It’s a different picture on Lake DeGray this weekend than it was on the last holiday. Memorial Day weekend park officials had to turn people away because of flooding. The state is now welcoming visitors to the lake with open arms.
It's the natural beauty and charm of Lake DeGray that brings people back every year and park staff says they're glad they can welcome visitors this holiday.
There’s a good reason one family came to the
DeGray Lake State Park. “Our kids love it, we plan on bringing our grandkids here. We've been coming here for a long time," said one tourist traveling from Texas. His family has been doing this for the past 14 years.
A splash in the beach or a walk along the marina is added treats for lakeside visitors this Independence Day.
"People want to be on the lake, on the water, fishing, skiing, boating, whatever. The golf course is nice, the lodge is nice. We get a lot of family reunions. They go horse back riding and rent a boat or go fishing,” says Mark Campbell, assistant superintendent.
Campbell adds all 113 campsites on the lake are booked. The majority of visitors arrived Thursday. It’s something park officials are glad to offer. Just a couple of months ago, some Memorial Day campers had to head out due to high water.
"Memorial Day weekend was kind of slow because all of the rain and flooding going on but we’re ready and folks are rolling in for the big Fourth of July weekend," explains Campbell.
Visitors plan to enjoy all 930 acres of Lake DeGray. After all, it's why they make Arkansas their Fourth of July getaway.
As for the campsite reservations, you'd better get them in early. Park officials say people begin placing their reservations a year in advance.
