It may not be the first place that comes to mind, but land-locked Arkansas actually has some spectacular beaches. You may take a weekend to exploring the scuba diving paradise that is Beaver Lake. Or go island hopping at one of the cleanest lakes in the nation - Lake Ouachita. One other place that may have you reconsidering that plane ticket is DeGray Lake. This beautiful lake has a stunning shoreline and even has an island resort! Let's head to the beach without ever needing to leave our home state.

A day at the beach doesn't need to be thousands of miles away!

Instead of flying, just head south of the Ouachita National Forest to reach DeGray Lake. The shoreline is just about as beautiful as any coastline.

Address: 2027 State Park Entrance Road, Bismarck, AR 71929

Just imagine yourself sipping on a lemonade while digging your toes in the sand.

The palm trees may have been switched out for pine, but the spots of shade are refreshing nonetheless! Since we are in Arkansas you can be assured that campsites are only a few feet away from this stunning beach.

You may not be looking out to the ocean but the lake breeze is just as refreshing.

DeGray Lake is one of Arkansas’s five diamond lakes, which means it’s absolutely one of the clearest lakes here in the Natural State.

The shoreline is lovely on its own but this lake also has a fantastic state park.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park is the only resort state park in Arkansas. What's even cooler is that the resort sits on an island! Just about every adventure you could ever want can be found around the park. Trails, water toy rentals, comfy lodgings, and endless activities will fill your lakeside getaway.

Whether you stay on the water or in the sands beside it, DeGray Lake will give you a beautiful vacation without ever leaving the state.

The only thing we like more than sitting on the beach is taking the Islets Cove Paddle Trail around the shoreline. The 3-mile trail will tour you pass the beautiful coves and inlets of the northern portion of the lake.

Paradise is never far away when you're in Arkansas.

The mountains and forests may be the first thing you think of when picturing Arkansas but our beaches can't be beat! For more information to plan your next stay-cation, visit the state park's page right here.

Where's your favorite place to stay-cation? Share your go-to's in the comments below! Feel free to share your Arkansas beach pictures with us in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.