Top 10 RV Parks Near the Russellville, AR Area

Top 5 reasons why it is a fun place to visit:

1. Visit the Lake Dardanelle State Park
2. Stroll the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
3. Check out the Tucker Coliseum
4. Hang out at the Russellville Aquatic Center
5. Catch a game at the Cyclone Arena

List of top ten RV Parks in the Russellville, AR area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Old Post Campground COE

Surrounded by mature trees providing shade to each site, this park is a basic woods park with hookups and nice level sites. It is located on the Arkansas River just below the dam.

What makes this park unique?

Boating and fishing are the two main pastimes at this park. “Perched between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, Dardanelle Lake creates an excellent setting for nature lovers. The lake, sourced by the Arkansas River, spans 40,000 acres and boasts 315 miles of shoreline. A variety of hardwoods surround the lake shore.” (Source: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232662?tab=info)

2. Mount Magazine State Park

This park is pretty spectacular: one can really explore nature here and find several ways to relax in peace and quiet. “At the peak of the state park experience is Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest point at 2,753 feet.

People come for the sweeping views alone, but there is much to see and do from this unique spot. Mount Magazine State Park is a place of relaxation, exploration, nature study, and is within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.

It is a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventures with mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV riding.

Mount Magazine is the state park system’s most dramatic location for technical rock climbing, and it’s one of only two parks to offer hang gliding launch areas. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic area, pavilion, and visitor center with gift shop add to the amenities.

A wide variety of programs led by park interpreters highlights the mountain’s natural diversity.” (Source: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-magazine-state-park)

What makes this park unique?

This park is great for unplugging, and also offers different venues for family gatherings or retreats. There is a lodge, cabins and restaurants to check out, as well. Watch out for bears and follow the bear safety and repellent protocol when you camp!

3. Hillbilly Haven RV Park

A quiet park with level sites under mature trees-this park is a serene getaway for those who seek some peace and quiet at an affordable rate. Past visitors describe it as having a homey vibe.

What makes this park unique?

This is a really simple and easy RV park that is managed by the owners. It’s set back in Dover, and is a great place for a basecamp for the Ozarks.

4. Shoal Bay Campground

Dardanelle Lake, which is sourced by the Arkansas River, is over 40,000 acres big and has over 315 miles of shoreline. The campground sits right on the water, close to Ozark and Ouachita National Forest.

What makes this park unique?

“The lake, a popular spot for anglers, is brimming with white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie and large catfish. The Bridge Rock Trail winds along a rugged slope overlooking the narrows of Shoal Creek, offering excellent hiking opportunities.

Dardanelle’s Visitor Center is noteworthy for its “Renaissance of a River” theme. Interpretive exhibits express the progression of river valley from the time of early Native Americans to its present day.” (Source: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232704?tab=info)

5. Sweden Island Campground

Stargazing, hunting, basketball, canoeing, hiking, and scenic drives are some of the activities you can enjoy during your stay here. The views are pretty amazing.

What makes this park unique?

This park is located right on the Arkansas River and offers some great fishing. Bring your boat or fish off the dock. It’s a beautiful, clean and quiet park, suitable for children, as well.

6. Mount Nebo State Park

This park is magnificent and boasts some incredible and sad history of the Natives. Many visit for educational purposes, breath-taking views and connection with nature.

What makes this park unique?

Situated in the Arkansas River Valley just 45 minutes from Arkansas Wine Country, this state park sits on top of the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo. According to their Website, “[t]he 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the rustic-style cabins, pavilions, bridges, and 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Cabin 1 was the first cabin rental in state park history.

Twelve of the park’s 15 cabins are located along the bluff and have views of the river valley below. Most of the campsites do as well. There are 34 campsites (24 Class B and 10 hike-in tent sites). Note: there is not a dump station at the park.

Other facilities include a swimming pool (fee required), tennis courts, picnic areas, pavilions, and a visitor center with a gift shop. Mount Nebo State Park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site.

Mount Nebo, overlooking the Arkansas River from the south, witnessed the removal of all five of the tribes that were removed along the water route of the Trail of Tears. Mount Nebo offers panoramic views of the Arkansas River from the Rim Trail. Learn more about the Trail of Tears in Arkansas state parks.” (Source: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park)

Note: No campers or RVs over 24 feet are permitted. Highway 155 West is only one way with 11 switchbacks and up to an 18% grade. Please contact the park for more information.

There are also cabins for rental.

7. Ivy’s Cove RV Retreat

Nice-sized and quiet RV park with access to major amenities and tourist attractions in the area. While it is located off the main road, there is minimal road noise. There is a large field for dogs or to play ball/frisbee.

What makes this park unique?

This park has nice level sites and shade trees all around the park. It is within close driving distance to shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to stay for a few days and relax. The park also has an ADA ramp, many laundromats and a gym. The owner is very friendly and helpful.

8. Lake Dardanelle State Park-Russellville

Just like Mount Nebo State Park, Lake Dardanelle State Park is also located on the Trail of Tears.

“This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. The main site is in Russellville where you’ll find the Sport Fishing Weigh-in Pavilion, a fishing pier, swimming beach, boardwalk, trail, and visitor center with five aquariums, and the Lakeview Room meeting facility.

Park interpreters lead a variety of programs and lake tours. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park (16 Class AAA, 14 Class AA, and 27 Class B) with 18 Class B sites in the Dardanelle area of the park.” (Source: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-dardanelle-state-park)

What makes this park unique?

“Lake Dardanelle State Park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Site. The Visitor Center, located on the Russellville side of the park, offers spectacular views of the river, along with exhibits that tell more of the removal story. During the time of removal, Dardanelle was more of a village than a town and was a popular stopping point between Little Rock and Fort Smith.

More important was Norristown, just across the river, which had a ferry crossing. The Norristown ferry played a vital role in this process. Removal parties choosing a more southerly route to “Indian Territory” crossed the river from Norristown to Dardanelle.

Many continued on the north side of the river, taking the road to Dwight Mission, or the road that became Hickeytown Road. Between late 1831 and 1859, groups of Cherokees, Choctaws, Muscogees (Creeks), Seminoles, and Chickasaws passed through or by Norristown.” (Source: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-dardanelle-state-park)

9. Piney Bay Campground

“Piney Bay Campground sits along Dardanelle Lake in western Arkansas. Campers come here to get a break from the city and take advantage of the ample swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.” (Source: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232672)

What makes this park unique?

This park has nice level paved sites (can be a bit tight for bigger RVs), shaded and with lake access.

10. Spadra Campground

This campground is also located on Lake Dardanelle. This is a great place to relax and get away from the busy city life for the weekend, or to stay for a while when visiting the area.

What makes this park unique?

This is a very affordable no-frills campground, great for fishing and boating.

TIPS TO GET TO RUSSELLVILLE

Russellville is located on I-40, when traveling East to West (or vice versa). When coming from the North, one can take AR-27 from Dover, although you should use an RV GPS to travel that route (it is very narrow and windy, and longer RVs might not be able to use that road). Russellville is located on Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River.