provides river access for fishing and paddling. Kala V. describes it as "Nestled right beside the upper Mountain Fork river, this campground doesn't disappoint. Roomy, with large shade trees, cement pads and all services. This is as near perfect as you can get!"
Mountain biking access: Several trails within a 30-minute drive of Langley accommodate mountain bikers with varying skill levels. The routes through Buck Knob area offer technical challenges during dry conditions.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: DeGray Lake Resort State Park receives consistent praise for its quiet environment. Terry L. mentions, "Walking trail, Waterview walking, The Degray Lodge close to campground is perfection. Marina is great as well!"
Clean facilities: Equestrian campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower facilities. Norbert B. from CMA Iron Mountain states, "Bathrooms and showers are spotless. The staff is extremely kind and helpful."
Lake visibility from campsites: Many sites offer direct water views. According to P., "We stayed at the De Roche Ridge campsite area, love the view of the lake no matter which site you stay and enjoyed beautiful sunsets from ours. Full hookups, level pads, clean and well maintained picnic benches, fire pits and grills."
Convenience to horse trails: CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground provides easy trail access for equestrians. John notes it's "Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system. Located in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, 7 miles south of Mena."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Ray & Terri F. report, "AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable."
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require substantial leveling equipment. "Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they'd go," notes Ray & Terri F.
Trail conditions after rain: Trails become difficult following precipitation. P. cautions, "Some trails were soggy but it had been raining for a few days making it difficult to get past. Some signs indicating this could have helped us stay off the trails."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, particularly summer weekends and holidays, advance bookings are essential for secured sites at most established campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple accommodation options: The region offers various lodging types for different family needs. Stacy M. shares about DeGray Lake: "Just this past weekend, my husband and 3 kiddos set up camp at Degray for a couple of nights... There are lots of sites, but somehow they've maintained enough wooded space between each site to feel fairly secluded."
Kid-friendly amenities: Boondockers Landing provides family-oriented facilities. Hope F. notes, "Good place for family camping. Plenty of room and peaceful area. Our family had a enjoyable time."
Recreational variety: The area offers fishing, swimming, hiking and boating options for different age groups. Jason W. explains, "Great swimming beaches and shore fishing are available too. There's a Diamond Trail golf course across the road as well."
Weather preparedness: Summer temperatures routinely exceed 90°F with high humidity. Pack additional water and sun protection for children during June through September activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When booking horse campgrounds near Langley, Arkansas, choose sites based on shade coverage and proximity to water sources. Heather S. advises, "some camping on the lake but a lot of the sites cannot see the lake. great bathrooms."
Big rig accessibility: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with appropriate parking. Jason L. from CMA Iron Mountain states, "I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp... The few people we encountered were super cool and eager to see if we needed help or had questions."
Water access for boats: Some sites allow watercraft storage adjacent to campsites. Natalie S. reports, "Were able to park boat next to campsite and get kayaks and floats in and out of water easily. Boat ramp super close by."
Check-in timing: Arrival coordination matters at busy campgrounds. Natalie S. suggests, "Wish road was wider and wish check out time was your earlier than check in so ppl wouldn't be in your spot when you get there at check in."
