Oak Bower Group Use Area

For organizations, families, and groups seeking an exceptional venue for large gatherings, retreats, or reunions in Arkansas, the Oak Bower Group Use Area at DeGray Lake presents a unique and comprehensive solution. This isn't your typical individual campsite; rather, it's a dedicated facility managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, specifically designed to accommodate substantial groups looking to enjoy the natural beauty of one of Arkansas's premier lakes. Oak Bower provides a blend of comfortable lodging and communal spaces, making it an ideal choice for creating lasting memories, whether during a family reunion or a corporate team-building event. Its setting amidst the picturesque landscape of DeGray Lake ensures a tranquil and engaging environment for all attendees, even during the cooler winter months, as one satisfied customer noted.

Oak Bower Group Use Area is conveniently located at 121 Sitka Ln, Bismarck, AR 71929, USA. This prime location places it along the Big Hill Creek arm of DeGray Lake, one of Arkansas's renowned "Diamond Lakes," famous for its crystal-clear waters. The accessibility to Oak Bower is well-defined, making it relatively easy for groups to coordinate their arrival. From Interstate 30, visitors can take exit 78 and merge onto State Highway 7 north for approximately 9 miles. A left turn onto Arlie Moore Road for 1.1 miles, followed by a right onto Chestnut Drive for 1.4 miles, and finally a left onto Oak Bower Road will lead directly into the Group Use Area. This journey takes you into the scenic, rolling hills surrounding DeGray Lake, setting the stage for a peaceful retreat. Its proximity to Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita National Forest further enhances its appeal, providing additional exploration opportunities for visiting groups.

As a specialized group use facility, Oak Bower offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities, distinguishing it from standard campgrounds. These services are tailored to support large gatherings and ensure a comfortable and efficient experience for all participants:

• Sleeping Cabins: The facility provides seven sleeping shelters, each equipped with four bunks, offering comfortable overnight accommodations for groups. Importantly, these cabins come with heat and air conditioning units, ensuring comfort regardless of the season.
• Large Dining Hall: A spacious dining hall capable of seating up to 150 people is available, perfect for communal meals, presentations, or indoor activities.
• Full Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen is provided, allowing groups to prepare and serve their own meals. Guests will need to bring their own cookware, dishes, and food supplies.
• Shower Houses: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are on-site, providing essential hygiene for all guests.
• Playground Equipment: Available for recreation, particularly appealing for family reunions and groups with children.
• Drinking Fountains and Jug Filler Fountains: Ensuring easy access to potable water for all attendees.
• Group Size Grill: A large grill is furnished, ideal for outdoor cooking and barbecues for big groups.
• Internet Access in Dining Facility: A modern convenience, providing connectivity within the main gathering area.
• Access to DeGray Lake: Direct access to the lake for water-based activities such as boating, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing.
• No Entrance Fee Restriction: As a Corps of Engineers facility, charging an entrance fee is restricted, though reservation fees for the group use area apply.

Oak Bower Group Use Area boasts several key features and highlights that make it an exceptional choice for large gatherings and retreats in Arkansas:

• Unique U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facility: This distinction highlights a well-managed and maintained property, ensuring a certain standard of quality and safety for group events.
• Comprehensive Group Accommodation: Unlike typical campgrounds, Oak Bower offers not just campsites but dedicated sleeping cabins with climate control (heat and A/C), a large dining hall, and a full kitchen. This makes it ideal for multi-day events where participants stay on-site.
• Spacious Capacity: With a dining hall seating up to 150 people and sleeping cabins, it is genuinely designed for "large group outings, family reunions, and company retreats," as confirmed by reviews.
• Year-Round Comfort: The presence of heating and air conditioning in the cabins means the facility is comfortable even "during the winter," making it a versatile option for events throughout the year.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of playground equipment makes it particularly attractive for family gatherings, ensuring entertainment for younger guests.
• Direct Lake Access and Activities: Its location on DeGray Lake, one of Arkansas's clearest lakes, offers a vast array of recreational opportunities, including boating, water skiing, kayaking, and excellent fishing (stocked with hybrid striped bass). This allows groups to combine their event with various outdoor adventures.
• Proximity to DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Being close to DeGray Lake Resort State Park means additional amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding trails, and more along the lake's 207 miles of shoreline are easily accessible.
• Natural Beauty: The setting amidst rolling hills and dense forests along the Bill Hill Creek arm of DeGray Lake provides a stunning backdrop, enhancing the overall experience for groups seeking a natural environment.
• Managed Environment: While offering a rustic feel, the facility is managed by the Corps of Engineers, providing a structured and responsible approach to its use, including guidelines for cleanup and property care.

For inquiries, reservations, or to schedule a tour of the Oak Bower Group Use Area, please use the following contact information:

Address: 121 Sitka Ln, Bismarck, AR 71929, USA

Phone: (870) 246-5501

Mobile Phone: +1 870-246-5501

As this is a popular facility for groups, especially during peak seasons, it is highly recommended to call well in advance to check availability and make reservations. You can also typically find reservation information through the Recreation.gov website or the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District website.

Oak Bower Group Use Area is exceptionally suitable for locals in Arkansas, serving as an invaluable resource for community building, family gatherings, and organizational events right in their own beautiful state. For Arkansans, the opportunity to reserve a dedicated facility with sleeping cabins, a full kitchen, and a large dining hall within the stunning setting of DeGray Lake is a significant advantage. This allows local families to host multi-day family reunions without the logistical complexities of coordinating individual accommodations. Similarly, local churches, scout troops, schools, or businesses can utilize Oak Bower for retreats, camps, or training sessions, offering an enriching environment that fosters camaraderie and learning amidst nature.

The fact that it's comfortable "even during the winter" extends its usability beyond just the warmer months, providing a flexible option for year-round event planning. Moreover, its location on DeGray Lake means that groups can easily integrate popular Arkansas outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking into their schedule, enhancing the overall experience. The clear waters and abundant wildlife offer a natural playground, appealing to all ages. By providing a structured, well-equipped space for groups, Oak Bower Group Use Area empowers local communities to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories without having to travel far from home. It's a testament to the diverse recreational assets available within Arkansas, making it a true gem for locals seeking collective outdoor experiences.