Lake Dardanelle, a
reservoir on the
Arkansas River, provides many recreational opportunities. The lake covers nearly with abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and scenic views. The lake extends from Dardanelle Lock and Dam () near
Dardanelle, into
Pope,
Yell,
Logan,
Johnson and
Franklin Counties. The lake reaches upstream the Arkansas River and has of shoreline. Each recreational park on Dardanelle has drinking water, picnic tables and toilet facilities. Most have trailer dump stations, boat launch ramps and electrical sites. The only
nuclear power plant in Arkansas,
Arkansas Nuclear One, is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Dardanelle.
Mount Nebo (Arkansas) is close to the area and provides scenic views for visitors along the lake. The
Ozark and
Ouachita Mountains also offer great scenery and have mountain springs and recreation parks in abundance. The mountains of the Ozarks and Ouachitas are abundant in wildlife. The
bald eagle often uses this area for wintering. Eagles can be seen here from late fall to early spring.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located on two sites, one in
Russellville and the other, across the lake to the south, near
Dardanelle. The Russellville park includes a visitor center with aquariums and natural and cultural history displays, a fishing pier, and a fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion that is used for the many fishing tournaments held on the lake. Both sites offer campsites, boat launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, playgrounds and bathhouses. == See also ==