USACE DeGray Dam and Lake

City / town · Arkansas

Arkadelphia

USACE DeGray Dam and Lake

Best timeMar–May, Sep–Oct
From you
Nearest airportHOT · 25 mi
On this page

Overview

Arkadelphia is in the Ouachitas of Arkansas. Compared to its surroundings, it has somewhat of an erudite feel, given that it has not one but two colleges — Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University. Nonetheless, it still retains a bit of provincial flavor and charm.

2 things to do · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Arkadelphia

DeGray Lake State Park Resort

A popular natural resort area along DeGray Lake, with swimming and beaches and lodge. Mountain biking, hiking, birding, snorkeling, eagle watches, sunset cruises, and even a park-themed escape room are some possibilities…

Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

Periodic showings available.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Little Rock)

Jan: 3.5 in rain3.5"Jan: high 50°F, low 31°F50°31°JanFeb: 4.0 in rain4"Feb: high 55°F, low 34°F55°34°FebMar: 5.0 in rain5"Mar: high 64°F, low 42°F64°42°MarApr: 5.6 in rain5.6"Apr: high 73°F, low 50°F73°50°AprMay: 5.1 in rain5.1"May: high 80°F, low 59°F80°59°MayJun: 3.6 in rain3.6"Jun: high 88°F, low 68°F88°68°JunJul: 3.3 in rain3.3"Jul: high 92°F, low 71°F92°71°JulAug: 3.2 in rain3.2"Aug: high 92°F, low 70°F92°70°AugSep: 3.0 in rain3"Sep: high 85°F, low 63°F85°63°SepOct: 4.5 in rain4.5"Oct: high 74°F, low 51°F74°51°OctNov: 4.7 in rain4.7"Nov: high 62°F, low 40°F62°40°NovDec: 5.1 in rain5.1"Dec: high 53°F, low 33°F53°33°Dec

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

  • From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
  • HOT Memorial Field Airport, Hot Springs — 25 mi away. Directions
  • LIT Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field, Little Rock — 64 mi away. Directions
  • MEM Frederick W. Smith International Airport, Memphis — 187 mi away (major hub). Directions

The Amtrak station is at 798 S 5th St.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning DeGray Lake State Park Resort
  • Afternoon Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

    Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

    Photos

    USACE DeGray Dam and LakeCaptain Charles C. Henderson House 003Arkadelphia

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Get in

    The Amtrak station is at 798 S 5th St.

    Do

    Do DeGray Lake State Park Resort

    A popular natural resort area along DeGray Lake, with swimming and beaches and lodge. Mountain biking, hiking, birding, snorkeling, eagle watches, sunset cruises, and even a park-themed escape room are some possibilities here.

    📍 2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarckabout 15 miles north of Arkadelphia☎ +1 501-865-5850Checked Dec 2021
    MapsWebsite

    Do Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

    Periodic showings available.

    📍 1100 Henderson Stin the Department of Engineering and Physics at Henderson State University☎ +1 870-230-5000Checked Dec 2021
    MapsWebsite

    Sleep

    A stay at the DeGray Lake State Park Resort where you can horseback ride or sun tan on the beach is definitely recommended if staying in the area.

    Stay Captain Henderson House

    A historic bed & breakfast originally owned by the person for whom Henderson State University was named.

    📍 349 N 10th St☎ +1 870 230-5544Checked Dec 2021
    MapsWebsite

    Nearby

    My experience

    Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.