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Lake Dardanelle

Overview

Lake Dardanelle State Park serves as a premier destination for water recreation and outdoor relaxation in the heart of Arkansas. Spanning a massive 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River, the park is split into two sites, with the primary location in Russellville offering the most comprehensive facilities for RV travelers. This park is widely recognized for its commitment to conservation and education, providing a high-quality camping experience that blends the beauty of the River Valley with modern amenities.

Location & Surroundings

Positioned between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, the park offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills and wide-open water. The Arkansas River Valley location provides a dramatic backdrop for sunset views and birdwatching. While the park feels secluded and peaceful, its proximity to Interstate 40 makes it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the state. The surrounding area is rich in timberland and provides a lush, green environment that changes beautifully with the seasons.

Amenities & Park Features

The Russellville site features 57 campsites tailored to the needs of modern RVers. The park is meticulously maintained, offering high-end features that ensure a comfortable stay for any length of time. Key amenities include:

  • Class AAA hookups that provide 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer connections.
  • A 10,500-square-foot visitor center featuring a state-of-the-art aquarium and exhibits.
  • Large, paved camping pads designed to accommodate various rig sizes.

The park also offers a weigh-in pavilion for fishing tournaments, clean bathhouses, and a swimming beach for summer cooling.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Fishing is the primary draw here, as Lake Dardanelle is a world-class site for major bass tournaments. Anglers can utilize the multiple boat ramps or fish from the accessible piers. For those who prefer land-based activities, the nearby Mount Nebo State Park offers challenging hikes and panoramic overlooks. Seasonal lake cruises and eagle-watching tours hosted by park rangers allow visitors to experience the local wildlife and the massive scale of the reservoir from a unique perspective.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is an ideal choice for serious anglers and boaters who want easy access to the water and professional-grade facilities. It also appeals to families who value educational opportunities, thanks to the impressive visitor center and nature programs. Because of the spacious paved sites and full hookups, it is a favorite for big-rig owners seeking a reliable and scenic state park experience without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Boat Marina
• Body Of Water (Lake Dardanelle)
• Playground
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Watersports

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Boating
• Watersports

- Facility

• Type (State Park)

- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)

• Year-Round

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Spaces Available (75)
• Width (20)
• Paved Sites (75)
• Max Length (50)
• Pull-thrus (4)
• Pull-thru Size (20 x 50)
• Back-ins (20 x 50)
• Site Length (50)

User Reviews

Lawada Williamson

November 02, 2025

Camped two nights in tents sites 60 and 61 with 6 adults and 5 young children and two dogs. We had the best time. Grounds and facilities are all excellently maintained, making us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommend and kudos to the wonderful and dedicated maintenance staff. 🙂

Debbi Smith

October 31, 2025

Very nice campground. We were in the Dardanelle area—very quiet. Nice view of the lake. Water & electric only at the site, wide dump station with a small dumpster at the site; I wish more dump stations would do that! Site was asphalt & gravel. It rained most of the time we were there. The site gets muddy. Our groundcloth helped a lot. Showers & toilets are combined into one room and are spacious. 5 rooms in our campground. Floors are concrete. Older but they had been swept & mopped. Sink & toilet was clean. Plenty of toilet paper. I recommend this park.

Danyelle Warner

September 01, 2025

Wonderful visitor center; educational and great for all ages! Walking paths, paved and a jetty to walk out on and fish or sit on the bench at the end and watch the water and herons! Great covered picnic areas with grills too. Kayak rentals were available across from the pavilion.

D L

August 26, 2025

A great place to take the kids or yourself. The inside of the visitors center is very clean and has a gift shop, mini aquarium to see large and different fish, a bee colony, and spots where you can walk around the lake a little bit. Very nice place and glad it's here.

mahoganyhoney

August 24, 2025

Very beautiful location! Staff was very nice. The visitor center has everything you need for information on the surrounding areas and natural attractions!

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Map for Lake Dardanelle

Contact information