Lake Dardanelle STATE PARK

Surrounded by the natural beauty for which the Arkansas River Valley is known, Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. These two water resources combined here have put this area into the national spotlight as a major bass fishing tournament site. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on the lake: one park site is at Russellville, and the other is located at nearby Dardanelle. Both the Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping (74 sites: Russellville--16 Class AAA, 13 Class AA, and 27 Class B; Dardanelle Area--18 Class B), launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers.

The Russellville site also features a striking 10,527-square-foot visitor center on the lakeshore overlooking Lake Dardanelle. Engaging interpretive exhibits and state-of-the-art touch screen kiosks share information on the park, the area's water resources and its history. A fascinating aquatic exhibit in the center features four aquariums that hold fish found in the lake, the Arkansas River, and its tributaries; Piney Creek, and the Illinois Bayou.

Another unique facility in the (Russellville) main area is the park's 1,861-square-foot, fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion, a world class facility and the first of its kind in the nation that serves as a staging area for tournaments. Near the weigh-in pavilion is a covered, barrier-free fishing pier, a popular facility for bank fishing enthusiasts, sightseers and photographers with its sweeping view of lake and Mount Nebo to the south.

The main park also includes a trail. Rental kayaks are available here. And, it's here that park visitors can enjoy nature programs on a wide variety of topics by park interpreters. NOTE: You do not have to be an overnight camping guest to enjoy the park's interpretive programs. Local residents, day visitors, and nearby Mount Nebo State Park visitors are all welcome..

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