Camping near Dardanelle, AR

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    Camping options surround Dardanelle, Arkansas, with sites positioned along Lake Dardanelle and near Mount Nebo State Park. The area features several established campgrounds including Old Post Road, Russellville Campground, and Dardanelle Campground within Lake Dardanelle State Park. Mount Nebo State Park provides camping with spectacular views from one of the highest points in the region. Accommodation types vary widely from tent and RV sites with hookups to cabins and glamping options in yurts. Most developed campgrounds offer amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities, while some locations feature more primitive sites for those seeking a less developed experience.

    Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, with some campgrounds like Piney Bay operating from March through October while others remain open year-round. Campers should note that the drive up to Mount Nebo involves a steep, winding road that limits access for larger RVs. The majority of campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though availability varies by location. Several sites offer picturesque views of the Arkansas River, Dardanelle Rock, and the surrounding landscape. Proximity to water activities is a notable feature of the region's camping options. As one visitor noted, "The lock and dam was a neat site to look at along with the view of Dardanelle Rock across the river. Mount Nebo State Park and Lake Dardanelle State Park are very short drives from the campground."

    Many campers appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available at these locations. The campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions, with several visitors highlighting the views from Mount Nebo as particularly impressive. The campground at Mount Nebo sits atop one of the highest points in Arkansas, offering panoramic vistas of Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding area. Most developed sites provide amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, though the level of facilities varies between locations. Campsites at Mount Nebo State Park are described as being relatively close together with limited privacy, while the campgrounds along Lake Dardanelle offer more spacious sites. A camper remarked about Lake Dardanelle State Park: "The spots are spacious and aesthetically nice, wood and charcoal grills at the ready, most are shaded well, the shower/restrooms are air conditioned and spacious."

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    Best Campgrounds near Dardanelle (194)

      1. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      4.7(108)15mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."

      "Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      2. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

      4.6(28)5mi from DardanelleGlamping

      "Beautiful views of Arkansas River/Lake Dardanelle. Campsites are close together with little privacy. Several rental cabins as well."

      "This campground sits atop one of the highest points in AR offering views of Lake Dardanelles below and the surrounding area."

      3. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park

      4.4(16)5mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."

      "Pretty campground on the lake. You can see Mount Nebo in the distance. Not much in the way of hiking trails. They have a short loop trail near the visitor center that is good for small children."

      4. Old Post Road

      5.0(5)1mi from Dardanelle41 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The lock and dam was a neat site to look at along with the view of Dardanelle Rock across the river."

      "Peaceful spot on the river with places to walk and enjoy your surroundings."

      from $26 - $75 / night

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      5. Piney Bay

      4.3(13)15mi from Dardanelle91 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "General: Two things you can count on in a Corps of Engineers campground: very reasonable rates and near water. This is a fairly large Corps of Engineers campground on Piney Bay."

      "A great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity. Dump station in park. Nice clean bath houses."

      from $16 - $75 / night

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      6. Ivy's Cove RV Retreat

      5.0(4)6mi from DardanelleRVs

      "Close to town but feels like the country."

      7. Dardanelle Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park

      5.0(3)3mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents

      "On the map it is to the West of Russelville on the same side of the lake. Check google where the state park is."

      8. COE Dardanelle Lake Old Post Road Campground

      3.7(3)2mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents

      "Plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Sand volleyball courts. Level sites. Easy back-ins. Beautiful view of the Arkansas River."

      9. Riverview

      3.0(3)1mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents

      10. Outdoor Living Center RV Park

      4.0(2)6mi from DardanelleRVs, Tents

      "I was running late due to the distance. They called to check on us and left instructions in a box at the office with site number, WiFi, bath codes. Again very nice owners."

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    Recent Reviews near Dardanelle, AR

    1027 Reviews of 194 Dardanelle Campgrounds


    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 11, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice campground

      Staff at gate was very k8nd and helpful. Grounds well kept and manicured. Camp sites under trees for,shade with water, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. Needed to use levelers to get trailer leveled. Campground on Arkansas river at the dam and locks. Bathhouse was clean, looked like painted for this season. Only issues was heater running in shower, it was 80+ degrees didn't need more heat. I'd stay here again.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 10, 2026

      COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

      Beautiful location

      I stayed 2 nights and it was a great location. I had water views on 3 sides. Site 20 is a good location for tenting, it has pretty good shade coverage. There is water and electric at the site. There are bathrooms and showers available to campers. There is a sandy beach area for swimming. The water is refreshing on a hot and humid day. The camp host is very nice and reassured me to reach out if I had any questions or problems. After dark it was surprisingly very quiet, there was a loud group camped 2 spots away from me but they were quiet after dark. The views around the lake are beautiful. I will definitely stay here again if I’m in the area. Just a side note, if the geese are troublesome, the park rangers will shoot off blanks to scare them out of the cove. This is done without warning, so it’s a bit startling.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      Waveland Park

      Nice and Quiet

      I grew up around this area so Waveland is always a safe choice for some casual casual camping. We chose site 06 because it’s a bit separated from the other areas and since there was hardly anyone there, it was almost dead quiet. Very private and peaceful. My only complaint is that there was no one working the station where you’re supposed to check in— we tried three separate times thinking maybe they were on break or at lunch, but no luck. We also tried calling several times but no one picked up. It rained quite heavily and stormed in the area, and a part of me wonders if it got bad enough, would anyone have come notified us to leave? The lake is currently closed to swimming and most everything except fishing/boating and in a certain area— but it’s in an effort to improve wildlife and fish populations, which was already quite noticeable!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Spadra Park Campground

      Nice park with view of Arkansas River

      Most sites are levelish side to side with down hill slope. There appears to be no supervision in this park. We have stopped here on our way out west then on our way back. No one has checked us in or made sure we were supposed to be there. Traffic moves from the boat ramp until late at night. Still a good stopover when traveling Verizon worked well.

    • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 3, 2026

      Maumelle COE campground

      Close to hospital

      Luckily it was close to the hospital since we had to take a visit there. Beautiful park with lake access.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 3, 2026

      Cane Creek Recreation Area

      Nice spot but poorly maintained, generator noise

      Nice spot, especially if you get one of the old campsites. However those were taken by long term folks who either just left their trailer there with no one in it, or they ran generators through the night. The remaining campsites were inaccessible by car, so we ended up staying in the bathroom parking area. Bathrooms boarded up, no trash cans, a fair bit of trash lying around.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 31, 2026

      Toad Suck

      Nice spot

      Well kept camsites. Clean and right on the beautiful Arkansas river. Would definitely come back.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2026

      Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

      Rainy but nice place

      Very nice park and clean bathrooms. The cedar falls are wonderful when it has been raining a lot. RV sites are spacious and a lot of locals like to stay there for short vacations.


    Guide to Dardanelle

    Camping sites near Dardanelle, Arkansas sit at elevations ranging from 330 to 1,800 feet, offering diverse terrain experiences along Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. Nuclear evacuation signs mark the area due to the nearby nuclear power plant at Russellville. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity.

    What to do

    Hiking trails: Mount Nebo State Park Campground offers several trails ranging from easy to strenuous. "The Rim Trail is just that…a 3 1/2 mile trail running the top rim of the mountain, with long views. There are two distinct areas of the 'Rim Trail' that can be driven to…to capture those special photos…Sunset Point and Sunrise Circle," notes one visitor.

    Visit waterfalls: The trails at Petit Jean State Park lead to impressive water features. "The video is of the roaring falls. There is not typically so much flow. We were lucky! We spent most of our days hiking the many trails the park is known for," reports a camper who visited after heavy rains.

    Boat and fish: Lake access points near campsites provide water recreation opportunities. "If you have a boat, you can take it out on Piney Bay. There are no rentals (we would have loved it if kayak rentals were available)," explains a visitor to Piney Bay campground, noting the lack of rental equipment.

    What campers like

    Private shower facilities: Russellville Campground at Lake Dardanelle State Park offers uncommonly private bathroom facilities. "Not only was it clean but it had six doors. Behind each door was a shower room complete with a toilet and lavatory and guess what? It was air conditioned!" shares a camper who appreciated this unusual feature.

    Waterfront camping: Old Post Road provides sites with direct river access. "The lock and dam was a neat site to look at along with the view of Dardanelle Rock across the river," writes a camper who enjoyed the distinctive riverside location.

    Cooling summer options: Mount Nebo State Park provides relief from summer heat with higher elevation and additional amenities. "State park with swimming pool in summer. Playground and swings for young ones. Several hammock friendly sites. Hang gliders frequently use the bluffs to launch," notes one camper about the elevated park's cooler temperatures.

    What you should know

    Road accessibility limitations: The winding road to Mount Nebo restricts certain vehicles. "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%," advises one visitor.

    Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Campground bathroom quality differs across locations. "The showers are not very private other than a nasty mildewed shower curtain, but there is nowhere to dry off or dress that is private. The showers were nasty on the weekend that we went," reports a camper about one of the less maintained facilities.

    Wildlife considerations: Bears and venomous snakes inhabit the region, requiring proper precautions. "There are bear in this area, and precautions are taken by the park. Park staff informed us of numerous venomous reptilian, too…so be aware on the trails, or if you choose to wander off them," warns a visitor to Piney Bay.

    Tips for camping with families

    Book loop preferences early: Reserve specific loops when traveling with children. "RESERVE EARLY to get a spot in Loop A or Loop B. We stayed in Loop C and I felt a little too secluded. The sites in C & D appeared to be a little smaller," advises a family camper at Petit Jean State Park.

    Plan for shade: Consider seasonal sun exposure when selecting campsites. "Old Post Road pros: plenty of shade in hot months with the pine grove," notes a camper, while another warns about different conditions elsewhere: "A loop cons: very little shade. Would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc."

    Check amenities for kids: Ivy's Cove RV Retreat provides facilities specifically for children. "Nice level pull-through lots. Hot showers, laundry, small play area. Very quiet except for the birds that wake you in the morning. Close to town but feels like the country," shares a visitor who appreciated the dedicated play space.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for privacy: Choose sites based on layout and spacing. "Each site has two parking spots, one for your Camper or RV and another for a boat or an extra vehicle. With easy access to the lake this is a nice convenience if you like to boat and camp for several days," explains a camper at Old Post Road.

    Full hookup availability: Identify campgrounds with complete services. "So unusual for a state park to have full hookups including 50 amp service and sewer," notes a visitor to Petit Jean about the less common utility options in the region.

    Water connection challenges: Some sites have awkward utility placements. "Many sites have water and the picnic table on the opposite sides of the camper. It's purely inconvenient and I'm not sure why this is this way. Pay attention when you book your site to campsite photos," advises an RV camper at Petit Jean State Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Dardanelle, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Dardanelle, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Dardanelle, AR and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Dardanelle, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dardanelle, AR is Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 108 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dardanelle, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Dardanelle, AR.

    What parks are near Dardanelle, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Dardanelle, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Nimrod Lake.