Russellville, Arkansas serves as a hub for diverse camping experiences with several established campgrounds along Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River. The area features a mix of Corps of Engineers sites like Old Post Road campground and state park facilities including Mount Nebo State Park and Lake Dardanelle State Park. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts at certain locations. 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 represents 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." Proximity to outdoor activities enhances the camping experience, with options for fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking nearby. Campgrounds like Lake Dardanelle State Park feature family-friendly amenities including swimming beaches, playgrounds, and educational visitor centers with aquarium displays. Most established campgrounds maintain clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, though more primitive options exist for those seeking a less developed experience.
$25 - $40 / night
"_ 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."
"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."
$16 - $75 / night
"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."
$26 - $75 / night
"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."
"Close to town but feels like the country."
"On the map it is to the West of Russelville on the same side of the lake. Check google where the state park is."
"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."
ScoutNot a bad spot. Lots of room and shade. Plenty of space to turn a truck and trailer around. Had full cell service. No water access and a fair amount of traffic during the week due to road repairs further down the road. Good views, you can actually see spy rock from the site.
TravelerThis is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location. It's free and quiet, which is nice, but the camper next to us gave us such bad vibes that we moved to another site to get a bit of space from them. Overall it's good with little to no litter, but take obvious safety precautions.
TravelerThis is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location. It's free and quiet, which is nice, but the camper next to us gave us such bad vibes that we moved to another site to get a bit of space from them. Overall it's good with little to no litter, but take obvious safety precautions.
TravelerThis campground is in a very nice location but it definitely needs some “love”. Very reasonably priced, especially for seniors like us. Toilet was plugged and overflowing when I went to the bathhouse. Showers were very dirty. Grass doesn’t appear to have been cut this season. Pads are not the nice, clear gravel shown on recreation.gov. They are overgrown with weeds.
On the positive side, full hook-ups with good water pressure. Big, wide sites and this is a small, quiet campground.
TravelerFirst come first serve camping. This area is meant for daytime picnics, but the park rangers at the state Park office allows camping here for a cheaper rate, if you ask. It's great for a quiet camping, if you're okay with practically no amenities. They have a glorified outhouse there with no power. No running water. Individual camp sites each with a fire pit and picnic table. If you're lucky, there are two camp/picnic spots with an amazing view.
ScoutExcellent free primitive parking/camping.
ScoutThis was our second time coming back, and it was just as amazing as the first! I’d recommend this place to anyone of all ages. He does a great job making everything fun and fair while still letting you have control over how you want to play. He even gave us a trial of Splatterball to try, which was a really cool bonus. Great guy with tons of experience, and it definitely shows. We’ll absolutely be back again!
TravelerThis site is in BEAUTIFUL spot and is well maintained! But just know that this is a popular location it seems. We reserved our spot for one night about a month ago (if not more) and there were a lot of sites booked them. I think we saw ONE open spot last night. That said, everyone was respectful of quiet hours, and it’s mostly a lot of RV camping—looks like people say for longer periods of time! There are tent sites too, but only a handful. The bathrooms have a shower and real toilets. For a campsite they are incredibly clean!
We stayed in site 21 and could walk down the hill to the bank of the lake for a beautiful view. Noting this as a place we should come back to if we are ever in the area again! So lovely.
GuideSmall campground with picnic tables, fire rings and a boat launch. Its has a restroom building but the doors have plywood over them. I don't know if its this way because they haven't opened it yet for the season or if its permanent. Be prepared! No water or dumpster. Civilization is only a few miles up the road.
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 184 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 106 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
