How much does camping cost at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Camping fees at Oak Bower Group Use Area range from $500/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Oak Bower Group Use Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Oak Bower Group Use Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Oak Bower Group Use Area before I book?

Yes! Oak Bower Group Use Area has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Oak Bower Group Use Area is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Yes, Oak Bower Group Use Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Fire policies at Oak Bower Group Use Area: All fires will be confined to fire rings or grills designed for this purpose.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Cell phone service at Oak Bower Group Use Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Oak Bower Group Use Area have?

Oak Bower Group Use Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Oak Bower Group Use Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Oak Bower Group Use Area?

Oak Bower Group Use Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Oak Bower Group Use Area

3.06

10 reviews

121 Sitka Lane, Bismarck, AR, 71921

Great for GroupsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

433 ft

Price

$500/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

433 ft

Price

$500/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Oak Bower Group Use Area

$500.00 - $500.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Use Cabins: $500.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$500.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-246-5501degray.lake@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

121 Sitka Lane, Bismarck, AR, 71921

Oak Bower Group Use Area

121 Sitka Lane, Bismarck, AR, 71921

Nearby places

Bismarck, AR (closest city)

Arkadelphia, AR (approximately 15 miles)

Hot Springs National Park, AR (approximately 30 miles)

Weather at Oak Bower Group Use Area

Current alerts(13)

All vessels must be launched at a designated boat ramp facility.
Charging of an entrance fee is restricted,Title 36, CFR 327.24 b. Please refer to the link for rules and regulations. click here
It is understood that the above named facilities are made available on a “use at your own risk” basis. The Vicksburg District will not be held liable for personal injuries or loss of or damage to private property unless resulting from negligence on the part of the Vicksburg…
It is understood that the above named group will abide by all posted regulations and restrictions applicable to Vicksburg District Recreational Areas. The group will be responsible for cleanup of the area and facilities during and after the period occupied by them.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Bower Group Use Area

Best season: summer. Summer brings warm, lake-friendly weather and the fullest range of water recreation on DeGray Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and nighttime lows in the mid-60s to low-70s°F. Clear water and protected coves of the Bill Hill Creek arm make boating, swimming, and shore fishing especially productive and enjoyable, and the climate-controlled cabins and dining hall keep large groups comfortable during hot or stormy afternoons. Note that holiday weekends draw the biggest crowds, Peak months: June, July, May, August

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer best for lake activities; daytime highs mid-80s to mid-90s and peak usage.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

About Oak Bower Group Use Area

Oak Bower Group Use Area sits on DeGray Lake near Bismarck, Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for group reservations only. The campground offers electric hookups, climate-controlled cabins, and modern amenities including showers and WiFi alongside protected coves ideal for boating and fishing. Groups can reserve the entire area for up to seven days during the seasonal operating window.

Oak Bower Group Use Area is specifically designed for group camping, with accommodations that suit large gatherings such as family reunions or corporate retreats.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings warm, lake-friendly weather and the fullest range of water recreation on DeGray Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and nighttime lows in the mid-60s to low-70s°F. Clear water and protected coves of the Bill Hill Creek arm make boating, swimming, and shore fishing especially productive and enjoyable, and the climate-controlled cabins and dining hall keep large groups comfortable during hot or stormy afternoons. Note that holiday weekends draw the biggest crowds, Peak months: June, July, May, August

Elevation433 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 433 feet elevation where Bill Hill Creek feeds into DeGray Lake, a 13,500-acre reservoir fed by the Caddo River. The lake's geological composition filters the water to exceptional clarity, creating visibility that extends well below the surface. Hardwood forests surround the protected cove. Great blue herons and eagles use the area, and deer appear near the forest edge.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground features 'Eight sleeping shelters (6 bunks each)' equipped with heating and air conditioning systems. Note that campers must bring their own linens, pillows, and bedrolls.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically outlined for this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights per visit, and up to 7 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The group site accommodates up to 150 people in the dining hall.

Groups

The area is designed exclusively for group use and can accommodate up to 150 people in the dining hall. The group area includes sleeping shelters.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, the contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityAccessible parking, paved pathways, and dining facilities with wheelchair access are available.

Site SizeGroup camping only, with capacity for up to 150 people in the dining hall.

PrivacyThis is a group use area, so privacy between sites is not a feature. However, the facilities are designed for exclusive use by reserved groups.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for large groups seeking full amenities such as sleeping shelters, dining hall, and kitchen.

Need help booking Oak Bower Group Use Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Oak Bower Group Use Area offers a variety of amenities designed for large group outings, such as family reunions or company retreats. According to official sources, 'Eight sleeping shelters (6 bunks each) with heat and air conditioning units' are included, along with a dining hall and full kitchen that can seat up to 150 people. The site also provides 'restrooms and showers,' a 'drinking fountain,' and 'jug filler fountains.' Other notable features include a 'group-size grill,' 'playground equipment,' and 'internet access in the dining facility.' Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers furnishes basic bedding and heating/cooling systems for the shelters.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Oak Bower Group Use Area offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for both water enthusiasts and nature lovers. According to official sources, 'boating, water skiing, kayaking, and other water sports are the biggest draw to the lake.' Additionally, the area provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with the lake being 'stocked with a variety of game fish,' including hybrid striped bass. Hikers and bikers can explore 'numerous hiking and bike riding trails' that wind around the lake shore.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyAll fires will be confined to fire rings or grills designed for this purpose.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the official description, but groups are responsible for cleaning up the area and facilities during and after use.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available within the Oak Bower Group Use Area, although specific details on coverage strength or supported carriers are not provided.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Oak Bower Group Use Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are available for the Oak Bower Group Use Area at this time.

Review Summaries

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Go if

You're booking for a group that wants private lakefront access with modern amenities and cabin options.

Skip if

You need individual site reservations or want to camp outside the seasonal operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

Arlie Moore sits on the shores of DeGray Lake in southwest Arkansas, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large, budget-friendly campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a boat ramp, drawing anglers and families looking for lakeside access without the resort price tag. Reviewers praise the quiet setting and spacious sites, though some note unlevel pads and dated bathrooms.