Russellville is the largest city in Arkansas’ Pope County, with a population of 29,338, and it serves as the county seat. You’ll find this city at the intersection of Interstate 40 and scenic Highway 7. It’s bordered by the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. This 40,000-acre reservoir is perfect for camping, boating, and fishing while surrounded by scenic views. Russellville is also the home of Arkansas Tech University which has over 10,000 students.
Russellville served as a hunting ground for the Osage people in the early 19th century. The area became a Cherokee Indian reservation in 1818. The Cherokee lived here until 1828 when they were forcibly removed and the land was made available to white settlers. Russellville was incorporated as a city by 1870. When the railroad came through, the city experienced a large population and commercial boom. Today, it’s a thriving city with a strong tourism industry. Start your visit with a stop at the Russellville Tourism and Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s 14 city parks and four state parks.
Russellville’s outdoor spaces include the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary where you’ll find several walking and bike paths for all skill levels. Look for deer, squirrels, birds, and beavers as you explore these trails. The Old Post Road Recreational Area and Campground is located next to the barge canal. It’s always fun to watch the barges enter the locks. Tucker Colosseum and the Cyclone Arena host several events throughout the year, and shopping is available at the many area shopping centers like Hilltop Mall, City Mall, and Valley Park Centre.
While staying in Russellville, be sure to sample all of the local cuisines. Pasta dishes are found at the Pasta Grill Restaurant, and Southern fare is served at Stoby’s Restaurant. If you’re looking for steaks and American fare, try the Old South Restaurant.
Campgrounds Near Russellville, Arkansas
Ivy’s Cove RV Retreat in Russellville is conveniently located next door to a gas station with 23 sites offering full hookups. Guests have access to an on-site technician for RV repairs, a camp store, and a laundry facility. There’s a dump station on the property, and Wi-Fi, cable TV, and cell reception are available. Daily rates start at $37. Weekly rates are $222, and monthly rates are $365.
Outdoor Living Center RV Park in Russellville has 50 sites with full hookups. This location is near several restaurants, gas stations, and stores. A 4,000-square-foot dog park is found on the property, and they have a rec hall you can rent for big events. Daily rates start at $33.
Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton has 125 sites with full hookups, and there’s something for everyone. Choose a location in the woods or by Bailey Lake. They have conveniences like a bathhouse, a shower, and a dump station on site. Daily rates start at $22.
State Parks Near Russellville, Arkansas
Mount Nebo State Park is in nearby Dardanelle, Arkansas. It’s located on the top of Mount Nebo with scenic views of Arkansas Wine Country and the Arkansas River Valley. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking are all popular activities within the park. There are 14 miles of trails to enjoy for those on foot or on a mountain bike. Nature trails along the bluff provide stunning views of the valley. Picnic areas are found throughout the area, and tennis and basketball courts are available. Start your day at the visitor's center where you can get a park itinerary and browse the gift shop.
Petit Jean State Park is near Russellville in central Arkansas. It’s part of the Arkansas River Valley, and it’s named after a young French woman from the 18th century. She’s buried in the park. The park’s 3,471 acres encompass a 95-foot waterfall, amazing canyons and bluffs, and the 100-acre Bailey Lake. Features you’ll want to visit include a natural bridge, Bear Cave, the Grotto, Rock House Cave, Carpet Rocks, and Turtle Rocks. Camping, hiking the 20 miles of trails, swimming in the two pools, boating, and fishing are all popular activities here.
At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine State Park is the highest point above sea level in Arkansas. Visitors can enjoy fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and wildlife watching. They even have a hang-gliding launch. Popular spots within the park include numerous scenic overlooks, scenic drives, a visitor center, and hiking trails.
National Sites Near Russellville, Arkansas
The Buffalo National River is near Russellville in northern Arkansas’s beautiful Ozark Mountains. Here, you’ll discover 1900-era homesteads like the Collier Homestead on the Buffalo River Trail and Native American Caves that date back 7,000 years. Popular activities found in the area include swimming at Grinder’s Ferry, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors also enjoy hiking through the forest, exploring the scenic drives, horseback riding on the trails, and stopping at Red Bluff Overlook to take in the breathtaking view.
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site marks the spot where nine African American students were the first to go to a desegregated school in 1957. The Arkansas National Guard tried to block them from entering this building, but the Little Rock police and 20 men from the 101st Airborne Infantry Division escorted them inside while a mob formed outside. Several other sites within the city honor the Little Rock Nine and their courageous contribution to the civil rights movement.
The President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site is President Bill Clinton’s first home. It was owned by his maternal grandparents, and it dates back to 1917. His father died in a car crash three months before he was born. He lived in this house for the first four years of his life with his mother and grandparents. Ranger-led tours take visitors inside the home where you’ll find much of the original furnishings and family photos. The visitor's center has exhibits showcasing the home’s renovations and President Clinton's childhood events.
National Forests Near Russellville, Arkansas
Ouachita National Forest is one of the South’s largest and oldest national forests. The 1.6 million acres encompass scenic mountain views from an elevation of 2,500 feet. Visitors can enjoy isolated camping and hunting. The scenic drives are perfect for exploring the area from your RV, and the many streams, lakes, and rivers provide you with excellent fishing opportunities. Off-roading is available on the 600 acres of Renegade Ranch OHV Trail. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding can be done on Billy Creek Trail, Fourche Mountain Trail, and Sugar Creek Equestrian.
Mark Twain National Forest encompasses a whopping 3,068,800 acres in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. This expansive forest includes nine separate publicly and privately owned sections filled with a variety of trees, wildlife, birds, and fish. Fishing enthusiasts will love the wide-open lakes and reservoirs found throughout the area that are stocked with trout, bass, and crappies, and native trout can be found in the area’s creeks.
Ozark and St. Francis National Forests are located in central and northeastern Arkansas. The Ozark Forest encompasses 1 million acres, while St. Francis Forest covers an additional 20,000 acres. St. Francis Forest includes the Mississippi River and caves that you can explore, and Mount Magazine State Park lies within its boundaries. Among both forests, you’ll find many opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and scenic drives. These forests are home to six scenic rivers, 500 types of plants, and numerous oak and hickory trees.
