How much does camping cost at Pendleton Bend?

Camping fees at Pendleton Bend range from $22-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pendleton Bend first-come first-served or reservation?

Pendleton Bend accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pendleton Bend before I book?

Yes! Pendleton Bend has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pendleton Bend?

Pendleton Bend is open January 01 - December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pendleton Bend?

Yes, Pendleton Bend has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Pendleton Bend?

Fire policies at Pendleton Bend: Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Only wood and paper products may be burned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pendleton Bend have?

Pendleton Bend has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pendleton Bend?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pendleton Bend. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pendleton Bend?

Pendleton Bend offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pendleton Bend?

Popular activities at Pendleton Bend include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pendleton Bend

3.94

262 reviews

426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST

Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

187 ft

Price

$22 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 31 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

187 ft

Price

$22 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Pendleton Bend

$22.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard electric sites range from $22 to $26 per night during peak season, with group picnic areas available at $75 per day.

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 262 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulfriendly

"Pendleton Bend Campground is generally well-received, with an average sentiment rating of 3.857. Visitors appreciate the spacious sites, natural scenery, and variety of activities. However, some raised concerns about maintenance, cellular service, and mosquitoes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST

Pendleton Bend

426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST

Nearby places

Dumas, AR (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Dumas, AR, approximately 11 miles away, hosts grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Pendleton Bend

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80°F in October and drop to 45-65°F by November, with lower humidity than summer months. Waterfowl numbers peak during this window, making wildlife viewing exceptional. Summer heat comes with thick humidity. Winter stays mild enough to keep the campground accessible year-round. Spring brings moderate temperatures and occasional rain that feeds the hardwood canopy.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is a peak season with mild weather and active wildlife/fishing seasons.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 - December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season extends from January 1 to December 31.
Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned in the source materials.

About Pendleton Bend

Pendleton Bend sits on the Arkansas River in Desha County, offering 31 spacious sites with electric and water hookups. Three waterfront sites (C-1, C-2, C-3) provide direct river views. The campground includes a boat ramp, comfort stations with showers, a playground, and picnic areas. Sites run $22-$26 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups.

Pendleton Bend Campground offers a mix of camping styles, including tent and RV setups. Sites are leveled and equipped with modern utilities.

Historical Significance

The nearby Arkansas Post National Memorial marks one of the first European settlements in the Lower Mississippi Valley. The site served as a trade hub, military post, and governance center during frontier expansion.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80°F in October and drop to 45-65°F by November, with lower humidity than summer months. Waterfowl numbers peak during this window, making wildlife viewing exceptional. Summer heat comes with thick humidity. Winter stays mild enough to keep the campground accessible year-round. Spring brings moderate temperatures and occasional rain that feeds the hardwood canopy.

ElevationThe campground rests at river level, offering an intimate connection with the Arkansas River's natural rhythms and easy access to water-based activities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Eastern Arkansas's alluvial bottomland forest at 187 feet elevation, where centuries of river meandering deposited fertile sediment that now supports dense hardwood stands. The Arkansas River flows past camp, its current visible from waterfront sites. This corridor sits on the Mississippi Flyway, drawing concentrations of migratory waterfowl from late October through January. Deer browse the forest edges. Great blue herons work the shallows. The landscape shifts with seasonal water levels, creating wetland pockets when the river runs high.

Geological RegionPendleton Bend Campground sits within the remarkable alluvial bottomland forest of Eastern Arkansas, specifically in Desha County's river corridor. This geological wonderland was sculpted over millennia by the Arkansas River's meandering path, creating rich deposits of sediment that now support one of North America's most biodiverse ecosystems. The bottomland hardwood forest serves as a crucial stopover on the Mississippi Flyway, attracting spectacular concentrations of migratory birds and making it a premier destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. The interplay between river, forest, and wetland creates a dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons and water levels.

Scenic ViewsThe waterfront sites provide scenic views of the Arkansas River, including boat traffic such as barges and tugs.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than 2 tents per campsite, or 1 camper and 1 tent.

Groups

The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 75 people and is equipped with picnic tables and BBQ facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites spread across loop roads with enough distance between them that privacy comes naturally. Waterfront sites offer more space but less shade than interior spots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availability25 of 31 campsites are reservable, meaning only 6 are available on a walk-up basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservation changes can be made in advance without additional fees for adding or removing nights, but entirely new dates incur a $10 change fee. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available. However, accessibility details are not extensively reviewed.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, with ample room to accommodate various setups. For instance, one review noted, 'We pulled a 31 ft bumper pull with a crew cab long bed and still had enough room.

PrivacySites are well-spaced, offering a good level of privacy. One reviewer highlighted, 'The distance between sites was more than I have seen at any campground.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the water if noise from barges and tugs is a concern; choose pull-through sites for larger vehicles.

Best CampsitesWaterfront sites C-1, C-2, and C-3 get consistent praise for river views and generous square footage. Reviewers note the spacing between all sites exceeds most campgrounds. One camper fit a 31-foot bumper pull trailer with a crew cab long bed and still had room left over. Avoid riverside spots if tugboat noise and navigation lights bother you.

Need help booking Pendleton Bend?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Pendleton Bend Campground offers a comprehensive range of amenities suitable for both short and long stays. The campground features 31 campsites, each equipped with water and electric hookups. Twenty-five of these sites are reservable. The site also has a comfort station with hot showers and flush toilets, a playground, a group picnic shelter that accommodates 75 users, and picnic areas. Notably, each campsite comes with its own pavilion, a BBQ/fire ring combo, and a shelf table. A two-lane boat ramp is available for river access.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pendleton Bend Campground supports a variety of recreational activities. Popular pursuits include hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and hunting. The area is particularly renowned for its fishing opportunities, with Pool 2 offering world-class bass and crappie fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, grass overgrowth, armadillo holes, feral cats, and limited lighting at night.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned in the source materials.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Only wood and paper products may be burned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Dumas, AR, approximately 11 miles away. Services include hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, and all trash must be placed in dumpsters or trash cans. No detailed recycling information is provided.

Water FeaturesDirect access to the Arkansas River with a boat ramp for fishing and boating activities.

Camp HostHosts are noted for being friendly and helpful, often assisting visitors with local information.

Cell CoverageCell service is limited, as many user reviews mention. One reviewer stated, 'Cell service is very spotty; we had enough to do some streaming but not much else.' Another noted, 'No way to get help if needed due to lack of signal.'

Weather at Pendleton Bend

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

262 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pendleton Bend has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Pendleton Bend Campground is generally well-received, with an average sentiment rating of 3.857. Visitors appreciate the spacious sites, natural scenery, and variety of activities. However, some raised concerns about maintenance, cellular service, and mosquitoes.

Review Summaries

Based on 262 reviews

What Campers Love

'The sites are large and well-spaced,' 'Beautiful river views,' and 'The camp hosts and rangers were very friendly' are recurring themes in reviews. Visitors also enjoy the 'quiet and peaceful...

Based on 262 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'bathrooms not clean,' 'limited cell service,' and 'grounds not well-maintained.' Mosquitoes and other bugs are also frequent issues.

Based on 262 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing bug spray and arriving during daylight for easier navigation. Some recommend avoiding riverside sites due to tugboat noise and bright lights at night.

Based on 262 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during spring and fall, with mild weather enhancing the experience. Summer reviews often mention bugs and high humidity, while winter reviews highlight the quietness and...

Based on 262 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is very active at night with raccoons and all the little critters.' 2. 'Definitely will be making this a destination spot!' 3. 'Grass definitely should be mowed; it didn't help...

Based on 262 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Riverside sites (C-1, C-2, and C-3) are praised for their views but noted for occasional tugboat noise and limited space. Pull-through sites are highlighted for their convenience and size.

Based on 262 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews focus exclusively on accessibility features.

Based on 262 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Visitors appreciate the campground's pet-friendly policy, although one reviewer noted biting flies made it difficult for their dog to enjoy relaxing outside.

Based on 262 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Pendleton Bend

About Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Context for the broader area surrounding Pendleton Bend, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Lock no. 2 is located on the man-made Arkansas Post Canal that connects the Arkansas River with the White River. Wilber D. Mills Dam is located on the main stem of the Arkansas River. Overnight camping is available in Merrisach Lake Park near Lock No. 2, Wilbur D. Mills Park downstream from the dam, and Pendleton Bend Park upstream from the dam. World-class bass and crappie fishing is found in Pool 2. The tailwaters of the dam and Joe Hardin Dam upstream provide excellent opportunities to catch catfish. In the Arkansas area visitors can experience history at the national memorial at Arkansas Post. Here, in 1686, Henri de Tonti established the first village west of the Mississippi River. In 1819 Arkansas Post became the capital of the Arkansas Territory until the Civil War. Parks offer modern amenities such as boat launching ramps, drinking water, camping areas, picnic sites and other facilities for the convenience of all.

Directions

Wilbur D. Mills Dam is about 13 miles north of Dumas. Lock No. 2 is about 47 miles south of Stuttgart.