After leaving Cossatot River, we arrived at DeGray Lake on Saturday afternoon with plenty of time to setup camp. First off, I have to say that the site we had, site #99, was one of the nicest we have rented at any Arkansas State Park. As you can see in the photos below, the site consisted of a parking spot, a picnic area, a top level area for a tent or chairs and a lower deck down by the water which is large enough for two small tents or one family-size tent.

We arrived in time to make a stop at the visitor’s center to check in for camping as well as look around in the gift center. The staff was extremely helpful and welcoming. They let us know what activities we might want to participate in while we were there and asked if we had any questions about the park. We looked through the shop, found a few things we liked and we even found a DeGray Lake frisbee for DJ!

Settling in for the night, we discovered one of the nicest things about the campsite we had chosen…the cooling breeze coming across the lake and the tranquil sounds of the waves lapping at the shore. We slept through the night.

After a quick drive around the lake the next morning, we picked a boat ramp that would give us easy access to a cove where we had seen both deer and several birds the night before. We were hoping to ease into the cove with the kayaks and get some good photos for the site. Alas, even though we were out and about before all of the water sports had time to get started, the water was so choppy and the wind was so high that we were barely able to get around. As you can see from the map above, we weren’t able to cover much water. Granted, we did see some fish and a few birds, but we were planning to stay out for a couple of hours that morning.

Between the 94 degree heat at 8am in the morning and rough water, we decided to call it a day. After making it back to the boat ramp, we loaded the boats and headed for the swim area right down the road. We snorkeled and swam for a couple of hours before heading back to camp for lunch.

So, my question to the readers is this: Is DeGray Lake suitable for kayaking? If so, where are some good areas? We look forward to visiting the lake again, but we’re going to need some direction as to where to go to make the most of it.

Any suggestions are welcome!

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Site #99 in the DeRoche Ridge camping area at DeGray Lake.

One of the many Blue Herons we saw during our stay.

Crystal and Daniel heading across the lake, just west of the boat ramp.

Daniel kept trying to shoot me with his bilge pump/water gun. :)

Daniel taking a break in a shady spot after crossing to the other side of the lake.

One of the many, many islands across the lake.

Another view of our camp site.