Piney Bay Campground

For Arkansans seeking a picturesque lakeside getaway with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Piney Bay Campground stands as a prime destination. Located along the scenic Piney Bay of Lake Dardanelle, near London, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed park offers a blend of natural beauty and essential amenities, making it a favorite among families, anglers, and those simply looking to unwind by the water. With its diverse campsites and direct access to the expansive 40,000-acre lake, Piney Bay provides a fantastic setting for experiencing the best of Arkansas's outdoor charm.

Piney Bay Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a vibrant hub for lakeside activities and forest exploration. Imagine waking up to beautiful sunrises over the water, spending your days fishing for bass or catfish, swimming at the designated beach, or enjoying a leisurely picnic with stunning lake views. While it offers a comfortable and well-maintained environment, it also maintains a connection to the natural ruggedness of the region, situated between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. It's a place where lasting memories are made, embracing the tranquility and excitement that Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River System offer.

Piney Bay Campground is conveniently situated at Private Rd 2720, London, AR 72847, USA, making it readily accessible for Arkansans. Located approximately three miles west of London on US-64, then 3.5 miles north on State Route 359, the campground is well-signed and easy to find. Its position on the scenic Piney Bay of Lake Dardanelle offers a waterfront experience while still being within reasonable driving distance of larger towns like Russellville (approximately 20 minutes away), which provides access to restaurants, stores, and hospitals. This balance between natural seclusion and practical proximity to amenities is a significant advantage. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating RVs and trailers. While some internal campground roads might have inclines or tight turns, careful navigation typically ensures smooth access to the spacious sites. Its central location within western Arkansas makes it a popular and convenient choice for locals from various parts of the state looking for a quality camping experience on a major waterway.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: Piney Bay offers 85 campsites with electric hookups (30/50 amp), catering to a wide range of RVs and trailers.
• Campsites with Water Hookups: 70 of the sites also include water hookups for added convenience.
• Tent-Only Sites: While primarily RV-friendly, there are also dedicated tent-only sites available, providing options for traditional tent campers.
• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Modern, clean bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are available, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all campers.
• Trailer Dump Station: A central dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Boat Launching Ramps: Two boat ramps provide direct and easy access to Lake Dardanelle for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim beach area offers a safe and enjoyable place to cool off in the lake.
• Playground: A children's playground is available, providing entertainment for younger campers.
• Picnic Shelters: At least one large group picnic shelter is available for rent (reservable March 1 – October 31), ideal for gatherings.
• Potable Water: Community drinking water stations are located throughout the campground.
• Trash Receptacles: Readily available for waste disposal, contributing to the park's cleanliness.
• Camp Hosts: On-site camp hosts are often available to assist campers, provide information, and ensure a smooth experience.
• Online Reservations: Campsites are reservable, typically through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to secure their preferred spot in advance (reservations available March 1 – October 31).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash in the campground, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions (though typically not allowed in swim beach areas).

• Prime Lakeside Location on Lake Dardanelle: Piney Bay Campground's most significant feature is its position directly on the beautiful Lake Dardanelle, a 40,000-acre impoundment of the Arkansas River. This provides campers with stunning waterfront views, direct lake access, and a plethora of water-based activities right at their doorstep.
• Excellent Boating and Fishing: Lake Dardanelle is a renowned fishery, teeming with white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and large catfish. With two boat launching ramps on-site, it's a paradise for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Many campsites offer easy access to the water, allowing for direct fishing or kayak launching.
• Comfortable and Well-Equipped Campsites: The campground offers a high percentage of sites with electric and water hookups, making it very accommodating for RVs. Sites are generally spacious, though some inclines exist. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, enhancing the traditional camping experience.
• Modern and Clean Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and the availability of hot showers, a crucial amenity that significantly enhances comfort during a camping trip.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a designated swim beach and a children's playground makes Piney Bay an excellent choice for families. These features provide safe and engaging activities for campers of all ages.
• Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: Situated between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, the campground is surrounded by wooded areas and hills. This natural setting attracts diverse wildlife, including a notable presence of bald eagles in wintertime, offering fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Sunsets over the lake are often described as breathtaking.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Being a USACE park indicates a high standard of maintenance, management, and regulation, contributing to a consistently positive and reliable camping experience.
• Nearby Natural Attractions: The campground's location allows for easy day trips to other natural attractions, such as the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary in Russellville, offering additional hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities within a short drive.

Phone: (479) 885-3029

Mobile Phone: +1 479-885-3029

Address: Private Rd 2720, London, AR 72847, USA

For the most current information regarding campsite availability, reservations (especially important as many sites are reservable), specific site details (like incline or hookup types), or any questions about park rules and regulations, it is highly recommended to contact Piney Bay Campground directly using the provided phone numbers. As a USACE managed campground, reservations are typically handled through the Recreation.gov website, where you can also find detailed maps and descriptions of individual campsites. It's always a good practice to check for any alerts, such as burn bans or specific operational hours, before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at this beautiful Lake Dardanelle destination.

For Arkansans, Piney Bay Campground offers an authentic and accessible lakeside camping experience that perfectly embodies the outdoor spirit of our state. Its strategic location on Lake Dardanelle, a renowned recreational hub, means that locals have immediate access to world-class fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities right in their backyard. This convenience is invaluable, allowing for spontaneous weekend getaways or longer, more relaxed vacations without extensive travel.

What makes Piney Bay particularly suitable for locals is its blend of essential amenities and natural immersion. The availability of numerous sites with electric and water hookups caters to diverse camping styles, from comfortable RVing to traditional tent camping, ensuring a suitable spot for every family. The consistently clean restrooms with hot showers are a significant comfort, enhancing the overall camping experience. Furthermore, the designated swim beach and playground make it an ideal choice for families with children, providing safe and engaging activities for all ages.

The beauty of the setting, nestled between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, offers more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation to connect with Arkansas's stunning landscapes and wildlife, including the majestic bald eagles. While acknowledging minor issues like uneven sites or the need for pet waste vigilance (as noted in reviews, common for any pet-friendly park), the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fellow Arkansans highlights the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and immense enjoyment derived from this campground. Piney Bay Campground genuinely serves as a beloved local retreat, providing a fantastic, well-equipped, and naturally beautiful environment for Arkansans to relax, recreate, and forge lasting memories by the lake.

Piney Bay Campground

Private Rd 2720, London, AR 72847, USA