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Dardanelle Lake - COE/Piney Bay
Overview
Piney Bay is a Corps of Engineers gem located on the northern shore of the expansive Lake Dardanelle. This park provides a peaceful retreat characterized by its spacious campsites and a dense canopy of pine and hardwood trees. It serves as a primary access point for those looking to enjoy the 34,000-acre reservoir and the Arkansas River. The atmosphere is quiet and rustic, offering a genuine connection to the outdoors without the commercial noise of typical private resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside the small town of London, Arkansas, the park rests within the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. The landscape is defined by rolling hills and the distant silhouettes of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors are surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of the water, making it a scenic stop for those traveling along the I-40 corridor. The transition from the highway to the serene lakeside environment is quick, offering immediate immersion in the natural beauty of the region.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility features dozens of campsites, many of which offer electric and water hookups suitable for various RV sizes. Guests have access to essential comforts, including flush toilets, heated showers, and a convenient dump station. For recreation, the park includes a multi-lane boat ramp and a designated swimming beach area. Families often appreciate the on-site playground and the well-maintained picnic shelters that are perfect for afternoon gatherings while watching the sunset over the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, as Lake Dardanelle is famous for its world-class bass fishing and bird watching opportunities, particularly for bald eagles in the winter. Just a short drive away, Lake Dardanelle State Park offers an impressive visitor center and aquarium. For hikers, the nearby Mount Nebo State Park provides challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. The proximity to Russellville ensures easy access to local dining and necessary supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
Piney Bay is an ideal destination for nature-focused families and anglers who prioritize water access and quiet evenings over luxury resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for RVers who enjoy the classic COE experience of large, private sites and a relaxed pace of life. If you are looking for a scenic home base to explore the natural wonders of Central Arkansas while enjoying the simplicity of lakeside living, this park is an excellent choice.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Chris Davis
Very nice campground during the non peak season , some sites are not as level as others as mentioned by others but for our van we can make almost anywhere work . We had a large lakefront site e13 , power only . Bath house was a short hike away , clean facilities , water is available in certain areas and there is a decent dump station . Easy access to the lake . Great sunsets if you venture out into the water , Ospreys and an eagle were spotted as well as many other migrating birds ..
Willie Williams
Great campground on the shores of Piney Bay. The bathhouse was clean and the grounds were well kept. A little out of the way, but if that is what you are after it is fantastic.
Motomama
Very nice campground. On Lake Dardanelle. Multiple camp sites some w 50 amp power and water hookups, more w 30 amp hookups and water. Also tent sites. Boat ramps and docks. You can fish from the docks. Nice Bathhouse. Lots of trees. We brot our electric bikes to ride on the paved roads. Pets ok on a leash. We will come again. It's only 50 miles from home! Great for a getaway!
Jean Taylor
This is our favorite campground with decades of family memories made here. The bathrooms and showers are regularly tended to and the sites are well taken care of. We haven't had any "rough/loud" neighboring campers in the many trips we've made. It's very family friendly!
Stephanie Osborne
A favorite camping area of ours! Every visit has been a fantastic experience. Clean, well kept park with beautiful sunsets. Calm quiet lake for family play. I do wish there was shade at the swim area. That my only complaint. B sure to bring an umbrella!
Benjamin Portman
Beautiful secluded campground! We had such a fun weekend. I dont think there is a quieter, more peaceful campground in the area. The camp host was amazing, and the online reservation made reserving the spot we wanted a breeze!
Christen
What an awesome campground! We took amazing photos by the lake, too! Though, there are a few things that weren't so awesome.[1] The Picnic Tables by the lake didn't have a direct path to them. It would've been nice to be able to walk to the picnic tables on a concrete path, but it was fine! The grass was low. [2] At the park, there was a minor issue with the "Red Swing". I was pushing my 2 sisters, and a little girl that they befriended while they where swimming, (the park is right on the water) and I wasn't pushing them very high cause I didn't want them to get hurt... Well the little girl hit her head on the bar that held up the swing. All girls where in the range from 7-9. If they could lift up the bar just by a foot or two, that would be great. [3] At the park, you best watch your step. There is dog poop almost everywhere you look. [4] We had a member of our group that has to use a cane. (Had bad knees) It would be nice if they could add wood stairs leading up to your camper. Other than that, it was awesome! We all had so much fun! You can walk to the swimming area from campsite G9 (were we where) and we had a blast!
Alan & Celia Moore
Nice quiet campground. The pad was somewhat level - it was on the side of a hill. The comfort station was quite a walk. It seemed to be a half mile away. But, hey there is a comfort station with very good showers. Witnesses the 2024 Eclipse here, so it will always be a special place to us.
Steven Holland
Very pretty. Restroom near the back of the park seems new and is very well taken care of. Every. Single. Site. On E loop is a vertical rappel. If you are in an RV and are new or challenged with leveling blocks (like me) things are going to get exciting. The rest is rather leveling. No hiking. Restroom by A loop with the boats is beat up bad and feels more like a horror movie. Views are amazing. If you do not come with a boat, not much to do but relax and watch the water (which was fine with me this trip!).
Migdimar Ordaz
I really love this place... it’s absolutely amazing, beautiful and clean... my adventure was amazing!!! I did my reservations and payment online... the restroom had hot water, it’s not the more beautiful bathroom but was ok... was an incredible experience!!! The most beautiful sunset!!! I welcome to enjoy the experience!!!