Lake Dardanelle State Park

Arkansas FireWise State Park

The Arkansas FireWise Team visited Lake Dardanelle State Park on Dec. 11, 2007, so park staff could learn more about earning Arkansas FireWise Community recognition.

Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on Lake Dardanelle — a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River — one on the Russellville side and the other near Dardanelle. Both locations offer camping, launch ramps, pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms and bathhouses with hot showers. Dallis Clark, Park Ranger, provided a tour through both the Russellville and Dardanelle sites.

There are six homes within the park boundary — two privately-owned residences (owners of the privately-owned and operated marinas), and residences of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, park interpreter and park ranger. The Russellville site offers a 10,527-square-foot visitor center overlooking the lake, and a 1,861-square-foot fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion that serves as a staging area for tournaments.

All six homes had more than 30 feet of defensible space. "Overall the park is in really good shape," said Christina Fowler, information officer.

Park staff are currently developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which will make the park eligible for Arkansas FireWise Communities status.

For more information about Lake Dardanelle State Park, visit their web site at www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle.