Sandy Beaches, Lakeside Camping, And Fascinating Aquariums Await At This Arkansas Park
By Carol Ann Carson|Published September 02, 2020
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
We love a lake that has a little bit of everything for everyone. Lake Dardanelle features plenty of recreation both on and off the water. No matter if you stick to the state park or explore the nearby shores, Lake Dardanelle features plenty of family-fun adventures! Let’s take a quick tour of the lake and plot out a refreshing weekend retreat.
Lake Dardanelle is a multifaceted 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River.
The lake features a state park with visitor center, recreational areas, public use areas, RV parks, and numerous campgrounds. Once you've picked a place to settle there's no end to the fun opportunities!
Lake Dardanelle is an instant go-to for fishers but that's not the only reason to plan a trip.
The lake is most known for its largemouth bass though other catches like crappie, bream, or catfish are common as well. You may even snag a 200+ pound alligator gar near the dam! Fishing tournaments frequently occur at the lake but let's look around and see what other adventures await.
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Both kids and adults will love meeting the Visitor Center's aquatic residents.
The Visitor Center features five aquariums with 7,000 gallons for their fish friends. The freshwater fish are all native to the lake and its tributaries. In addition to these aquariums, the center also houses a honeybee hive, river darter tank,
and aquatic turtle exhibit.
The state park alone features 75 campsites including Class AAA, Class AA, and Class B sites. Most of the sites are only a few steps away from the lake, too!
After you've settled into a camp site, head to the beach for a lazy afternoon!
Swim at the designated beaches during the summer or just enjoy the view! The state park offers small sandy beaches that are conveniently located next to the campground. If you're wanting to take advantage of the lake's 315 miles of shoreline then head to the Lake Dardanelle Area (about five miles south of the state park) for even wider sandy beaches.
If you prefer an even more remote adventure, then head to the west side of the lake for a hike.
An outlet of Lake Dardanelle, Shoal Creek, offers more camping and even a trail! The Shoal Bay Recreation Area features the Bridge Rock Trail, a winding path along the narrows of the creek. You will be climbing a couple of staircases but the trail is relatively family friendly.
Whether you try to fit every sight into one trip or just pick out a few things, the adventures at Lake Dardanelle are always worthwhile!
For more information on the state park side of the lake, head to their website right here.
Have you explored around Lake Dardanelle yet? We’d love to hear about your adventures in the comments below! Feel free to share your lake photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Be sure to stop in for a bite at this iconic eatery in Russellville after your lakeside getaway!
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