The best camping near Lake Dardanelle State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Dardanelle State Park adventure.

Discover the scenic beauty of Lake Dardanelle State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Dardanelle State Park

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Red Fern

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Witter, AR

One of Arkansas' greatest treasures. Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia. This 7 acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn. If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground. So pack your curiosity, lace up your hiking boots, and let the whispering leaves guide you. Kings River Falls awaits, ready to share its secrets with those who listen. Where time slows down and the modern world fades away. Every turn reveals a new wonder; a hidden waterfall an unnoticed cave or bluff or a moss-covered boulder. It’s not just a place; it’s an experience an invitation to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where magic still thrives and fairy tales come alive. Here, the forest whispers secrets, and the river sings a timeless song. Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions). There are miles of county maintained bumpy dirt roads leading to the site. Expect your vehicle to get dusty. There is a creek crossing that is required to reach the campsites. We recommend high clearance and/or 4WD or AWD vehicles. If you are unable to cross the creek, you will need to park in the parking area and walk across the creek to reach your site.

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Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

40 sites · RVs, Tents2500 acres · Jasper, AR

With a lifetime of love for the Ozarks Donny is anxious to share this unique opportunity to experience true wilderness with you. The trails are maintained with respect for the natural growth and inhabitants of the area. You may encounter wild elk and deer. Of course, visiting the property's herd of buffalo is a must.Your camping fees entitle you to hike the trail system.We also offer motorized recreation if you bring your 4 wheeler, side by side, Jeep, dirt bike or bicycle. Additional fees apply to wheeled trail recreation.

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Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Greenbrier, AR

We love our guests and we love your pictures. Thank you all so very much. Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park lies within a private nature reserve of hiking trails, waterfalls, bluffs, cascading streams and wildlife -- it is all here. The campground is off the radar -- there are no highway signs or advertisements -- yet offers comfortable and safe refuge to guests whether staying in a tent, camper, RV or one of our cabins. On site you can find swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, a 6-acre foraging field, and 9-hole Frisbee golf course, a Ninja rope course with zipline and slackline, rope swing, bouldering, climbing, psicobloc and more outdoor pursuits than one has time. And Woolly Hollow State Park, Cove Creek Natural Heritage Area, and Greer's Ferry Lake all lie within biking distance. New to camping? Need a flush toilet, kitchen sink and faucet? Hate bugs, thorns or wild critters? Steep rough roads? Dust and gravel? Or simply don't like being outside in the weather and in a primitive setting? Then this is NOT the place for you!! NO! NO! NO! But if you want to sneak away and find a lovely little place to unwind and bathe in a forest under a tall canopy of standing pines and oak trees, then Pinnacle Springs is where you need to be. Pinnacle Springs offers stream side camping on the banks of the North Fork of Cadron Creek -- central Arkansas' premier whitewater stream -- and is less than an hour's drive from Little Rock (only 15 minutes from Conway and I-40). Camp by the side of a river. Camp at the foot or atop a towering bluff. Camp in a cave. Camp in a riparian jungle. Camp in total solitude or camp with all your friends and family. We offer so many choices one can select a site that perfectly fits your needs. And if you want total seclusion -- a real "wilderness experience" and are willing to "hike-in" a couple of hundred paces we can provide that too. FYI: If you are unaccustomed to STEEP dirt roads do NOT reserve a site on the island -- sites atop the ridge in Camp Toasty are much easier to access. No traffic noise here! Rather, you'll be soothed by the sound of cascading water echoing off the bluffs -- great for outdoor sleeping and keeping the air fresh and alive. Many of the camp sites are equipped with a heavy picnic table, fire pit and grill, lamp post and level tent site. And if you like to swing -- we have trees! Hammocks and slack lines are the best no trace tree things ever! And although Pinnacle Springs Campground lies in an off-the-grid wilderness setting there is good cell phone service, a water hydrant can be found near the front gate behind the store, and electrical outlets for recharging phones and such can be found on the ridge at nearby Camp Toasty. And from March through November hot water showers are even freely available. Guests are encouraged to explore any of the trails that crisscross the property especially if you like waterfalls, scenic views, cascading streams, and goat trail bluffs. The Tanner Pool Trail is especially popular after a heavy rain, Bluff Trail offers a nice perch for viewing the river below, and the 1+ mile "Circuit Trail" is a great way to start one's day. Our place is a bit rough, rugged and unruly yet we call it home -- a place where everyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political views, religion, national origin, or culture is welcomed to come enjoy nature's marvelous works and wonders. We love everyone!! So we invite you to come down to the Cadron and sit a spell. Unwind. Kick back. And enjoy! CELL PHONE COVERAGE: While we recommend that you leave your cell phones at home or packed away we also understand the importance of "staying in touch". Overall cell phone coverage throughout the watershed is pretty good BUT there are a few deep bluff-lined valleys on the creek where one may lose a signal from time to time -- either walk around the bend or to higher ground and you'll usually find a signal. Nevertheless our evaluation: VERIZON - Seemingly good signal everywhere. AT&T -- Good in campground but a couple of "weak spots" both upstream and downstream (taller bluffs). T-MOBILE - Good signal atop the ridge but close to nothing on the creek, USCellular - The worst. Those camping close to store are invited to connect to our local area wifi signal -- CadronBoy. BTW#1: We don't take kindly to folks trashing our property. We are a "LEAVE NO TRACE FACILITY" thus if you bring it, you take it! Best to also leave axes, shovels and hammer and nails at home. Thanks. BTW#2: This is DIY camping! If you are one of those people that has a "hard time figuring it out on your own" we strongly encourage you to stay elsewhere. There are a lot of nice campgrounds in Arkansas that are more accessible, better staffed, and have some really nice amenities.

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Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents104 acres · AR

Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp is far more than your ordinary campground! This 104-acre Ozark Mountain wonderland’s biggest draw would be hard to pin down. We are offering off-the-beaten-path serenity, with huge areas for each rental space, and unmatched hospitality. Sip morning coffee while you lose your cares in the vast mountain views, enjoy the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you in the deer meadow. Hike trails that meander to the seasonal creeks and waterfalls, past ancient walnut and hickory trees, to rest on large rock formations thick with moss, or take the high trails to the top of our bluff where views and natural oddities reward you at every bend, or just lay in the hammocks by the frog pond with a good book. Wildlife abounds on this property, including fox, black bear, deer, chipmunks, groundhogs, bobcat, and tons more. We offer fantastic add-ons like creation stations where tables of art supplies can be laid out for either self-initiated projects or sample projects with instruction by hostess, Mizzy (a working artist with pieces in every continent, save Antarctica). Forage hikes, where you learn about the immense variety of edible plants, guided photo op hikes, cut and make your own walking stick ( and make it your own by wood burning, adding leather and feathers), are just a few of the options we have daily to add to your stay. Close to the Little Buffalo River and the quaint little town of Jasper, where you can shop, eat at the famous Ozark Cafe, or rent a kayak. One-of-a-kind stays include a fully off-grid container tiny house, boondock RV space, super large tent spaces, and coming soon a hippy van sleeper, cordwood log cabin, (we encourage sustainable building questions) we may be farther off the beaten track than those roadside places, but we are so very worth it. Come be Enchanted.

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Sunsets on the Arkansas River

2 sites · Tents13 acres · Fourche, AR

Learn more about this land: Sitting above the Arkansas River you have an excellent view of the river from two vantage points. With a large almost 2 acre clearing there is plenty of room to roam. Magical sunsets and more stars than you can count! When it's a full moon, you can watch it coming up through the trees as you are sitting in front of the fire. If you are really lucky, sometimes you can watch the searchlight from the river barges as they navigate the big bend in the river. If you are a nature lover this place has it all. We try to keep fire wood stocked at the sites, but sometimes it gets used up before we can restock. If that is the case there is TONS of dead wood all around the site. If it's on the ground it's fair game. We only ask that you don't take down live trees. You guys know the deal, we all love the trees so lets show them some love, cool? If you find there is no wood around, give us a ring and we will do our best to get some to you. Navigate to the entrance here (tinyurl.com/ArkRiverOverlook) and you will find the main entrance to both sites: Site 1 (tinyurl.com/OverlookSite1)(34.949993, -92.569705) The first of the two that sits at the top of the hill as you enter Rock Island road (this is the name on old county maps). The narrow entrance is just to the left, right before you start to head down the hill. It's a bit of a tight squeeze for anything larger than a full-size pickup truck. Secluded, with stupendous views of the river and Lollie Bottoms on the other side. If you have a pair of binoculars you can watch the farmers working the fields and count all the cows over in the bottoms. This site has an 8'x8' deck where you can pitch a tent or just set up some chairs and sit under the stars. Site 2 (tinyurl.com/OverlookSite2)(34.951358, -92.569561) Is located near the bottom of the road but actually has two views of the river. It is very secluded and a little more concealed, which can be good on hot days as there are more trees for coverage. There are a lot more trees on this site so if you don't want to be out in the open this is the one for you. The canopy protects you from the sun so your tent doesn't get too hot during the day. NOTE: Site 2 can only support tents and small popups. Both sites will allow for multiple vehicles to be parked, so no problem there. If you bring any vehicles please do not ride them on the property as they damage the grass, there are lots of good off-road riding to be had in the area. If you have 4wd, then find your way to the Million Dollar lookout (tinyurl.com/MillionDollaView). It's been a favorite lookout for years, and I promise it will not disappoint! If you have 4wd or at least a vehicle with decent clearance you can head down to the end of the road (tinyurl.com/DownByTheArkRiver). At the end of Ledwedge Rd, it becomes an unmaintained road that goes all the way down to the river and crosses the railroad tracks. If you are really lucky you will get to see a train pass by, up close and personal. The road is pretty rocky so be warned, you really do need clearance on this road! If you want to fish on Lake Maumelle go to North Shore Landing (tinyurl.com/NorthShoreLanding), it's only 5.8 miles from the property. North Shore Landing on Lake Maumelle is a beautiful short hike to the edge of the lake, surrounded by wildlife and greeted by an amazing view of the lake. Set up a picnic and just hang out and fish! The Rock Island railway is down below next to the river and there are plenty of trails you can ride around on as well. You aren't far from two National Forests so day trips from here are a breeze. If you are into gardening or local farm-to-table cuisine you should check out Moss Mountain Farm. Toadsuck Lock and Dam park are about 30 minutes away, and if you need a big Walmart there is one 10 minutes past that. There is also a big Walmart about 30 minutes in the other direction at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Cantrell Road. And if you like hiking and climbing then you cannot miss Pinnacle Mountain State Park! Climb to the top and get the best views in all the area, 360 degrees views up there. And if you want something a little less steep, the Kingfisher trail at the bottom makes a nice gentle loop next to the Little Maumelle river where you can see absolutely GIANT cypress trees. Also, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (tinyurl.com/OuachitaNRT) passes just 5 miles from our place, and it loops around the entire north side of Lake Maumelle. There is a trailhead and parking near North Shore Landing. There is plenty of mountain biking in the area too. Here's a link to some of the trails: mtbproject.com/directory/8007059/pinnacle-mountain-state-park-monument-trails There is something for everyone here!

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Valley of peace campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Mount Judea, AR

Learn more about this land: [PLEASE GO TO WEBSITE BELOW TO VIEW CAMPSITES DRIVE THRU VIDEO WITH 36O* VIEW OF SITES} Spring fed stream, small waterfall, can swim in creek or sit and listen to rippling water. Explore national forest or float buffalo river 7 mi away ,climb Sam's throne 13 mi away Enjoy a fishing trip to lake with guide to hot spots where fish are biting. Plan ahead [ 4 days notice] fish from boat ever thing provided message for more info. work in process to improve off the beaten path. occasional bald eagle sightings, deer, and other wildlife. These are large camp spots 1&2 are neighbors 3&4 5&6 { Located 7 mi. east of Mount Judea Ar. } For 360 *videos of each campsite checkout: https://valleyofpeace.jmrmsite.com/ The site will redirect you back to HIPCAMP for booking

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Petit Jean Farm Orchard

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Morrilton, AR

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park your small trailer or RV in a picturesque orchard on the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. You'll have a backdrop of woods and grazing sheep, with the Petit Jean Farmer's Market barn -- offering locally sourced produce, cheese (some made on the premises), baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, and crafts -- only steps away. The market operates on Saturdays, when hot lunches are often served, but it is open on a self-serve basis the rest of the week. Petit Jean State State Park is a very short drive, with spectacular hiking trails, a CCC-built lodge and restaurant, and a lake. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit, grill, and trampoline, and they have access to the half-bath in the barn. They're also more than welcome to help Ed with the chores : ) An electric hookup is $10. Firewood is available for $10.

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Tranquility on the Arkansas River

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Mayflower, AR

Come experience the awe that we get to experience daily. The river is in our backyard and we want to share our slice of heaven with you. The river is a place for relaxation, as well as being a great place to fish or just hang out with friends. The river also provides an opportunity for learning about nature and wildlife. The sound of birds is one of the most beautiful sounds on Earth. It is a sign of life, it is a sign of hope. Birds are plentiful along the river and you are sure to enjoy the concert that they have prepared specially for you. There's no need to drive too far from Little Rock – in fact, you can find a great campsite just across the Arkansas River from P. Allen Smith's famous Moss Mountain farm. This spot is teeming with wildlife, and you may even be able to catch some fish or watch Eagles soar. Stargazing is strongly encouraged here – under a dark sky, the stars appear big and bright. Please enjoy your stay and help us keep it that way. No parties and no unsupervised minors. We are in the country and there are no fences. You may be greeted by neighborhood dogs. We have never experienced any aggression and most of them are happy to get pet by our guests. If they are bothering you, simply provide a stern, "go home" and they usually will leave you be. On the other hand if you pet and feed them they will be your new best friend. We host on Hipcamp because we love the outdoors. We love traveling across the country, exploring, and experiencing new things. We are fortunate enough to have found our slice of heaven and we're so excited to share it with other travelers from near and far. It often becomes an opportunity to hang out with like minded people and make new friends.

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Southwinds on the Arkansas River

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Atkins, AR

Located on the Arkansas River and just minutes from Interstate 40 in Atkins, this RV/camping site backs right up to a gorgeous view of the Arkansas River and Petit Jean mountain. Water and electricity are located at each site! Just minutes away you have boat access to the Arkansas River at Sweeden Island Park AND Lake Atkins through the Lucky Landing launch site. This site is a sportsman's paradise as it is also conveniently located to the Galla Creek Wildlife Management Area, also just minutes away. Also, we are located right across the river from Petit Jean State Park and a few minutes from quaint downtown Atkins. Whether you're looking for great fishing and hunting or a peaceful respite from the world with a million-dollar view, this is the site for you! The 10 acres are open to explore and include three RV/campsites with water at each location and a gorgeous gully that empties into the Arkansas River. When the river is at a normal level a rock shelf lines the entire length of the river to make fishing and sunbathing, a breeze! If you want to venture out a bit, may we recommend the many offerings of Mount Nebo, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine, Altus, Russelville, and Conway; all located within 30 minutes to an hour from the campgrounds. While swimming in the river is not advisable, here are some swimming holes you and your family might check out while staying with us: -Atkins City Pool (has a day rate) -Lake Dardanelle -Illinois Bayou -Old Iron Bridge Swimming Hole -Long Pool Bayou -Falling Water Falls

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Batesville Mountain Campground

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Guy, AR

We are NOT taking reservations at this time! Unfortunately a couple of recent guests have had "issues" that need to be resolved before we open the property back up to guests. In the interim, guests are invited to mosey over to nearby Pinnacle Springs Recreational Park -- another Hipcamp property -- lying on the banks of the Cadron.. However, those that already have reservations -- are still invited to come out and enjoy the Cadron as we still have faith you are going to have a good time. Otherwise if we were open -- you'd find privacy! Scenery! And the extraordinary Cadron Creek! Batesville Mountain Campground is about "getting away from it all" with nary another soul in sight. . There are only four campsites on the entire property so you are nearly always out of sight and hearing of any other campers -- you can even upgrade for $10/night and have the entire place to yourself! It is that special!! And absolutely jaw-dropping beautiful! Sparky, the stone mason who quarried, cut and stacked every rock on every trail within the campground, has created a wondrous place to come camp and explore. We are now restoring Sparky's original homestead -- the one room Green Cabin (soon to be our new "romantic retreat" with outdoor kitchen and shower, chicken house, and two-hole traditional Swedish "utedass"–or privy. As to where to sleep ... well you may lay your head anywhere -- under the stars, atop a pinnacle, out in a field or sheltered in the woods by the river. FYI: The infamous Cadron Boy slept in a rock crevice on the property hidden from view for months before he was discovered. This is "DIY" camping -- as we have day jobs we are unable to cater to your every whim and you will have to be able to "depend on yourself" to negotiate the campground, set up your campsite and secure needed resources. Thus if there is any concern or question you really should stay at one of our other properties -- Camp Toasty or Pinnacle Springs Recreational Camp. Most people camp in 1) Sparky's Garden -- it is easily accessible, level, soft, and open to the stars. Plus the rock walls and banisters provide for a homey, safe feeling. And because it is close to privy and electrical charging station it is an obvious favorite. However, one of our favorite spots is atop 2) Deer Stand Rock which is literally perched atop a rock pinnacle -- great views but a long fall, be careful; this is NOT a place for "sleepwalkers". But you can also camp atop the bluff just up the hill from Deer Stand (and closer to your car) and still have some great sunset views. This site even has a picnic table, fire pit and level tent site (and trees for hammocks). As for privacy then we suggest 3) Piney Hideaway -- a campsite hidden from view in the stand of a large grove of pine trees west of Sparky's cabin. This campsite is so hidden we tempt you to even find it! You'll like it. And lastly, we have the new 4) River Camp -- a small campsite just above the flood plain and down close to the creek with the bluffs as your backdrop. This is your "summer station" when one needs an escape from the heat. Trails from Sparky's Cabin lead in all directions. The best trail -- the one to the creek -- descends over 100 feet to the creek and breaks out onto an overlook as you edge your way along the bluff and then descend a set of steps through a crack in the rocks. The trails from the campsites offer access to hiking, swimming, fishing and paddling. We'll be offering more info and pictures soon but wanted to get this posted if anyone wants a place far removed from everyone. You'll find no better place to "forest bathe".

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Paradise Camp

21 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Ozark, AR

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Barnyard Camping Experience

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Hattieville, AR

Right in the heart of Conway County, AR, our 7 campsites are perfect for deer hunters, families and couples. With deer hunting and fall upon us, come experience the best of the season in the Barnyard. We're located within an hour of Conway, Little Rock, Morrilton, Petit Jean Mountain, and only 1-2 hours from Hot Springs, AR, Memphis, TN, and other accessible cities and sites. We're an animal lovers haven with our barn-yard crew of goats, chickens, ducks, guinea, cats, dogs, and Rockstar horse, Hickory! We’re close to fishing and fun. Our sites are perfect for couples, families, and solo campers. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on leash, because our pet-friendly dogs roam to protect our free-range birds and property. For your convenience, we’re just 13 miles off Interstate 40, and less than 12 miles from Lake Overcup, one of Arkansas’ coveted fishing lakes. We're only 27 minutes from the Museum of Automobiles, and 11 minutes from the Movie House Winery and several eateries. Plus, you're only 20 minutes from the Wal-Mart Super Center, where you can pick up a few groceries and other items to make your trip complete.

The best camping near Lake Dardanelle State Park guide

Overview

About

Outdoor living in the Arkansas River Valley is pretty sweet, and it gets a whole lot sweeter when you visit Lake Dardenelle State Park! The park is known for a world class Bass fishing tournament, some of the best kayaking and canoeing in the state, quaint camping under the stars, and sweeping views that will keep your camera busy. The wee ones will be into the cool hands-on exhibits and aquarium at the visitor’s center, and roasting marshmallows by the campfire. No need to wait, time to get in touch with your inner nature enthusiast, pack up a picnic, and get ready for that grand Arkansas River to carry you away!

Notable campgrounds

Russellville Area: Class AAA - Offering full hookups, these sites are perfect for those seeking comfort amid the wilderness.
Russellville Area: Class AA - Equipped with water and 30 Amp electric service, these sites cater to both RVs and tents.
Dardanelle Area: Class B - Enjoy the simplicity of these water and electric sites, ideal for a serene camping experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons when the park's popularity soars.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation at this sought-after destination.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Dardanelle State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm swimming conditions but can be quite hot. Winters are quieter but may have limited services.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable visit.
Visitor Center hours are from 8am to 5pm daily, but closed on major holidays.
Swimming is available at the beach with no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.
Be mindful of park wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
Remember to bring your fishing gear to participate in the park's numerous fishing tournaments.