Any primitive camping around Lake Dardanelle?

[Wes Ramsey]

I'm thinking about heading to Dardanelle next week, but I'd prefer to find a good, primitive camp site for the night rather than pay the $17 to stay at one of the parks. Anyone know of anything like that, or at least something cheaper in that area?

[jerry dean]

Wes,

As you're heading toward the state park and the lake is to your right, before you get to the first light, there is a boat launch to the right and an island straight across from the launch. I've seen people camping there. It looks like a sweet place. I'd go around the island to the main lake side for more privacy. That's also some of the best catfishing area's too. Straight north of that island on the north bank is where the old creek bed runs. It's 30 feet or so and has and old stump field flat that's 8-10 feet or so. If you have a depth finder, you'll find it easy. The catfish are still deep at night and are coming up on the flats during the day on the river. I figure they'll be the same in the Lake.

If you want to catch some crappie, try under the railroad bridge & highway bridge west of that island I was talking about. Get there early though. You won't be the only one there.

[Wes Ramsey]

Jerry,

Is this what you're talking about?

http://www.hunt101.com/img/481162-big.JPG

That would be pretty awesome! I've already got my thermacell in the truck - have a feeling I'll need it there :biggrin: I'll sure check it out before I go get a pay campsite.

I'm mainly going for the catfish - I was just gonna fish for crappie while I was waiting to check my lines, but that looks like an idea area to hang out for a couple of days. I used to have a map of the lake that showed the old creekbeds and such, but I think the lake got it last time I was out there:smack: I put in at that spot once, and I think I'd be a lot better off fishing there than in the main lake with my little boat. Anyway, I'll have to pick up a new map so I can tell where the creekbed is and run my line(s) across it, or rig up some way to run them down the length of it.

I have a fish finder my FIL gave me, but it doesn't work very well. It's hardly been used, but sitting up in a barn for 15+ years doesn't do electronics any good. I think it's just that the transducer is bad, but I'd hate to spend $30+ on a new one and that not fix it. The unit itself seems to work okay every now and then though - just not enough to do me any good. A new one is on my shopping list, but it may be a couple more years 'til I can afford it. My new fishin' buddy is due June 6th, and I've heard they're awful expensive!

[jerry dean]

Wes,

That's it. The creek I was talking about starts about 20 feet off the north bank and paralles the bank from the bridge east for about a thousand yards then turns south. The creek is about 50 yards wide and the stump flat runs from that island all the way over to the creek. Don't worry about hitting any stumps( like on Conway ). The flat is 10 feet deep, but the stumps are all very old and only a foot or 2 off the bottom. It's also a dang good Rattle-Trap spot for bass, too. Crawdad color work's best.:thumb:

[Wes Ramsey]

Dang Jerry, you're just a heap of great info! I've been planning to spend Wednesday and maybe Thursday nights out there if it isn't gonna be too windy, but that smaller area of the lake is a lot more sheltered than the rest so it should be fine even with a little wind. Last time I was on Dardanelle my tent blew away from straight-line winds. I was on the water when the storm hit full blast - yes, in my 14' flat bottom - but was able to find land before my boat swamped and the tornado sirens came on. It was a little hairy :hair: But looks like I got me a new place where I can hang out and catch (or at least fish for) every kinda fish I care to without having to venture into the 'main' lake.

I don't suppose you know of a good place to get some cheap campfire wood, would you? I'm gonna put a post in the campfire to see if anyone else knows where I can find enough for a few nights camping...

[Wes Ramsey]

Oh, one other thing...any ideas where to catch some bream in that area?

[jerry dean]

If it was me and ya can't find a good deal on some wood, I'd run the shoreline and grab some dried out drift wood. There will be a bunch of it. More than you could use. It floated up there so it'll be plenty dry enough to burn. There'll be several old cedar tops on that island for some good starter wood.

I wish I knew where some bream were.:biggrin: I can only find them in the hot summertime when they are easy to catch.

[Wes Ramsey]

Great! I'd hoped there'd be some dry wood around the island or on the banks. I've camped in the park several times, and a couple of times I had to do a bit of driving to find enough decent wood for a fire. I don't mind picking up what I can in my boat, but I'd rather have some to take with me just in case!

If I find any bream, I'll let you know. I looked for them on Conway all day Saturday but didn't find a one.

[jerry dean]

Those guys that camp in the park don't usually wonder back to the area we're talking about. It's an awesome spot.

Good luck on the catfish. They've biting really good on the river right now since the moon's gone down.