We are planning a summer family vacation in Arkansas and need help. We've heard good things about Lake Degray but are worried about staying at the Lodge there based on reviews that the rooms are super small (we are a family of five). I'd also like to find a place with some sort of a kitchen or mini-kitchen. We are looking forward to spending some time hiking and some time in the water. Any suggestions? We are open to just about any kid-friendly ideas. Thanks!

The rooms at the DeGray Lake Resort lodge would be quite small for a family of 5.

The Iron Mountain Lodge might work for you, although I haven't stayed there personally. I have stayed at their sister resort, Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita and it was quite nice.

http://www.iron-mountain.com/

Our family used to vacation at DeGray fairly often, but we only tried the lodge once. At that time (I have no idea what it's like now) the rooms were tiny, and they had NO connecting rooms, which made it difficult for my husband and me and our two children.

I'm not familiar with Mountain Harbor but it looks great! I am familiar with Lake Ouachita and it's a beautiful lake. It looks to me like those both would be good options.

DeGray rooms are just regular hotel size rooms.

There isn't all that much to do there. Not many trails and they are very short.
www.degray.com/thingstodo/trails.aspx

Check out Petit Jean--voted most popular state park in Arkansas year after year and Lake Ouchita (much prettier setting than DeGray).

I've stayed at all three and enjoyed the others better than DeGray.

I recommend Catherine's Landing on Lake Catherine. My family just returned with our three kids and everyone loved it. They have modern cottages with a nice kitchen and outdoor picnic areas that are right by the lake and slept all of us comfortably. We learned the resort is only about a year old so everything is really nice and clean. They have a lot of amenities too, like a big swimming pool and boat rentals. The lake was nice too.

Mount Magazine has a great lodge and individual cabins. Great hiking trails.

I agree with MOSSY, Mount Magazine is beautiful & hard to beat. Very family friendly!

I second Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita. http://mountainharborresort.com/