Boating

DeGray Lake ranked as one of cleanest lakes in the nation consists of 13,400 acres of extremely clear water.  With numerous islands and 207 miles of mostly remote shoreline, DeGray Lake offers a boater’s paradise. 17 five lane boat ramps provide for easy access and safety.  All varieties of recreational boating are available at DeGray. Canoe and kayak boaters love the Lower Lake area and the calm coves near the Oak Bower Group Use Area and skier’s enjoy the deep water channels and wide open spaces near Arlie Moore. Whether you love have a fishing boat, party barge, house boat, canoe, or kayak, DeGray Lake is one of the best boating destinations in Arkansas.

The Corps of Engineers, DeGray Lake staff is dedicated to providing quality water based recreational experience with the safety of all our visitors held at the highest concern. 

The following safety precautions and reminders will make your boating experience safer.

• Wear Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets (PFD’s) as they are you best defense against drowning.
• Learn and obey the Arkansas Boating Laws. For example, all children 12 years old and younger must wear a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while they are passengers in a vessel that is underway. Take the Arkansas Boaters Education Course!
• Boating and alcohol don’t mix.  Select a sober designated boat operator.
• Don’t overload your boat.
• Don’t stand in your boat while it is underway.
• Watch for obstructions during low and high water.
• Use your navigational lights and slow down when boating at night.
• Head for shore if inclimate weather threatens.
• Stay with your boat if it overturns.
• Help boaters in distress and signal for assistance if you need it.
• Follow the small craft navigation rules of the road
• File a float plan.  Inform others of your destination, departure time and returning time.
• Report boating accidents to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and render assistance if you are involved in or witness an accident.

Water Skiing

DeGray Lake is a skier’s paradise! Open, deep water with numerous coves provides exciting skiing opportunities. Please follow safety reminders while skiing with family and friends.

• Always wear a personal flotation device while skiing.
• Stay in open water.  Watch for swimmers and stay away from recreation areas and launch ramps.
• Water skiing at night is prohibited.  Stop skiing between the hours from one-half hour after sunset and to one-half hour before sunrise.
• Have at least two people in the boat, one to operate the boat and one to watch the skier.  Don’t rely on a rear view mirror as an observer.  Check the Arkansas Boating Laws for this ruling.

Personal Watercraft (PWC’s)

• Always wear a PFD.
• Learn and obey the Arkansas Boating Laws.  A personal watercraft is considered a vessel, they are a boat too!
• Learn the basics of jet propulsion.  PWC’s steer only when the throttle is engaged.
• Never operate a personal watercraft after dark. PWC’s are restricted to daytime operation only.
• Don’t jump the wake of other vessels.