How much does camping cost at Shoal Bay?

Camping fees at Shoal Bay are $22 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shoal Bay first-come first-served or reservation?

Shoal Bay accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shoal Bay before I book?

Yes! Shoal Bay has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Shoal Bay?

Shoal Bay is open March 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Shoal Bay?

Yes, Shoal Bay has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Shoal Bay?

Cell phone service at Shoal Bay is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Shoal Bay have?

Shoal Bay has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shoal Bay?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shoal Bay. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Shoal Bay?

Shoal Bay offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Shoal Bay

Q: Can I have a campfire at Shoal Bay?

Fire policies at Shoal Bay: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.53

540 reviews

SHOAL BAY ROAD BOX 499, NEW BLAINE, AR 72859, USA

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arkansas Best Campgrounds Arkansas Hiking Camping Arkansas +2 more

Quick Facts

377 ft

Price

$22 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open March 1 to Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

377 ft

Price

$22 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open March 1 to Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Shoal Bay

$22.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 AMP No Water: $22.00; 30 AMP With Water: $24.00; 50 AMP: $26.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

479-938-7335

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Campground Map

SHOAL BAY ROAD BOX 499, NEW BLAINE, AR 72859, USA

Shoal Bay

SHOAL BAY ROAD BOX 499, NEW BLAINE, AR 72859, USA

Nearby places

New Blaine: 2 miles

Russellville: Distance not mentioned

Fort Smith: Distance not mentioned.

Weather at Shoal Bay

Current alerts(2)

NOTICE: Group shelters are open for reservations, Please follow all CDC/State guidelines for social distancing, sanitizing, and face covering for COVID-19. NOTE: A special event application is required for any event including, but not limited to one or more of the following: 1.
• For Aquatic Facilities (Lake, Reservoir, or River Recreation): CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment.

Best Time to Camp at Shoal Bay

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, colorful foliage and low watercraft crowding — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (50s–60s at night) in September–October, with crisp, comfortable nights perfect for campfires. Lake Dardanelle’s bays and inlets quiet down after the summer boating surge, making fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing especially rewarding while the surrounding hills turn brilliant gold and crimson. Weekdays and most weekends are noticeably less Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Rated best season: mild weather, colorful foliage and lower watercraft crowding.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 1 to October 31 annually. Reservations start June 20, 2025.

About Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay sits on the shores of Lake Dardanelle in west-central Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, a dump station, and modern amenities including showers and flush toilets. Campers fish the lake's bays and inlets, launch boats from the on-site ramp, and watch for wildlife along the shoreline.

Shoal Bay offers a variety of camping options, including standard electric sites and group shelters.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, colorful foliage and low watercraft crowding — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (50s–60s at night) in September–October, with crisp, comfortable nights perfect for campfires. Lake Dardanelle’s bays and inlets quiet down after the summer boating surge, making fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing especially rewarding while the surrounding hills turn brilliant gold and crimson. Weekdays and most weekends are noticeably less Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation377 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Dardanelle spreads across 40,000 acres at the meeting point of the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, with 315 miles of shoreline cutting through ancient hills. The campground sits at 377 feet elevation, where mature oaks and hickories shade the sites. Herons wade the shallows. Morning mist rises off the water. The surrounding forests create a backdrop of rolling, forested ridges that have been shaped by the Arkansas River's path through these old mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging at Shoal Bay; accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Dardanelle Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits that detail the area's historical progression from early Native Americans to the present day.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits not explicitly stated.

Groups

Two large picnic shelters are available for group use. Exact guest limits are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed via Recreation.gov online platform.

AccessibilityShoal Bay offers accessible parking and campsites. Shaded areas and level pads are available in several sites, ensuring convenience for campers.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and suitable for various setups, ranging from tents to RVs.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site, with some offering more seclusion and water views. One user mentioned, 'We LOVED staying in A2, right on the water & very secluded!

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites offer better privacy and proximity to water views. Specific sites like A4 are noted to be peaceful and ideal for families.

Best CampsitesSite A2 offers waterfront access and seclusion. Reviewers also recommend A4 and F3 for their water views. Booking early improves your chances at lakeside sites, which fill quickly. Some campers note that checking site-specific details beforehand helps avoid drainage issues or uneven spots.

Need help booking Shoal Bay?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Shoal Bay campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. There are 45 reservable campsites, most with electric hookups. Amenities include a boat ramp, playground, paved parking, paved roads, picnic tables, fire pits, and hot showers. The campground is situated on the scenic Shoal Bay arm of Lake Dardanelle, providing opportunities for swimming, wildlife viewing, and fishing.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and boating. These activities are enhanced by the scenic backdrop of Lake Dardanelle.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports3.5/5

Large lake and boat launches support paddling; water access and calm inlets suitable for kayaking.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, morning mist, wildlife and wooded hills provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but some reports suggest better maintenance is needed. One reviewer noted, 'Trail by lake had so much trash on it, worst I had ever seen it.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available at Shoal Bay. One reviewer noted, 'My older daughter liked that she could still get phone reception and use her internet.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Shoal Bay

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From Booking Sources

4.5

540 reviews

Top-Rated

Shoal Bay is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Shoal Bay has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, emphasizing cleanliness, peacefulness, and well-maintained facilities. However, occasional negative feedback regarding maintenance and specific site issues was noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 540 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised Shoal Bay for its beautiful lake views, clean bathrooms, helpful staff, and various amenities like boat ramps and playgrounds. One user stated, 'Shoal Bay is always well-kept and...

Based on 540 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback included issues with geese droppings, occasional closures of swim areas, overgrown grass, and site-specific problems like drainage issues. One reviewer noted, 'There was standing...

Based on 540 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes issues and highlights like drainage problems at P5A and P4A, excellent views at A4, and spacious setups at F3. 'A2 was right on the water & very secluded!'

Based on 540 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest booking early, especially for lakeside sites, bringing water shoes for swimming areas, and checking site-specific amenities beforehand. One user advised, 'Make a list of level sites...

Based on 540 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Shoal Bay is highly favored during spring and fall for its mild temperatures and scenic views. Summer reviews occasionally mention high temperatures and limited 50-amp hookups affecting comfort.

Based on 540 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We LOVED staying in A2, right on the water & very secluded!' 2. 'Bathrooms have showers...very well taking care of.' 3. 'The lake is beautiful, the fishing is relaxing, all in all, it was a...

Based on 540 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and shaded sites are praised. One reviewer described their site as 'level, plenty of room to park, & had a lovely view of the lake.'

Based on 540 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Shoal Bay is pet-friendly, but concerns were raised about unleashed dogs. One reviewer stated, 'Campers let their dogs run free,' while another highlighted, 'Plenty of grass area for our dogs.'

Based on 540 reviews

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Shoal Bay

$22.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 AMP No Water: $22.00; 30 AMP With Water: $24.00; 50 AMP: $26.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

479-938-7335

Go if

You want a full-amenity lakefront base camp for fishing, boating, and watching autumn colors without summer crowds.

Skip if

You need pristine site maintenance or prefer off-season availability beyond the peak operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Piney Bay sits on the shores of Dardanelle Lake near London, Arkansas, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, a swim beach, and direct lake access for boating and fishing. Wooded sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

Shoal Bay

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Shoal Bay

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Shoal Bay

Planning Tips

About Shoal Bay

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shoal Bay?

Amenities available

RV details

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Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Featured in these camping guides

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Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Shoal Bay

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shoal Bay?

Amenities available

Things to do at Shoal Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews