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, 14 Class AA, and 26 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 and bicycles 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 our programs. Local residents, day visitors, and nearby Mount Nebo State Park visitors are all welcome!
Privately-owned marinas and boat docks are located in both the Russellville and Dardanelle areas.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located near Dardanelle, Russellville
Meadow Brook Self-Guided Trail
Length: 3/4 mile Time: 1/2 hour Difficulty: Easy Brochure: Available at visitor center
Description: The theme of the Meadow Brook Self-Guided Trail is change: the succession of plants, man's influence on the environment, and the variety of flowers, plants, and trees in the Arkansas River Valley. The trail begins and ends near the park amphitheater.
Location: Exit No. 81 off I-40 at Russellville to Hwy. 7 South, an immediate right on Hwy. 326 after crossing south over I-40, then 5 miles west to park
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 major aquatic exhibit in the center features four aquariums that hold fish found in the lake, the Arkansas River, and the Illinois Bayou. [Trail of Tears]
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.
To reach each area: 1) Russellville, Pope County Side--From I-40 (Exit 81) at Russellville, take Hwy. 7 south, then turn right on Hwy. 326 and travel 4 miles to the main park; OR, from west on I-40, take exit 78, go left on U.S. 64, stay in the right hand lane and turn right on Hwy. 326 to the park. 2) Dardanelle, Yell County Side--From the town of Dardanelle, take Hwy. 22 west for 3.5 miles and turn right into the park.
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