Located near the Illinois Bayou, the area exhibits picturesque bluffs and breathtaking scenery. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

**Not recommended for large trailers or RVs**

Campsites are first-come/first-served. No reservations. The pavilion can be reserved. Please call 479-284-3150 to reserve the pavilion. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March 

Bayou Bluff Recreation Area Campground

If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.

The Ozarks are known for the clear mountain streams, but please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.

Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/osfnf/recreation/?cid=fseprd623199

Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

Macks Pines

Long Pool Recreation Area lies along beautiful Big Piney Creek and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities: camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Big Piney, a nationally designated a Scenic and Recreational River, offers visitors a variety of recreational experiences. A large natural pool, steep rock bluffs, and captivating forests are just a few examples of the natural beauty surrounding this recreation area. The recent addition of another camping loop offers 20 camping sites with water & electrical hook-ups. This camping loop is open year round. Long Pool Recreation Area is located within the Piney Creeks Wildlife Management Area, which provides hunting opportunities for many types of game during open seasons. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

Long Pool Recreation Area

Ivy's Cove RV Retreat

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

Richland Creek Recreation Area

As of Oct 2021 - Haw Creek Falls—Located on Hwy 123, this newly designated Point of Interest will be accessible year-round. Removal of the gate across the low-water bridge and suspension of fees will be immediately implemented, and camping will still be allowed in designated campsites. A slow transition of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts will be removed over time as they become unusable or unsafe. Trash services will be managed by the user as “pack it in, pack it out.” Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of current amenities, excluding trash services. Several volunteer workdays have been hosted at this site in the last several months, which have proven to be immensely beneficial to keeping this primitive area operational. Please note, this area is subject to flash flooding and visitors are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures. Removal of the gate does not indicate the area is always safe during changing weather conditions. Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, this campground is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff. Big Piney Wild and Scenic River are nearby. There is an accessible trail to the Haw Creek Falls. Camping - 9 family units. Camping trailers are allowed but no special facilities are available. Access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March. Please note that the campground is closed when heavy rain is forecast. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

Haw Creek Falls Camping

This recreation area is part of Dardanelle Lake

Russellville Campground

COE Dardanelle Lake Old Post Road Campground

## Overview

Download a Piney Bay park map [HERE](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/07/14/18/09/232672_6812eed1-6def-4a17-8f6d-83e1848c32f6.pdf)

Piney Bay Campground sits along Dardanelle Lake in western Arkansas. Campers come here to get a break from the city and take advantage of the ample swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.

## Recreation

Picnicking, boating and fishing are favorite pastimes. The lake is brimming with white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie and large catfish. 

## Facilities

Piney Bay offers 68 reservable campsites, all equipped with electric hookups, along with a large group picnic shelter and over 20 walk-in campsites. Campers enjoy hot showers, two boat ramps, a playground and a swim beach.

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary, with nearly 86 acres of wetlands and low woods, provide an ideal habitat for native wildlife. Visitors can explore the area on the six-mile trail system.

Piney Bay

National Forest

The Bayou Bluff Recreation Area is now called the Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI). In summary, there are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve. Here's is info directly from the Bayou Bluff  page on the National Forst Service Web site: "Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks. Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services." Also: "Open all year. No fees. Upper loop closed. Pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No trash services. Pack it in- pack it out." The NF page also indicates that there is no water available, but there may water in the group site. The vault toilets are clean, and the campground grounds appear to be reasonably maintained. I recommend only tent camping here, as well as car/truck/van camping. Sites appear to be too small for RVs &amp; trailers.

I was just passing through, but this is a small campsite just off a main road. There is trail access to some scenic areas right around you, and some interesting stone structures which I haven’t encountered before at a campsite, so that’s cool. Look like they’d be good for cooking if you brought the right equipment. 

Nice Spot 

Favorite campsite in the spring. Beautiful bluffs take you right down to the water.  Stone pavilions with fireplaces for cold weather camping. Best kept secret.

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

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Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

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Nearby Campgrounds

Bayou Bluff Recreation Area Campground

Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

Macks Pines

Long Pool Recreation Area

Ivy's Cove RV Retreat

Richland Creek Recreation Area

Haw Creek Falls Camping

Russellville Campground

COE Dardanelle Lake Old Post Road Campground

Piney Bay