Shoal Bay

Star4.55
620 reviews
SHOAL BAY ROAD BOX 499, NEW BLAINE, AR 72859, USA
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

377 ft

Price

$22 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open March 1 to Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Shoal Bay
$22.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The recreation use fees range from $22-$26 for campsites with standard electric hookups. Group shelter electric sites are $75 per night. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
479-938-7335
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 620 reviews

150 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakestaff

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Shoal Bay

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

Driving directionsFrom New Blaine, Arkansas, take State Route 197 north for 2 miles. Follow signs into campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads from New Blaine, Arkansas. The area is relatively easy to navigate if following signs into the campground.
Nearby places
New Blaine: 2 miles
Russellville: Distance not mentioned
Fort Smith: Distance not mentioned.
Nearby supplies
Dollar General and two gas stations/minimarts within a few miles of the campground. A nearby country diner, 'The Dinner Bucket,' offers food options.

Best Time to Camp at Shoal Bay

From March through October, Shoal Bay transforms into an outdoor paradise where clear Arkansas skies stretch endlessly above. Spring arrives with perfect camping temperatures and wildflower blooms, while fall paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. The consistently dry conditions during peak season mean more time around the campfire and less time dodging raindrops, making every adventure—from sunrise fishing to sunset hikes—a memorable one.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Popular in summer but reviewers note high temps and limited 50-amp hookups affecting comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 24% in AR

Highly favored during fall for mild temps and scenic views; many positive seasonal reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in AR

Spring noted for perfect camping temperatures and wildflower blooms; highly favored in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Feb; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 1 to October 31 annually. Reservations start June 20, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: COVID-19 guidelines for group shelters are in place. Major flooding previously impacted swimming conditions.

About Shoal Bay

Nestled along the tranquil waters of Shoal Bay, this hidden gem on Lake Dardanelle's scenic arm invites you to unwind beneath a canopy of mature trees. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, watching children laugh on the playground, or refreshing under hot showers after a day of hiking and swimming, Shoal Bay Campground seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with modern comfort. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundant bird watching opportunities, while water lovers can explore endless coves and inlets right from their campsite.
Shoal Bay offers a variety of camping options, including standard electric sites and group shelters.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are available via the Bridge Rock Trail, which winds along a rugged slope overlooking the narrows of Shoal Creek. One reviewer described it as 'great for beginners,' while another noted, 'Wonderful hiking trail up to bridge rock.'
FishingShoal Bay is a popular fishing destination, with Lake Dardanelle brimming with white bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and large catfish. Reviewers frequently praised the fishing experience, with one user stating, 'Great boating, spectacular view, and clean.'
SwimmingShoal Bay has a designated swimming area, which one reviewer called 'very kid-friendly.' However, occasional closures due to bacterial issues were noted, with one user stating, 'The swimming beach was closed due to bacteria caused by flooding.'
BikingBiking is popular within Shoal Bay, with paved roads allowing for easy riding. One reviewer stated, 'Paved roads made for a good place to bike.'
BoatingBoating amenities include two ramps and docks. One reviewer noted, 'Two boat ramps made getting on the water pretty easy.'
Wildlife viewingShoal Bay provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birds and squirrels. One reviewer mentioned, 'Plenty of birds to watch and squirrels.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight potential issues such as geese feces near campsites and E. coli contamination occasionally affecting the swimming area.
Active AlertsCOVID-19 guidelines for group shelters are in place. Major flooding previously impacted swimming conditions.

Weather at Shoal Bay

Reviews

4.6
620 reviews
Top-Rated
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 620 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...
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Based on 620 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...
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Based on 620 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...
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Based on 620 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 620 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...
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Based on 620 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 620 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 620 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 620 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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