Camper submitted image from Shoal Bay - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Shoal Bay - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Shoal Bay - 3
People
Camper submitted image from Shoal Bay - 4
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Shoal Bay - 5
Camping

Established Camping

Shoal Bay

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from November 1, 2024 through April 19, 2025.

Shoal Bay, near New Blaine, Arkansas, is a solid spot for campers looking to enjoy the beauty of Dardanelle Lake. With spacious sites that are friendly for larger rigs, it’s a convenient choice for both tent and RV camping.

The campground offers essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, making it comfortable for your stay. Visitors have noted the clean sites and easy access to the lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, “Nicely spaced campsites on the shores of Shoal Bay,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere you can expect.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are some great trails nearby to explore. While the campground doesn’t have showers or a market, it does allow fires, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories around the fire ring. As one reviewer put it, “It was so peaceful,” especially during quieter months like March.

If you’re looking for a laid-back camping experience with a touch of nature, Shoal Bay is worth checking out. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Dardanelle Lake

Overview

Download a Shoal Bay park map HERE This shady campground sits on the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, offering an excellent setting for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing.

Recreation

The lake, a popular spot for anglers, is brimming with white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie and large catfish. The Bridge Rock Trail winds along a rugged slope overlooking the narrows of Shoal Creek, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Dardanelle's Visitor Center is noteworthy for its "Renaissance of a River" theme. Interpretive exhibits express the progression of river valley from the time of early Native Americans to its present day.

Natural Features

Dardanelle Lake, sourced by the Arkansas River, spans 40,000 acres and boasts 315 miles of shoreline. The lake sits in the river valley between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests.

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 6 mile trail system.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Shoal Bay is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From New Blaine, Arkansas, take State Route 197 north for 2 miles. Follow signs into campground.

Address

SHOAL BAY ROAD BOX 499
New blaine, AR 72859

Coordinates

35.31 N
93.4305556 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Shoal Bay sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

20%
60%
0%
20%
0%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2024

Beauty in the Arkansas River Valey

Nicely spaced campsites on the shores of Shoal Bay. Clean sites with easy access for large rigs.

Have been camping here since the lake was established, it has only improved with time.

Could have a few more trash disposal sites and grills (only fire ring grates)

SiteD1
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by James N., April 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by James N., April 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by James N., April 7, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2022

Great campgrounds

It was a little windy Friday but Saturday turned out to be awesome. #transcend #gdlife

SiteD4
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by ladona , April 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by ladona , April 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by ladona , April 9, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2021

Shadey large sites

In March, the place was a ghost town which was nice. We had a site w/e lakefront site. It was so peaceful. We found some really great hiking close by.

  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Nancy C., April 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Nancy C., April 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Nancy C., April 16, 2021
Reviewed May. 7, 2019

Clean Park

Great Corp of Engineers Park tucked in the trees south of Lake Dardanelle. Paved level sites with water and electricity and clean bathrooms. Nice fishing available.

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2017

Shoal Bay is pretty average for the area

Shoal Bay is run by the Corps of Engineers. The campsite pads are large and well spaced but the camp seemed slightly below average for the area. The campground is next to the lake and the cost is pretty reasonable, it just doesn't seemed to be maintained as well as some of the other Corps of Engineer run campgrounds in the area.

If you are more interested in boating and care less about the camping aspect then this campground will be fine for you.

  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Shoal Bay by Matt S., July 23, 2017
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Shoal Bay have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Shoal Bay has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Shoal Bay?

    Shoal Bay allows vehicles up to 82 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Shoal Bay?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Shoal Bay, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Shoal Bay have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Shoal Bay does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Shoal Bay?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Shoal Bay?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Shoal Bay. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Shoal Bay, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Shoal Bay?

    There are 79 campsites at Shoal Bay and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts