189 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Russellville, Arkansas spans a wide range of options, from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, and yurts, with campgrounds along Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. The area features Corps of Engineers sites like Old Post Road campground and state park facilities including Mount Nebo State Park and Lake Dardanelle State Park. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for extended stays. Proximity to both water recreation and mountain terrain creates varied experiences within short driving distances.
Many campgrounds in the Russellville area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect amenities and reservation requirements. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Several campgrounds provide shaded sites that offer relief during summer months. "We love this place, but can only stay a week because they do not have sewer. The trees and the shade are wonderful. Peaceful spot on the river with places to walk and enjoy your surroundings," noted one visitor about Old Post Road campground. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, particularly at lakefront sites during summer months and holiday periods when occupancy reaches capacity.
Waterfront camping is a significant draw in the Russellville region, with sites along Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River receiving positive reviews. The lock and dam area provides interesting scenery at several campgrounds, with one camper mentioning, "The lock and dam was a neat site to look at along with the view of Dardanelle Rock across the river." Activities nearby include fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. Campgrounds like Lake Dardanelle State Park feature family-friendly amenities including swimming beaches, playgrounds, and educational visitor centers with aquarium displays. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, though more primitive options exist for those seeking a less developed experience.
"_ 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
Check Availability"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."
"The location is close to many of the region’s other recreation areas, trails, and Russellville is close enough to ensure you are well stocked."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"Mount Nebo State Park and Lake Dardanelle State Park are very short drives from the campground as well as the town of Russellville with Arkansas Tech University."
"Peaceful spot on the river with places to walk and enjoy your surroundings."
from $26 - $75 / night
Check Availability"On the map it is to the West of Russelville on the same side of the lake. Check google where the state park is."
"Nice quiet place right on the lake sites are a little unlevel but not bad no sewer but there’s a dump station just like they said not much signal for AT&T"
"You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them."
"Access to the creek is nice and plenty of space even on busy days. No cell service which was nice to get disconnected."
"Plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Sand volleyball courts. Level sites. Easy back-ins. Beautiful view of the Arkansas River."
from $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideClean pit toilets with camps right above the crystal clear river. The spots when you first pull in have the best solar due to shading further down. Watch for snakes. We have already seen a copperhead.
GuideThis camping spot is about 9 miles off of I40 and no traffic noise. Right on a lake with great views. I have a pop up tent on my truck and they allowed me to stay at one of the 5 now service tent spots and open my tent on the parking spot reserved for A4 tent site. You cannot drive right into your site. If you want to do as I did try for site A4 it’s table in closest to your vehicle. View of the lake. Camp host was very helpful.
GuideThere is no lake. At the end of a rock and gravel road, that is easy to navigate you come to the end of the road where the lake used to be and there’s a dirt Sirkel drive I’m in a 16 foot transit van with a cargo carrier attached and it was very easy for me to navigate. It might be a tight turn for a large trailer in the middle of the turn is a stack of cinderblocks and what looks like somebody tried to make into a fire pit by using an old pallet. It was a free quiet place to spend the night, but I wouldn’t spend more than a night there.
ScoutBeen camping here for a few years now. Quiet at night. Clean bathroom and showers. Campground a little rocky and hilly. Some sites need some attention, minor water dripping or damage to facets mostly great place. Wonderful hosts. Gary and Michele. Good price.
TravelerRoad is just boulders and is washed out
TravelerThere is a boat ramp here and plenty of shade, or sun, if needed. There is a bathroom and picnic tables with level pads.
ScoutThere is a bit of an incline getting to this spot, most cars will make it if you want to tow a trailer up here better make sure your vehicle is well equipped. there is the space for it, but the ground is not level. It is early September, Little Rock got up to 98 degrees, it was nice to come back to lake Sylvia that is nearby. Nice and warm on the surface and colder down below.
LegendGreat help from the gate keeper. Showed us a nice spot in the back away from everyone else. Probably because of the steep road to back down. But worth it. Wonderful spot.
ScoutThis spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
Campsites near Russellville, Arkansas range from primitive wilderness sites to developed campgrounds with full utilities. The region lies within the Arkansas River Valley at elevations between 330-1,800 feet, creating diverse terrain options for campers. Summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through September, while winter overnight lows can drop below freezing from December through February.
Swimming at natural pools: Long Pool Recreation Area features a popular swimming area with distinctive rock formations. "The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of," notes one visitor to Long Pool Recreation Area.
Hiking diverse trails: Mount Nebo State Park offers trails ranging from easy to challenging with valley 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," according to a camper at Mount Nebo State Park Campground.
Educational programs: Lake Dardanelle State Park includes exhibits for learning about local ecology. "The information center was large and the employees were very friendly," states a camper at Russellville Campground, noting the educational opportunities available.
Private waterfront sites: Piney Bay campground offers multiple loops with waterfront access. "Most of the sites in Loops B and E are waterfront sites and are spectacular," explains a visitor to Piney Bay, who appreciated the layout of the water-adjacent camping areas.
Clean bathroom facilities: Old Post Road provides well-maintained facilities with hot water. "Very level sites, large fire rings and covered picnic tables. The hosts were super nice. Very clean bathrooms with hot water," reports a camper at Old Post Road.
Shaded campsites: Many campgrounds offer tree coverage for summer heat relief. "This campground has plenty of room in between campsites to stretch out," mentions a reviewer at Lake Dardanelle State Park, appreciating the spacing and shade trees.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds like Petit Jean fill quickly during peak seasons. "It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," advises a camper at Petit Jean State Park.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds restrict larger 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," cautions a Mount Nebo visitor about the road conditions.
Amenities vary significantly: Many campgrounds lack full hookups or sewer connections. "We love this place, but can only stay a week because they do not have sewer," reports an Old Post Road camper about utility limitations that affect longer stays.
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The kids love the playground. There is a nice wide boat ramp with plenty of parking situated in a peaceful cove," notes a camper at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer and small mammals are common sightings. "We had hummingbirds at the site," shares a Piney Bay camper about the wildlife viewing opportunities directly from their campsite.
Swimming safety considerations: Water conditions change seasonally at river locations. "Swimming was a little chilly. We had a wonderful float trip down the piney in the kayak's I got dunked so that's how I know the water was chilly," warns a Long Pool Recreation Area visitor who recommends avoiding May swimming.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring equipment. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," advises an RVer at Petit Jean State Park.
Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer varied experiences and hookups. "Trailer hookup sites next to C of E boat ramp, adjacent to numerous covered picnic sites and 3 playgrounds," explains an RVer at COE Dardanelle Lake Old Post Road Campground, highlighting the importance of loop selection for access to amenities.
Pull-through availability: Limited pull-through sites exist for larger rigs. "Easy parking, nice people, all the amenities you would need," reports an RVer at Ivy's Cove RV Retreat, one of the few private campgrounds in the area with pull-through sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Russellville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Russellville, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near Russellville, AR and 56 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Russellville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Russellville, AR is Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 109 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Russellville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 56 free dispersed camping spots near Russellville, AR.
What parks are near Russellville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Russellville, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Nimrod Lake.
Keep Exploring
