Shoal Bay Park

Discover the serene beauty and welcoming atmosphere of Shoal Bay Park, a highly regarded campground nestled on the scenic arm of Lake Dardanelle in New Blaine, Arkansas. This "Class A" park, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, offers a fantastic blend of natural splendor and well-maintained facilities, making it a popular choice for families, anglers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor escape. With its beautiful setting amidst tall pines and direct access to the water, Shoal Bay Park provides an idyllic backdrop for creating cherished memories under the Arkansas sky.

Visitors consistently praise Shoal Bay Park for its cleanliness, quiet ambiance, and the dedication of its staff. The park is designed to accommodate a variety of camping styles, from spacious RVs to comfortable tent setups, ensuring that a broad range of outdoor enthusiasts can find their perfect spot. While some areas might experience a bit more foot traffic due to popular amenities like the playground, the overall consensus highlights a tranquil environment where campers can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. With its commitment to upkeep and its array of recreational opportunities, Shoal Bay Park stands as a premier destination for those looking to experience the best of Arkansas's outdoor offerings.

Shoal Bay Park is conveniently located at Shoal Bay Rd, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA. This prime location places it directly on the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, providing campers with immediate access to the lake and the Arkansas River system. New Blaine, while a smaller community, offers a tranquil setting that complements the park's peaceful atmosphere.

The park is readily accessible, typically reached via well-maintained roads. For RVers, including those with larger rigs, the park generally offers sites that are long enough and relatively level, making setup straightforward. However, as noted by some visitors, specific site characteristics can vary; some sites might be closer to high-traffic areas like the playground, and some may require a longer water hose to reach shared hookups. It's often recommended to be patient with the online reservation system, but cellular service is available at the park, allowing for on-the-go booking if needed. Despite these minor considerations, the park's location offers excellent access to Lake Dardanelle for all water activities, and its position in Logan County means it's within easy reach for many Arkansans, just over an hour east of Fort Smith. This blend of accessibility and a beautiful lakeside setting makes Shoal Bay Park a very desirable destination for local campers.

Shoal Bay Park, being a Class A Park, provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors.

• Campsites with Hookups: The park features a total of 79 campsites, with 57 sites offering both water and electric hookups (30/50 amp available), and 22 sites providing electric hookups only. These sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 21 and 82 feet, as well as tents.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Visitors can expect well-maintained bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring a refreshing experience after a day of outdoor activities.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVers to dispose of waste, located with dumpsters for trash.
• Boat Launching Ramps and Docks: The park boasts multiple boat launching ramps and docks, providing excellent access to Lake Dardanelle for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim area allows for safe and enjoyable swimming, although bringing water shoes is recommended due to natural silt and sticks on the bottom.
• Playground: A well-equipped playground is available, offering a fun and engaging space for children to play.
• Picnic Shelter: A group picnic shelter is on-site, perfect for larger gatherings or communal meals.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is available, suggesting potential for park programs, educational talks, or community events.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For avid anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided, making it easy to prepare your catch.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each campsite typically includes a paved parking spur, a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a lamp post.
• Cell Service: Reliable cell service is available throughout the park, allowing for connectivity.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood can often be purchased from the camp host, adding to convenience.

Shoal Bay Park offers a variety of compelling features that contribute to its popularity as a camping destination in Arkansas.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated directly on the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, the park provides stunning water views and abundant shade from tall pines, creating a picturesque and relaxing environment.
• Excellent Water Recreation Opportunities: With multiple boat ramps and docks, along with a designated swim beach, the park is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Boating, fishing (for bass, catfish, and crappie), swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular activities.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Sites: The campsites are consistently described as well-maintained, and many are spacious enough to accommodate large RVs and trailers, with paved and relatively level parking spurs.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground, alongside safe swimming areas, makes Shoal Bay Park an ideal choice for families with children, ensuring there are activities for all ages.
• Responsive and Friendly Park Attendants/Hosts: Visitors frequently commend the park attendants and hosts for being "nice and helpful," contributing to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
• Good Connectivity: The availability of cell service throughout the park is a significant advantage for those who need to stay connected or handle online reservations while camping.
• Comprehensive Site Amenities: Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a covered picnic table, a fire ring with a grill for cooking, and a lamp post, providing essential comforts for an enjoyable outdoor stay.
• Year-Round Operation: While some amenities may be seasonal, the campground itself is generally open from early March to late October, with some resources indicating year-round availability for certain sections, allowing for extended enjoyment throughout the seasons.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions regarding Shoal Bay Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Shoal Bay Rd, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA

Phone: (479) 938-7335

Mobile Phone: +1 479-938-7335

For Arkansans, Shoal Bay Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing local camping destination. Its prime location on Lake Dardanelle in New Blaine means it’s a convenient drive for many residents across the state, making it an ideal spot for weekend getaways, family vacations, or simply a refreshing break from the daily routine without needing to travel far.

Locals value well-maintained facilities and a peaceful environment, and Shoal Bay Park consistently delivers on both fronts. The park’s commitment to cleanliness and its generally quiet atmosphere resonate with those seeking genuine relaxation. For Arkansas families, the combination of a playground, a swim beach, and abundant water activities on Lake Dardanelle provides endless opportunities for wholesome fun and creating cherished memories together. The park's ability to accommodate both large RVs and tent campers with essential hookups and amenities ensures that a wide array of local outdoor enthusiasts can find comfort and convenience.

Furthermore, the presence of helpful park attendants and the availability of cell service add a layer of practicality that many residents appreciate. Whether it's for excellent fishing, enjoyable boating, or simply unwinding by the water amidst beautiful natural scenery, Shoal Bay Park offers a comprehensive and highly satisfying outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with the recreational interests and values of Arkansas residents. It's truly a local treasure waiting to be explored and enjoyed, proving that some of the best adventures are found right here in our own backyard.

Shoal Bay Park

Shoal Bay Rd, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA