Lake Dardanelle offers camping options beyond traditional RV parks with several locations tucked away from major highways. The area sits at approximately 338 feet above sea level and experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and hot, humid summers. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, with peak season running April through October when temperatures average 75-90°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Fishing access: Adventure RV provides direct lake access with multiple fishing docks plus a private fishing pond within the park grounds. "Peaceful and quiet. Not only is it right on the lake with multiple fishing docks plus a boat ramp, but there is a private fishing pond in the middle of the park as well," notes Bradley B.
Hiking trails: Turner Bend campers can access Mill Creek trailhead just 2 miles north of the campsite. "Clean and spacious RV sites. We love the view of the mountain and the fact that we can ride our ATV to the Turner Bend Store to get gasoline and sandwiches. Mill Creek trailhead just 2 miles north from our campsite," reports Sam W.
Wine tasting: Grape Country RV Park sits near Arkansas wine country with vineyards across the road. "This is a great place to stop. Not too far off of I-40 and has beautiful surroundings. It is on the wine trail and there are vineyards across the road," according to Zachary C.
What campers like
Peaceful surroundings: Campers appreciate the rural setting of many rv sites near Lake Dardanelle. "Settled right in between grape fields, beautiful manicured grounds with lots of picnic tables and plenty of area to walk dogs or kids. No additional amenities but not needed really with FHU. Owner came by and personally checked on us," shares Jessica P. about Grape Country RV Park.
Mountain views: Sunset views of nearby mountains enhance the camping experience. "This RV Park is amazing! The view of Black Mountain at sunset is amazing! We love the well-kept grounds and spacious back in RV sites. The location is convenient a quarter of mile off the Highway 23/The Pig Trail that motorcycle riders love," writes Vien W. about Turner Bend.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain clean restrooms and showers. "Clean bathrooms and showers. It's a former KOA campground with all those amenities but older. Nice pond along the tent camping area. RV pull through are a little tight but you pull in alternating so you backside to backside," notes Kerrie C. about Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks offer limited space between sites. "It's a bit tight, we found ourselves sharing our front yard with our neighbor. You have to keep your blinds closed otherwise you find yourself looking right into the windows of your neighbors on both sides," warns Julie F. about Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
Seasonal pests: Certain times of year bring insect challenges. "Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs," mentions Craig E. at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
After-hours check-in: Many campgrounds near Lake Dardanelle provide self-service check-in. "Called with last minute stay request and they were able to accommodate. Nice one night is all we stayed. Pulled in after hours. They have a box with what's available. We paid before we left. Military discount," shares Cathy M. about Outdoor Living Center RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "We pulled in at midnight. Difficult to see how to pull through some of the spaces. They have a pond. The weather was nice. Clean space and not noisy through out the night. North of I-40 so there wasn't any highway noise," states Laurie about Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
Dog-friendly options: Most RV sites near Lake Dardanelle welcome pets with designated areas. "Simple, but nice. No frills. Quiet. Has a wooded trails for walking and a big open area for walking and playing with pets. Water, sewer and 30/50amp electric are easy access and to hook up," explains James G. about Grape Country RV Park.
Extended stay capability: Some campgrounds work well for longer stays. "We lived at this RV park for 5 months while we were house hunting. Great owners. Clean, large showers. Game/exercise room. 5 minutes to anything you need, but still feels secluded," shares Katherine N. about Ivy's Cove RV Retreat.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through access: Many sites offer convenient pull-through spaces. "This is good for an overnight rest. It's just far enough away from the highway so you have a quiet nights rest without hearing the traffic. The pond on the property has soothing sounds of peepers to fall asleep to," advises Julie F. about Fort Smith-Alma RV Park.
Hookup placement: Water connections can require attention at some locations. "Connections are a little inconvenient due to being under ground level, but no problem connecting my water filter for my 5th wheel," mentions Curt H. about Outdoor Living Center RV Park.
Supply access: Some campgrounds maintain repair supplies onsite. "Office is stocked with a nice assortment of things that an RV owner might need for minor repairs. Camp site was pretty level, spacing is typical for a campsite built some years ago," reports Curt H. about Outdoor Living Center RV Park.
