Camping near Lake Dardanelle

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Lake Dardanelle, AR is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Lake Dardanelle is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Dardanelle, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Dardanelle (175)

    1. Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Dardanelle, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 229-3655

    "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."

    2. Piney Bay

    13 Reviews
    Hagarville, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 885-3029

    $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."

    3. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park

    16 Reviews
    Russellville, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 967-5516

    "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. Mount Magazine State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Blue Mountain, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 963-8502

    $35 / night

    "The picnic table had a few steps up to it.

    This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."

    "There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."

    5. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    105 Reviews
    Adona, AR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 727-5441

    $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."

    6. Shoal Bay

    5 Reviews
    Clarksville, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 938-7335

    $22 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "We found some really great hiking close by."

    7. Long Pool Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Hagarville, AR
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas"

    "Lovely area but you can hear the vehicles that drive by on the highway plenty of hiking nearby"

    9. Cove Lake Complex

    11 Reviews
    Paris, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 963-3076

    "Located at the base drive up to Mount Magazine this is a good back up to the state park campground."

    "We stayed as a group (three families with 7 kiddos total, ranging from 6-15), across two adjacent sites: 1 & 3."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Dardanelle

824 Reviews of 175 Lake Dardanelle Campgrounds


  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Aux Arc

    Beautiful Arkansas

    Nice campground, although they are set up to cater to RVers. The RVs are quiet because they are using commercial power and not a generator. Me and my little tent are in the "Land of the Giants". Many fishermen out on Lake Dardanelle. Quiet after Labor Day camping.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    Camping in luxury

    So here’s the thing, me and my partner do not like fruit, fruit and frills. I’d rather be in the middle of the woods with out a bathroom in sight, then having loads of facilities. But something about this location, turns all of that on its head for us.

    The campsites were well-maintained, the bathroom facilities were clean, but the park lodges, which also function as a trailhead for one of the major hikes there are like nothing I’ve seen before

    A pool at the top of an expensive out overlook which ultimately leads down to a gorgeous waterfall. That same lodge has a fully functioning bar and restaurant attached to it and on either side of the state park there are small coffee shops, a 24 hour farmers market with some of the weirdest and most pleasant people I’ve ever met.

    It was just cool, I’ll leave it at that

  • Dawn G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Haw Creek Falls Camping

    Nice place!

    We only saw one other couple there the whole time we were there, it was clean, taken care of, had restrooms, tables, and firepits at several sites. It was beautiful! Secluded, need bug spray, worth the ride out but no cell service at all!

  • G
    Jul. 13, 2025

    JB Trading Co.

    Awesome Campground

    This place is great! We stayed in one of the platform huts and it was extremely clean. We stayed in the middle of July and the AC was turned off when we arrived but within a few hours the hut was completely cooled down which was awesome. Kids loved running around in the well-kept open areas and playing frisbee golf. The bathrooms were EXTREMELY clean..like spotless which isn’t always expected at a camp ground. The store is also a plus and has just about everything you might need if you forgot anything. Overall an A+ experience for relatively new campers with small children. We will definitely be back.

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Clarksville AR 822

    Convenient Layover

    We stayed for one night heading west and due to the extreme heat Cracker Barrel w/ no electricity was out of the question. We reserved & paid online without a hitch and the power was switched on when we checked in. Ample room between sites and full hook-up available. It was our 1st time at one of these and would stay again if in a similar situation. Reserve ahead though as all 4 sites were taken by 3pm on a Sunday.


Guide to Lake Dardanelle

Camping near Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Lake Dardanelle is known for its fishing spots. Campers at Piney Bay have enjoyed the fishing experience, with one reviewer noting, "Many of the campers were fishing Dardenelle lake."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Mount Magazine State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "There are lots of nature trails, but none very long," making it a great spot for a quick hike.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the water at Haw Creek Falls Camping. One camper shared, "Eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in Arkansas."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers at Aux Arc appreciate the spacious sites and beautiful water views. A reviewer said, "The sites are spaced out nicely. Would definitely recommend staying here."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Lake Dardanelle State Park, one camper noted, "The park was very well kept up."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers at Redding Campground appreciate the peacefulness. A visitor mentioned, "Only 1 other camper the night I stayed," highlighting the tranquility of the area.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mount Nebo State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "No laundry, cable or wifi, but restrooms and showers were clean."
  • Cell service can be spotty: Campers at Haw Creek Falls Camping noted, "We had no service," so be prepared to disconnect.
  • Crowded during peak times: Popular spots like Lake Dardanelle State Park can get busy. One camper mentioned, "There were also a lot of unattended children," which might not be ideal for everyone.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Lake Dardanelle State Park is great for kids, with one reviewer saying, "This was a beautiful park with lots to do, especially for kids."
  • Plan for activities: Campers at Piney Bay enjoyed the beach area, with one noting, "A small beach within walking distance."
  • Bring games and outdoor gear: Families at Long Pool Recreation Area found plenty of space to play, with one camper stating, "Access to the creek is nice and plenty of space even on busy days."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers at Aux Arc appreciated the spacious sites, with one saying, "The spots are level and easy to back in to."
  • Be cautious of tight spots: A reviewer at Piney Bay warned, "The spots also say they’re ‘big/long enough’ for a 42’ rig but in reality it’s super tight."
  • Look for amenities: Campers at Mount Magazine State Park Campground enjoyed the clean facilities, with one stating, "Clean bathrooms, neat visitor center, picnic tables."

Camping near Dardanelle Lake, Arkansas, has something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Dardanelle?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Dardanelle offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Dardanelle and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Dardanelle?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Dardanelle is Mount Nebo State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Dardanelle?

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

What parks are near Lake Dardanelle?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Lake Dardanelle that allow camping, notably Nimrod Lake and Ozark Lake.