Welcome to Lake Dardanelle State Park, one of 52 beautiful,
historic state parks, each with their own special mission. The
other thing they each have is a geocache. This adventure is based
around visiting all 52 state parks. Each park cache has a clue that
you will need to find the final, 53rd cache located somewhere in
the state. Just download the clue sheet and start your adventure. We
encourage you to upload photos on the geocaching.com page when
you find one and also to tell us about your visit to the park on
the state park blog. As an extra incentive, For
a limited time you can pick up an Arkansas State Park geocoin at
the final location and send it on it's way to visit parks
throughout the world!
Lake Dardanelle State Park is 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. 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.
Please check the park Web site for hours of operation. Park Permit
Number 25-10
Plan some time for each of the parks and enjoy your visit. Learn
about natural, cultural and state history. Take in a hike, a swim,
a boat ride. Go fishing, cycling or just relax. For more
information on geocaching in an Arkansas State Park visit our
geocaching page. For information on
geocaching throughout the Natural State visit Arkansas
Geocaching. Have a great time and we’ll see you in a
park!
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