Map showing campground location near Gillett, Arkansas

Camper submitted image from Pendleton Bend

Pendleton Bend

Where the Arkansas River curves through forested bottomland, Pendleton Bend sits within the Army Corps of Engineers' Wilbur D. Mills Pool Recreation Area. This established campground accommodates RVs up to 115 feet with electric and water hookups, plus offers boat-in access for watercraft campers. Sites are spacious enough that water hookups positioned between sites require a 50-foot hose to reach from some spots.

The campground operates year-round with basic amenities including restrooms, a dump station, and picnic tables. Campers report zero cell phone service, so physical directions are essential for navigation. The forested setting provides shade, while a dock allows visitors to watch cargo boats navigate the river. Several reviewers note the quiet atmosphere, particularly during off-peak seasons when occupancy drops significantly.

Bathroom facilities receive mixed feedback from visitors. "Being able to adjust water temperatures? No," reports Ashley F., describing lukewarm showers with push-button timers requiring activation every ten seconds. The restrooms lack heating and have limited amenities, though they do provide toilet paper and functioning toilets.

The campground sits roughly nine miles from places to camp near Gillett and just over a mile from COE Arkansas River Pendleton Bend Campground. Fishing opportunities abound along the river access. Reservations are accepted for this pet-friendly facility that charges $22-75 per night depending on site selection and season.

Description

Overview

Pendleton Bend Campground and Day Use Park is located on the bank of the Arkansas River. The campground offers 31 campsites, a two lane boatramp, a comfort station with hot showers and restrooms, playground, picnic sites, and a group shelter that can accomodate 75 users.

Recreation

Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting are all popular activities for visitors. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2, and the tailwaters of the dam provide excellent opportunities to catch a variety of gamefish, especially catfish. A boat ramp is available for access to the Arkansas River. Hiking and birding is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Many species of waterfowl frequent the lower Arkansas River and its adjacent wetlands making this area a destination for waterfowl hunters.

Facilities

Pendleton Bend offers 31 campsites with electric and water hookups, 25 of which may be reserved. Additional amenities include a boat ramp, comfort station with hot showers and flush toilets, group picnic shelter, and a playground with picnic sites.

Natural Features

Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is located in the lush Eastern Arkansas alluvial bottomland forest in Desha County. Pendleton Bend Campground and Park is approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Arkansas Electric Coop Hydropower Dam. The Campground and Park sits along the track for migratory birds as they come and go from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a destination for birders. Many species of waterfowl frequent the Arkansas River and adjacent wetlands making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby, visitors can visit the Arkansas Post National Memorial. Here, Henri de Tonti established the first European village west of the Mississippi River in 1686. In 1819, Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory and remained so until the Civil War. The Dale Bumpers White River Refuge is nearby that offers 160,000 acres of excellent hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well.

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Location

Public Campground

Pendleton Bend is located in Arkansas

Directions

From Dumas, Arkansas, take US-165 north for 9 miles to State Route 212. Head east for 2 miles and follow signs to the park.

Address

426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST
Dumas, AR 71639

Coordinates

33.9869444 N
91.3608333 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

1 hr 24 min from Little Rock, AR
2 hrs 6 min from Hot Springs, AR
2 hrs 23 min from Memphis, TN

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5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious, well-maintained sites and peaceful atmosphere as major draws. However, bathroom facilities received significant criticism for poor conditions and lack of basic amenities.

Ashley F.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2023

Beautiful But Without a Comfortable Bathroom

My family uses a pop up camper to explore many of the Arkansas parks, after this trip we are considering a change!

Let me tell you about their bathroom/showers situation…. Do they have flushing toilets, yes! Sadly only slightly better than a hole in the ground with a seat. They thankfully have provided toilet paper, that’s a step up from tree bark, but no place to put any sanitary items…. Was there a place at one time to dispose such things? YES! Is there one any more? NO! Just a slot with a lid where the metal box once was. Granted I am at a camp that for the majority of the time only houses manly hunters, keeping that in mind I assume they do still sometimes bring their wives/girlfriends who would appreciate maybe having another small box installed for these womanly things. Moving on I don’t consider myself vain in anyway but the mirror situation is comparable to trying to see your reflection in crinkled aluminum foil, at best! While staring into what may or may not be my reflection, I start to question where is the hand soap? Absolutely nowhere, there is none. I feel they expect us to grab a pine cone and pray we don’t get pink eye because that is all your working with, pinecones and prayers! While releasing a irritated sigh I noticed I could see my breath! It’s currently 30 degrees outside and guess what these bathrooms do not have a heater!! Now to the showers, I’m only able to compare it to a prison scene from a movie… Longest yard…? The Rock…? Maybe…I’m not sure but it falls somewhere between comical and terrifying. Curtains you ask? No we don’t need those! Being able to adjust water temperatures? No! Luke warm Is what you have Luke warm is what you are happy with(said in best Russian accent) Somewhere to place your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lufa and razor? Unheard of! You are in the wild girl…. You should have held on to that pinecone! A large button on the wall you have to push every(no exageration) ten seconds to keep the spit temperature trickle of water running?? Yes ma’am! The over head lights on a timer that goes off five minutes into your lovely prison shower experience reminding you to not drop the soap or close your eyes? WE GOT YOU BOO! Need less to say my time here, although brief, feels like purgatory, making me want to lay down in front of the passing Corps of Engineers truck as a martyr for bathroom improvements! (**US Army Corps of Engineers please reference ANY State ran park bathroom for your example!)

Month of VisitDecember

kimberly V.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 30, 2022

Excellent

One of our favorite spots

Month of VisitSeptember

Steve S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

nice

great park well maintained big sights quiet and no problem with bugs had fun with coons .very shady. went by 1/17/2021they are open 4 campers there

Steve S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

great place

quiet shady and a really great park big sights and well maintained we stay here alot ,went by 1/17/2021 4 campers there great time to stay pelicans hanging around ,very peaceful

Allison N.

Guide

Reviewed May. 27, 2020

Nice people, basic facilities

I stopped here for one night with a travel trailer and was in site B-01 for $16. The sites are spacious. For example, the water hookups are half way between the sites to be shared, and my 50ft hose just barely could reach. It is pet friendly and we had fun sitting on a dock and watching the cargo boats. There is absolutely no cell phone signal and no WiFi, so have physical directions on you. The park is only a couple miles from Arkansas Post National Memorial which was very beautiful and worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pendleton Bend Campground located in Arkansas?

Pendleton Bend Campground is located along a waterway in Arkansas where visitors can observe cargo ships and wildlife, including pelicans. While the exact location details are limited, it appears to be situated near Pendleton Dam in Arkansas. The campground provides access to water views and is known for its peaceful setting. For precise directions and GPS coordinates, contacting the campground directly or checking with Arkansas State Parks is recommended.

What facilities and amenities are available at Pendleton Bend Campground?

Pendleton Bend Campground offers spacious sites with water hookups strategically placed between sites (bring a long hose as 50ft is barely sufficient for some spots). The campground features flushing toilets and shower facilities, though they're fairly basic. It's pet-friendly, making it ideal for those traveling with furry companions. Sites are well-maintained and shaded, providing good coverage during hot days. The rate for a site with a travel trailer is approximately $16 per night. The campground has docks where visitors can relax and observe river activity.

Are there scenic views or photo opportunities at Pendleton Bend Campground?

Pendleton Bend Campground offers excellent scenic views and photo opportunities. The campground features docks where visitors can sit and watch cargo ships pass by on the water. Wildlife photography enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to capture images of pelicans that frequent the area. The campground's shaded setting creates beautiful dappled light, perfect for nature photography. During winter months, the waterfront views become even more serene with fewer visitors. The combination of water views, wildlife, and natural surroundings makes this a photogenic location throughout the year.

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