Shoal Bay Park

For Arkansas residents seeking a tranquil and picturesque escape into nature, Shoal Bay Park in New Blaine offers an exceptional camping experience. Nestled along the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, this campground is a true gem, providing a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and serene relaxation. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a memorable lakeside retreat, or simply someone who enjoys the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, Shoal Bay Park is designed to cater to your needs. The park prides itself on its well-maintained sites and facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both RV and tent campers. From convenient amenities like electric hookups and hot showers to direct access to the lake for boating and swimming, every aspect of your visit is considered. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a destination where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy water activities, and create lasting memories with loved ones amidst the stunning Arkansas landscape. Its reputation for being a "very nice park" with "well maintained" sites precedes it, making it a highly recommended spot for your next Arkansas adventure.

Shoal Bay Park is conveniently located at Shoal Bay Rd, New Blaine, AR 72851, USA. This address places it directly on the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, a prominent feature of the Arkansas River. For travelers coming from various parts of Arkansas, the campground is easily accessible. From New Blaine, you can typically take State Route 197 north for approximately 2 miles and follow the signs directly into the campground. Its lakeside setting means it offers direct access to water-based activities, a significant draw for many campers. While providing a sense of natural tranquility, the park is not isolated, ensuring that you remain within reasonable reach of local services in New Blaine and surrounding areas for any essential supplies. The clear signage and straightforward approach make navigation to the park simple, minimizing travel stress and maximizing your time to enjoy the beautiful Arkansas scenery. The location provides a perfect balance of seclusion for a peaceful camping experience and accessibility for convenience, making it an ideal choice for both local day-trippers and those planning an extended stay in the region.

Shoal Bay Park offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors.

• Campsites: The campground features 45 reservable campsites. Most of these sites are equipped with electric hookups, and all are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (accommodating lengths from 25 to 52 feet).
• Electric Hookups: Most campsites provide reliable electric hookups to power your RV or essential camping equipment.
• Water Hookups: Each of the 62 campsites has water hookups, ensuring a fresh water supply at your site.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient trailer dump station is available on-site for proper waste disposal.
• Restrooms: Clean flush toilets are provided for guest use.
• Hot Showers: Access to hot showers is available, a welcome comfort after a day of outdoor activities.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Most sites come with a fire ring and/or grill, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available throughout the park to maintain cleanliness.
• Boat Launch Ramps: Multiple boat launching ramps provide easy access to Lake Dardanelle for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim area allows for safe swimming, though visitors are advised to bring water shoes due to the silty bottom.
• Playground: A playground is on-site, offering entertainment for children.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is a convenient amenity.
• Cell Service: Reliable cell service is available within the park, allowing for connectivity.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist with needs and provide local information.

Shoal Bay Park offers several features and highlights that make it a standout destination for camping in Arkansas, catering to a variety of outdoor interests.

• Scenic Lake Dardanelle Location: Situated directly on the beautiful Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, the park provides stunning waterfront views and direct access to a popular recreational lake.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Dardanelle is renowned for its fishing, with an abundance of white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and large catfish, making it a prime spot for anglers.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Guests consistently praise the "well maintained" campsites, which contributes significantly to a pleasant and comfortable stay.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors note the absence of "noisy people" and appreciate the overall calm environment, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Versatile Campsites: The campground offers a variety of sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs of different sizes, including those up to 52 feet, ensuring flexibility for all types of campers.
• On-Site Recreation: Beyond camping, the park provides a swim beach, playground, and multiple boat ramps, offering diverse activities right at your fingertips.
• Hot Showers and Flush Toilets: The availability of clean, hot showers and flush toilets enhances the comfort level, particularly for tent campers or those without full RV amenities.
• Hiking Opportunities: The nearby Bridge Rock Trail, winding along a rugged slope overlooking Shoal Creek, offers excellent hiking for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
• Wildlife Viewing: The shady environment and proximity to natural habitats make it a great spot for wildlife viewing.
• Online Reservation Capability: While requiring patience, the online-only reservation system offers the convenience of booking your spot in advance, even from your phone while at the park, thanks to cell service.

While Shoal Bay Park does not typically advertise short-term, fluctuating "promotions or special offers" in the traditional retail sense, its inherent value proposition and consistent pricing make it an attractive and continuously "promotional" choice for campers in Arkansas. The established nightly rates for campsites, which include water and electric hookups, offer excellent affordability given the beautiful lakeside location and the range of amenities provided. This consistent value means that visitors can reliably plan their trips without waiting for specific discounts. Furthermore, as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) park, Shoal Bay often participates in federal pass programs. Holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, may be eligible for a 50% discount on standard campsite fees. This is a significant ongoing offer for qualifying individuals. However, it's essential for visitors to verify these details and any specific requirements or limitations directly with the park or through the Recreation.gov website when making a reservation. The true "special offer" of Shoal Bay Park lies in its commitment to providing a clean, well-maintained, and amenity-rich camping experience at a consistently reasonable price, allowing Arkansas locals to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Dardanelle without a premium cost.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about 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

Please note that reservations are typically handled online only through the Recreation.gov website for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. While you can call the park directly for general inquiries or information, booking your campsite will likely need to be completed through their official online system. It's always advisable to check the website for the most current availability and reservation procedures.

Shoal Bay Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals throughout Arkansas, offering a well-rounded and accessible camping experience. For Arkansans, its prime location on Lake Dardanelle provides immediate access to excellent fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer family vacations. The consistent praise for its "very nice park" and "well maintained" sites ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay, reflecting the high standards that local campers appreciate. The availability of electric and water hookups caters to both RV and tent campers, providing essential comforts. While one review noted a site near the playground had foot traffic, this also highlights the park's family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a dedicated swim beach and playground. The online-only reservation system, though it requires a bit of patience, is convenient given the good cell service in the area. Ultimately, Shoal Bay Park offers a serene natural setting combined with practical amenities, making it a valuable resource for Arkansas residents seeking an enjoyable and peaceful outdoor adventure close to home. It's a place where lasting memories are made amidst the beauty of the Natural State.