Piney Bay Campground

Are you an Arkansan with a passion for the great outdoors, always on the lookout for that perfect spot to set up camp and unwind? Look no further than Piney Bay Campground, a serene and picturesque U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) facility located in London, Arkansas. Nestled along the tranquil waters of Piney Bay, which connects to the vast Dardanelle Lake, this campground offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and essential amenities, making it an ideal destination for families, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape right here in our beloved state.

Piney Bay Campground provides a quintessential Arkansas camping experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the Arkansas River Valley. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with the shimmering lake just steps away, ready for a day of fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. While the campground offers a mix of sites, many with electric and water hookups, it's the natural setting and the opportunities for outdoor recreation that truly make this place special. It’s a testament to the dedicated work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining accessible and enjoyable public lands for all of us to appreciate.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with the family, a fishing trip with friends, or a solo adventure to recharge, Piney Bay Campground has something to offer. Its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to water activities make it a recurring favorite for many Arkansas locals seeking to connect with the state's abundant natural resources and create lasting memories outdoors.

Piney Bay Campground is beautifully situated at Private Rd 2720, London, AR 72847, USA. This location places it perfectly along Piney Bay, an inviting inlet that directly connects to the expansive Dardanelle Lake, a prominent feature of the Arkansas River. For Arkansas residents, this means a convenient drive to a cherished natural setting without the need for extensive travel across state lines.

London, Arkansas, is a small community that serves as a quiet gateway to the recreational opportunities offered by Dardanelle Lake and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. The campground’s address is straightforward to navigate, typically involving a turn off a main highway onto Private Road 2720, which leads directly into the park. This accessibility makes it easy for campers coming from various parts of Arkansas, whether from the bustling areas of Little Rock or the more western regions near Fort Smith.

The geographic position of Piney Bay Campground not only provides stunning lakeside views and direct water access but also keeps campers within a reasonable distance of essential services in London and larger nearby towns. This balance of serene natural immersion and practical accessibility makes it an attractive choice for those who want to feel truly away from it all, yet still have conveniences within reach if needed. It’s an ideal location for Arkansans seeking a genuine escape into the beauty of our state's waterways and forests.

Piney Bay Campground, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) facility, strives to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience for its visitors. While features can vary by site, the campground offers a range of services designed to meet common camping needs:

• Campsites with Hookups: Many sites within Piney Bay Campground are equipped with electric and water hookups, providing essential conveniences for RVs and pop-up campers. It is important to note that not all sites have water and power, so confirming specific site amenities when booking is advisable.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the Arkansas sky.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets and Showers: The campground provides access to restrooms with flush toilets and showers, offering a level of comfort that enhances the overall camping experience.
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is available within the campground for convenient waste disposal from RVs.
• Swimming Area: The park is located right on the water and features a designated swimming area, offering a safe and refreshing spot for a dip, especially appealing during warmer months.
• Playground Facilities: A park with playground equipment is available for younger campers, providing a fun and engaging space for children to play.
• Boat Ramp: Direct access to Piney Bay and Dardanelle Lake is provided via a boat ramp, making it easy for campers to launch their boats for fishing, water sports, or scenic cruises.
• Visitor Assistance: While online information may vary, the campground staff, typical of ACOE facilities, are generally helpful in assisting campers and addressing concerns.

Piney Bay Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a premier camping destination for Arkansans:

• Stunning Lakeside Location: A primary draw is its prime position along Piney Bay, offering direct access to Dardanelle Lake. This provides incredible opportunities for fishing (a popular activity here), boating, and simply enjoying breathtaking lake views and sunsets. Reviewers frequently highlight the "amazing photos by the lake" that can be captured.
• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe Piney Bay as a "nice quiet place" for camping. The peaceful ambiance, away from major city noise, allows for true relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite some specific amenity suggestions, the overall appearance of the campground is generally positive. The "grass was low" around the picnic tables, indicating regular upkeep, contributing to a pleasant environment.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a park/playground directly on the water makes it an excellent choice for families with children. While one reviewer noted a minor issue with a swing's height, the ability for children to "befriend" others and have a "blast" highlights its suitability for family fun.
• Varied Site Topography: The campground offers a range of sites across different loops (e.g., Northern B Loop, G Loop). While some sites are on inclines, providing diverse options allows campers to choose based on their preference and equipment. The "G Loop had better sites" according to one review, suggesting specific areas might offer more favorable conditions.
• Cell Service Availability (Varies by Loop): While the "northern B Loop had limited Verizon cell service," the "G Loop had better cell coverage." This feedback is crucial for those who need to stay connected and allows campers to select sites based on their connectivity needs.
• Walkable to Swimming Area: The convenience of being able to "walk to the swimming area from campsite G9" (and presumably other nearby sites) is a significant highlight, making lake access effortless for campers.
• Potential for Improvements (Based on Feedback): Customer reviews, while overwhelmingly positive, do offer constructive suggestions such as adding concrete paths to lakeside picnic tables, adjusting swing heights, addressing dog waste, and adding wood stairs to some camper sites. These indicate a potential for even further enhancement of an already great campground.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) campground, Piney Bay Campground primarily offers discounts through federal recreation passes rather than traditional promotional sales. These passes are designed to make access to federal lands and facilities more affordable for eligible individuals. It is always recommended to contact the campground directly or visit the official Recreation.gov website for the most current information, as policies can sometimes have specific nuances. Key federal discount programs typically applicable at ACOE campgrounds include:

• America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass:
• An annual pass (currently $20) or a lifetime pass (currently $80) for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over. This pass provides a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including individual campsites at ACOE campgrounds.
• America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass:
• A free, lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. This pass also provides a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including individual campsites at ACOE campgrounds.
• Other America the Beautiful Passes: While passes like the Annual Pass, Military Pass, and Every Kid Outdoors Pass cover entrance fees to federal lands, they generally do not provide discounts on camping fees. However, it's always good practice to confirm this when making reservations.

To confirm the exact rates for your desired dates, inquire about site availability (especially if you have specific hookup or cell service preferences like those in the G Loop), and verify any applicable discounts, please contact Piney Bay Campground directly using the phone numbers provided. Booking through Recreation.gov will also provide clear pricing based on your chosen site and any applied pass discounts.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more details about Piney Bay Campground, please use the following contact information:

• Address: Private Rd 2720, London, AR 72847, USA
• Phone: (479) 885-3029
• Mobile Phone: +1 479-885-3029

For the most reliable booking experience and to view site-specific details and availability, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website, as this is the primary platform for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground reservations.

For Arkansans, Piney Bay Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural splendor of our state without the need for extensive travel. Its strategic location on Piney Bay, connecting to Dardanelle Lake, provides a perfect setting for water enthusiasts, whether you enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore. This accessibility makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or a longer, more immersive retreat right in our own backyard.

The campground's blend of peaceful ambiance and practical amenities, including sites with electric and water hookups, makes it suitable for a wide range of campers. Families will appreciate the dedicated swimming area and playground, providing safe and fun activities for children. While it's wise to consider specific site features like incline and cell service when booking, the overall positive feedback highlights a clean, well-maintained environment that fosters relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The reviews speak to the "awesome campground" experience and the fun had by all, emphasizing its suitability for creating lasting family memories.

Piney Bay Campground embodies the spirit of Arkansas outdoor recreation. It offers a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature, all within a convenient drive for most state residents. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to try something new, Piney Bay provides a picturesque, comfortable, and engaging setting for your next Arkansas adventure. Its blend of natural beauty and essential services makes it a truly suitable choice for locals seeking to explore and appreciate the treasures of our own state.