Crisp, cool water from the Rocky Mountains travels just under 1500 miles year-round to fill Rockefeller Lake in Arkansas. This lake joins with smaller surrounding lakes to create nearly 40,000 acres of prime boating and fishing water. Large trees shade the shoreline, providing cover to the many picnic areas and campsites that border this beautiful body of water.
The lake was constructed under the US Army Corps of Engineers’ supervision and has since become a popular recreation area due to its easy accessibility and mild winters. Named after Arkansas Governor, Winthrop A. Rockefeller, the lake is nestled between the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark Plateaus, providing visitors with breathtaking scenic views in all directions, including those of the famed Petit Jean Mountain. The forests that surround Rockefeller Lake are full of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and other types of game, making Rockefeller Lake a popular destination during hunting season.
Additionally, the lake is a favorite wintering spot for the American bald eagle. Visitors with keen eyes from late fall to early spring will often be able to spot the eagles perched along the lake’s edge, hunting for fish. The lake is perfect for fishers of all skill levels. It is regularly stocked with bream, crappie, and largemouth bass in addition to the native white bass and large catfish that can be found swimming throughout its waters. Rockefeller Lake offers two recreation areas and a variety of hookup options for RV camping.
Rockefeller Lake is located just outside of Conway, Arkansas. It is easy to access by car or RV, clocking in at about an hour and fifteen minutes from amenities in Conway. The entirety of the drive is on paved roads, with the majority of travel being on I-40. The remaining portion of the journey will take visitors on a gently curved route through the rural Arkansas countryside filled with fertile crops and farmland before arriving at either of the park’s campsites.
Drivers should be aware that though the roads leading to the campsites are not usually too busy with traffic, they are bordered by woodland and farmland. Loose livestock such as cows, horses, or sheep in the road as well as crossing wildlife such as deer, rabbits, turkey, and other small game are always a potential danger. Exercise caution and obey all posted speed limits.
At both of the campgrounds, most roads are paved but narrow. Drivers of larger vehicles should be aware that most roads are shaded by large trees that commonly will have low-hanging branches. Additionally, larger trailers and RVs will have a more difficult time maneuvering and parking since no pull-through areas are provided.
Cherokee Park has a total of 48 sites available with public parking. All sites are shaded and are designed to fit big rigs; however, there are no pull-through sites. Sites also include boat launching areas as well as close lake proximity to enable fishing and water play.
There are power sources of both 50 amp and 30 amps available, as well as restrooms, showers, and a dumping site. Near the campsites is a clubhouse as well as a playground and sports field available for public use.
Sweeden Island Recreation Area consists of 28 campsites with full hookups, and extended stays permitted. All sites are shaded with available power of 30 amps or 20 amps, as well as restrooms, showers, and a dumping site.
The sites include a boat launch and close lake proximity to enable fishing and water play. There is no clubhouse; however, there is a game hall and horseshoes pits that are open for public use. Bicycles and skateboards are permitted, but no unauthorized offroad vehicles are allowed on the premises at any time. Pets are allowed, but dogs must be tied up at the campsite or on a leash.
The Army Corps of Engineers built the Dardanelle Dam to create a lake with the ability to host a large number of boats of varying sizes. Both motorized and non-motorized crafts are allowed on the water, and the lake has several different boat ramps that are available for public use.
Visitors can enjoy cruising up and down the lake edges watching wildlife and exploring the scenery, or they can pick a nice spot to enjoy a cool breeze and sit still to take in the fresh Arkansas air.
With so much wildlife to see and hear, picnicking is a must. Picnic tables and fire rings can be found throughout the campground and all along the rim of the lake. Visitors can choose from several different spots, all with beautiful views of the lake.
Most camping spots are surrounded by large trees that provide ample coverage from the sun and a pleasant, cool, and shady place to have a snack or sneak in a quick nap.
The neighboring Ouachita State Park, Petit Jean State Park, and the Ozark Plateaus are filled with hiking trails that guide visitors up to breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and stunning waterfalls. Along the journey, visitors will have many opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Always exercise caution when hiking, and make sure to carry out any trash you might bring in with you to help keep the trails clean and beautiful for everyone.
When the Army Corps of Engineers built the lake, they also created a hotspot for fishers who want to challenge themselves and catch a variety of fish. The lake is the native home of the white bass and catfish and is regularly stocked with several other breeds to ensure the fish population is never low. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission concluded that the lake is the most productive bass fishery in the state. Arkansas has very mild winters making fishing an activity that can be experienced all year long.
Rockefeller Lake is home to a large population of American bald eagles. In fact, it is one of their favorite places to pass the winter because of the large trees that are perfect for hosting their nests and ample food supply found in a lake stocked with their favorite prey: fish.
Late fall to early spring is the ideal time to see these birds in action as they hunt their prey and spend most days perched in the trees on the lake’s edge. Popular viewing areas can be found in Russellville at Old Post Road Park and in Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.
After a day full of activity, enjoying the cool night air and looking up at the night sky is a relaxing and educational way to wind down before bed. With campgrounds located in the rural countryside of Arkansas, visitors will be amazed at the amount and brightness of the stars that can be seen in the night sky. Bring a star map, and try to find all of the constellations. Or, bring a personal telescope for a closer look.
