Cool Places to Stay: DeGray Lake Resort State Park.

Whether's it's for the fine fishing, a weekend escape or a celebration, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is flexible. Take a look inside this multi-functional park, one of the most popular destinations in the Arkansas State Parks System.



Gorgeous lake views? Check. Deep Ouachita forest? Check. Great fishing? Check. Good for weddings? Yeah, that too.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park is a favorite of a lot of people who are looking for a great one-stop-shop for everything to make a family happy over the weekend. There are so many different activities that can be packed into a weekend in this single location - golf, horseback riding, Dutch oven cooking, swimming in a pool, swimming in a lake, eagle watching, fishing, camping, hiking - you could visit multiple times and enjoy yourself time and time over again.

Here's what to expect when you go.

The lodge is where you'll check in for activities and rooms. It's nestled on an island on DeGray Lake accessible by a berm and paved road. There's plenty of parking at the lodge. Inside, the front desk is on the left and the restaurant is back and to the right. Hotel rooms span off to the left of the lobby on three levels.

Over the past few years, the resort has updated its rooms with new furnishings and linens. I'm a big fan of the new beds - they're rather comfortable.

Most rooms include a sitting area by the floor to ceiling window, which is positioned for privacy. There's also individual heating and air units in each room, as well as flat panel televisions that are connected to satellite programming.

In addition to the comfortable beds, there are lamps with extra outlets on each nightstand (which is great when you're looking for a place to charge your phone or plug in your computer), along with house phones and alarm clocks. There is also complimentary WiFi access.

Each of the rooms at DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a hair dryer, coffee maker and mini-fridge located in the bathroom.

In between the two wings of the resort hotel, you'll find a large swimming pool that overlooks DeGray Lake.

There's also a large hot tub located inside a sunroom right by the pool, which is available year-round.

The Shoreline Restaurant serves meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner - including a breakfast buffet and salad bar. It's a pretty good restaurant with steady service - and it's accessible by dock, in case you want to float up, tie off and hop ashore for a bite to eat. The restaurant also serves beer and wine by the glass.

The menus and hours are available here. Oh, and just so you know, the pie for DeGray Lake Resort State Park is Key lime, though there's often also pecan pie on the menu.

If you'd like something a bit more outdoorsy than the lodge rooms, there are camping and RV areas available at the park. And then there are these - the ever-popular yurts.

The park has three rent-a-Yurts nestled along the shoreline in the camping area of the park. Each of these has electricity within and a water faucet outside. They're on decks (off the ground) and are located next to a dedicated campfire ring, picnic table and parking slot for each.

Within the yurt, everything's already set up for you - with an ice chest, double burner stove, three sets of bunk beds and a folding table. You'll need to bring your own linens and pots and pans - but you won't have to set up your own tent.

Also, if it's really hot, bring a fan - and if it's really cold, bring an electric heater. The yurts are not climate controlled.

This is something I'm wanting to do at some point - but haven't, because these yurts book up a long time in advance. If you'd like to experience one, be sure to check out this page and make your reservation.

As I mentioned, there's a boat slip right outside the resort, which makes this one of a handful of places around Arkansas where you can get out on a lake in your boat (or a rental) and then stay in comfort inside a lodge.

Because of the size of the lake and the park, there are all sorts of places to enjoy, including white sand freshwater beaches for temperate weather swimming.

The lodge has a full scale conference center area for anything from meetings to banquets to even weddings. There are also pavilions around the park you can rent for family reunions and other gatherings.

This lawn in particular seems to be a great place to watch the sunset.

A full scale marina in a protective cove is within walking distance of the lodge and campgrounds.

Hunter loves DeGray Lake Resort State Park - especially for the fun activities it has for kids and families. Here's a story about one visit we made to the park.

DeGray Lake Resort is a comfortable and relaxing place to stay and a jewel in the Arkansas State Parks system. There's a whole lot more it offers - but if you're just wanting a great, cool place to stay, this should answer most of your questions.

For more information about DeGray Lake Resort State Park, visit this website or call (501) 865-5850.

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