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Arkansas River Recreation System

The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System - 450 miles of premier recreation opportunities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District

River Miles

450 Miles

Recreation Areas

50+ Locations

Campgrounds

25+ Parks

Boat Ramps

40+ Launches

Field Offices

5 Districts

Arkansas Post Field Office

Historic region from Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam to the Mississippi River confluence

Historic Significance: Site of Henri de Tonti's 1686 village - the first settlement west of the Mississippi River, and Arkansas Territory capital from 1819 until the Civil War.

Experience history at the Arkansas Post National Memorial, where visitors can explore the area much like the pioneers did, while enjoying modern recreational conveniences. The Arkansas Post Field Office manages parks along the Arkansas River from Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam to the confluence with the White River and Mississippi River.

Recreation Opportunities

Boat launching ramps and river access
Camping areas for travel trailers and motor homes
Family and group picnic sites
Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area
White River National Wildlife Refuge access
In-season hunting and fishing opportunities

Arkansas Post Field Office
35 Wild Goose Lane
Tichnor, Arkansas 72166
Phone: (870) 548-2291

Lake Dardanelle

40,000 acres of accessible recreation waters with world-class fishing and facilities

Arkansas's Most Productive Bass Fishery: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission studies reveal Lake Dardanelle as the state's top bass fishing destination.

Lake Dardanelle spreads westward behind Dardanelle Dam into five counties, reaching 50 miles upstream with 315 miles of shoreline. This accessible recreation area offers year-round fishing with no closed season and mild winters.

Featured Parks

Activities

Fishing: Bass, catfish, white bass, bream, crappie
Wildlife Viewing: American Bald Eagles (fall-spring)
Hiking: Bona Dea Trails & Bridge Rock Trail
Mountain Biking: Old Post Road Park Trail System
Swimming: Designated beaches with life jacket loans
Disc Golf: Year-round course at Old Post Road

Safety Reminder: 90% of drowning victims aren't wearing life jackets. Borrow one at our life jacket loaner stations!

Russellville Site Office
1598 Lock and Dam Road
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (501) 340-1762

Ozark Lake & John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Major navigation system components with 16,300 acres of recreation waters

Ozark Lake covers 10,600 acres with 173 miles of shoreline, extending 36 miles along the Arkansas River through Franklin, Crawford, and Sebastian Counties. The varied shoreline features steep bluffs, tree-lined banks, open farmlands, and level fields.

Campgrounds & Recreation Areas

Aux Arc Park

Clear Creek Park

Springhill Park

Citadel Bluff

Reed Mountain

Recreation Activities

Fishing: World-class sauger fishing below dams
Hunting: Deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game
Mountain Biking: Springhill Park trail system
Camping: Class A parks with full amenities
Boating: Multiple boat ramps and access points

Best Sauger Fishing in the Nation: Tailwaters below Ozark-Jeta Taylor and James W. Trimble Lock and Dams offer exceptional fall-spring fishing.

Ozark Field Office
ceswl-rv@usace.army.mil
1598 Lock and Dam Road
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (479) 968-5008

Pine Bluff Site Office

Historic White Bluff region with sustainable forestry and diverse recreation

The Pine Bluff Site Office manages the historic White Bluff area, where the Western Gulf Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Delta. This natural geographic boundary has been a familiar landmark for river travelers for generations.

Sustainable Forestry Leadership: Over 7,000 acres managed under Sustainable Forestry Initiative principles, protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air, and water quality.

Recreation Areas

Multiple Day Use Areas

Activities

Fishing: 125 river miles - largemouth bass, crappie, bream, catfish
Catfish Snagging: Popular at Wilbur D. Mills Dam
Hunting: 10,000+ acres - waterfowl, deer, turkey, small game
Camping: Full hookup sites with modern amenities
Group Facilities: Picnic shelters and group areas

Pine Bluff Site Office
P.O. Box 7835
Pine Bluff, AR 71611
Phone: (870) 534-0451

Toad Suck Ferry Field Office

80 miles of scenic Arkansas River between Ozark and Ouachita Mountains

Located between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the pools formed by Toad Suck Ferry, Murray Lock and Dam, and Arthur V. Ormond Lock and Dam stretch 80 miles from Little Rock to Dardanelle, providing excellent boating and fishing with scenic mountain and farmland views.

Nature's Showcase: Experience breathtaking spring dogwood and redbud blooms, plus spectacular fall foliage in this mountain-framed river valley.

Recreation Areas

Maumelle Park

Toad Suck Ferry Park

Cherokee Park

Cook's Landing

Activities & Features

Fishing: 19,000 acres - record catfish, bass, crappie, bream
Photography: Scenic mountain and farmland backdrops
Camping: Modern facilities with 50-amp service
Nature Study: Diverse flora and seasonal changes
Boating: Multiple boat ramps and river access

Toad Suck Ferry Field Office
6298 Hwy 60 W
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: (501) 329-2986

Arkansas River Visitor Center

"Renaissance of a River" - Interactive exhibits at the midpoint of the 450-mile navigation system

Located at the Russellville Site Office, the Arkansas River Visitor Center tells the story of the River Valley's development from Native American occupancy to the present. Dedicated August 20, 1985, it has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, D.C., and many foreign countries.

Exhibits & Features

Interactive River Valley development timeline
Wildlife exhibits and displays
Locking through simulator experience
Hands-on educational exhibits
Navigation system overview

Visitor Center Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Year-round)
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Holiday Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day)
CLOSED all other Federal Holidays