I love Dardanelle Lake and since it’s one of the Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Arkansas, I know I’m not alone!
Dardanelle Lake is a beautiful place to relax with your family or take a solo trip for the tranquility. Because of the beauty of this lake and it’s proximity to great places to explore, we also named Dardanelle Lake one of the Top 5 Arkansas Lakes to Live On.
Top Campgrounds Near Dardanelle Lake in Arkansas
“Situated between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, Dardanelle Lake creates an excellent setting for nature lovers. The lake stems from the Arkansas River and spans 40,000 acres. Wooded area and hills surround the lake. The region is a favorite destination for bald eagles in wintertime.” -source
1. Piney Bay Recreation Area & Campground
Piney Bay Campground sits along the shores of Lake Dardanelle in the Arkansas River Valley. Campers love to come here to relax and take it easy for a while. Plus, if you like to swim, fish or just go boating, this is the campground for you!
“Piney Bay is a Class A Park on Lake Dardanelle & the Arkansas River with flush toilets, showers, a trailer dump station, visitor protection, and many sites with water and electricity. Facilities include 91 total campsites, 85 campsites with electricity, 70 campsites with water, 1 picnic shelter, boat launching ramp, swim beach, and playground.” -source
You will find Piney Bay here:
189 Private Road 2720
London, AR 72847
479-885-3029
2. Lake Dardanelle State Park
“This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. The main site is in Russellville where you’ll find the Sport Fishing Weigh-in Pavilion, a fishing pier, boardwalk, trail, and visitor center with five aquariums and the Lakeview Room meeting facility. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park (16 Class AAA, 14 Class AA, and 27 Class B) with 18 Class B sites in the Dardanelle area of the park.” -source
You’ll find Lake Dardanelle State Park here:
2428 Marina Rd
Russellville, AR 72802
479-967-5516
3. Mt. Nebo State Park
Mt. Nebo State Park isn’t actually on Dardanelle Lake but it’s near! On top of Mt. Nebo, you will find breathtaking views of Arkansas.
Mt. Nebo also offers excellent hiking trails including, GORGEOUS Arkansas Winter Hikes and one of the best Arkansas Hikes with Kids.
If camping isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the beauty of Mt. Nebo, you’re in luck! Mt. Nebo offers one of the best “cool places to stay in Arkansas!” Twelve of the 15 cabins on top of Mt. Nebo are located along the bluff so you can have a beautiful view of the river valley while you sip your morning coffee.
“Situated in the Arkansas River Valley just 45 minutes from Arkansas Wine Country, this state park sits atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo. The 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the rustic-style cabins, pavilions, bridges, and 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. There are 34 campsites (24 Class B and 10 hike-in tent sites). Other facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, pavilions, and visitor center with gift shop.” -source
Most of the campsites have a view of the river valley below.
BE ADVISED: No campers or RVs over 24 feet are permitted at Mt. Nebo State Park. Highway 155 West is the only way into the state park and it has 11 switchbacks and an 18% grade.
You will also love: BEST Hike-In Camping on Mount Nebo in Arkansas
You will find Mt. Nebo State Park here:
16728 West State Hwy. 155
Dardanelle, AR 72834
479-229-3655
4. Shoal Bay
This campground sits on the beautiful Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle. It’s an excellent campground for anyone who wants to swim, boat, fish or just relax. Also, if you love viewing wildlife, this campground is for you!
Bring the kids because there are also great playgrounds!
“Shoal Bay is a Class A Park on Lake Dardanelle & the Arkansas River with flush toilets, showers, a trailer dump station, visitor protection, and 62 sites with water and electricity at each. Facilities include 82 total campsites, 82 campsites with electricity, 62 campsites with water, 1 picnic shelter, 2 boat launching ramps, swim beach, and a playground.” -source
You will find Shoal Bay Campground here:
499 Shoal Bay Rd.
New Blaine, AR 72851
479-938-7335
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