Lake Dardanelle State Park

Campground Details

Open: Open all year
Number of Sites: 74
Number of Sites with Electric and Water: 44
Number of Full Hookup Sites: 30


Surrounded by the natural beauty for which the Arkansas River Valley is known, Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. These two water resources combined here have put this area into the national spotlight as a major bass fishing tournament site. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on the lake: one park site is at Russellville, and the other is located at nearby Dardanelle. Both the Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping (74 sites: Russellville--16 Class AAA, 14 Class AA, and 26 Class B; Dardanelle Area--18 Class B), launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers.

The Russellville site also features a striking 10,527-square-foot visitor center on the lakeshore overlooking Lake Dardanelle. Engaging interpretive exhibits and state-of-the-art touch screen kiosks share information on the park, the area’s water resources and its history. A fascinating aquatic exhibit in the center features four aquariums that hold fish found in the lake, the Arkansas River, and its tributaries; Piney Creek and the Illinois Bayou.

Another unique facility in the (Russellville) main area is the park's 1,861-square-foot, fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion, a world class facility and the first of its kind in the nation that serves as a staging area for tournaments. Near the weigh-in pavilion is a covered, barrier-free fishing pier, a popular facility for bank fishing enthusiasts, sightseers and photographers with its sweeping view of lake and Mount Nebo to the south.

The main park also includes a trail. Rental kayaks and bicycles are available here. And, it's here that park visitors can enjoy nature programs on a wide variety of topics by park interpreters. Note: You do not have to be an overnight camping guest to enjoy our programs. Local residents, day visitors, and nearby Mount Nebo State Park visitors are all welcome!

Privately-owned marinas and boat docks are located in both the Russellville and Dardanelle areas.

To reach each area: 1) Russellville, Pope County Side--From I-40 (Exit 81) at Russellville, take Hwy. 7 south, then turn right on Hwy. 326 and travel 4 miles to the main park; OR, from west on I-40, take exit 78, go left on U.S. 64, stay in the right hand lane and turn right on Hwy. 326 to the park. 2) Dardanelle, Yell County Side--From the town of Dardanelle, take Hwy. 22 west for 3.5 miles and turn right into the park.

 

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