Pendleton Bend
4.17112 reviews426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST
Quick Facts
Price
$22 - $26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$22 - $26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsPendleton 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
Total Campsite Fees$97.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider870-548-2291
What Campers Say
4.17
Satisfactory
Based on 112 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."
Fees & Passes at Pendleton Bend
$22 - $26/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservation changes can be made in advance without additional fees for adding or removing nights, bu...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.
Best Time to Camp at Pendleton Bend
Experience the gentle rhythm of Arkansas seasons at Pendleton Bend, where nature paints a different masterpiece throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for river activities, though the humidity reminds you of the lush ecosystem surrounding you. As autumn arrives, temperatures mellow into perfect camping weather, while winter offers surprisingly mild conditions that keep the campground accessible year-round. Spring awakens the landscape with moderate temperatures and occasional refreshing rains that nourish the verdant forest canopy.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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
Nestled along the winding banks of the mighty Arkansas River, Pendleton Bend Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 31 thoughtfully designed campsites, including three coveted waterfront spots where you can wake to the gentle lapping of river waves. Each site comes equipped with electric and water hookups, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Beyond your campsite, discover a world of recreation with direct river access via the convenient boat ramp, modern comfort stations, a cheerful playground where children's laughter mingles with birdsong, and scenic picnic areas perfect for sunset gatherings. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the campground serves as a natural theater for observing the region's abundant fauna.
Pendleton Bend Campground offers a mix of camping styles, including tent and RV setups. Sites are leveled and equipped with modern utilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with a visit to the nearby Arkansas Post National Memorial, where the echoes of early American history still resonate through the landscape. This hallowed ground tells the story of one of the first European settlements in the Lower Mississippi Valley, serving as a crucial center of trade, military strategy, and governance that helped shape the American frontier. Your camping adventure becomes a journey through time, connecting you to the explorers, settlers, and Native Americans who first recognized the strategic importance of this river bend.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Arkansas seasons at Pendleton Bend, where nature paints a different masterpiece throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for river activities, though the humidity reminds you of the lush ecosystem surrounding you. As autumn arrives, temperatures mellow into perfect camping weather, while winter offers surprisingly mild conditions that keep the campground accessible year-round. Spring awakens the landscape with moderate temperatures and occasional refreshing rains that nourish the verdant forest 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 SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Eastern Arkansas's alluvial bottomland forest, where ancient hardwoods create a living cathedral overhead and the rich, fertile soil supports an explosion of biodiversity. The Arkansas River serves as your constant companion, its powerful current carrying stories from distant mountains to the sea. This pristine habitat transforms into a birder's paradise during migration seasons, when the sky fills with countless wings and the air resonates with the calls of waterfowl. Lucky visitors might spot deer browsing at forest edges, raccoons fishing along the riverbank, or the majestic silhouette of a great blue heron standing sentinel in the shallows.
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.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available. However, accessibility details are not extensively reviewed.
Sites 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.'
Sites 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 CampsitesAvoid sites near the water if noise from barges and tugs is a concern; choose pull-through sites for larger vehicles.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes loops, with spacious sites offering privacy. Waterfront sites are larger but less shaded.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; peak season extends from January 1 to December 31.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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
Hiking is available in the nearby Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
The campground is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. Pool 2 and the tailwaters of the dam offer excellent opportunities for catching bass, crappie, and catfish. A reviewer noted, 'Apparently a hot spot for catfishing as we saw several campers bringing in large quantities.'Boating
The campground provides a two-lane boat ramp for access to the Arkansas River, making it ideal for boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located along a migratory bird track, offering opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. 'The campground is very active at night with raccoons and all the little critters,' one reviewer noted.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not highlighted, but boating is supported through the boat ramp.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Only wood and paper products may be burned.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, grass overgrowth, armadillo holes, feral cats, and limited lighting at night.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned in the source materials.
Weather at Pendleton Bend
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Dumas, AR, approximately 11 miles away. Services include hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 01 - December 31
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, and all trash must be placed in dumpsters or trash cans. No detailed recycling information is provided.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Arkansas River with a boat ramp for fishing and boating activities.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include unclean restrooms, overgrown grass, feral cats, and poor water fixtures in bathhouses.
HostHosts are noted for being friendly and helpful, often assisting visitors with local information.
Campground Map
426 HIGHWAY 212 EAST
Driving directionsFrom Dumas, Arkansas, take US-165 north for 9 miles to State Route 212. Head east for 2 miles and follow signs to the park.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, user reviews note that Arkansas 212, the final approach road, is rough and narrow, making driving unpleasant, particularly for larger vehicles.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
112 reviews
Pendleton Bend is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 112 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 112 reviewsShow more
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 112 reviewsPro 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 112 reviewsSeasonal 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 112 reviewsShow more
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 112 reviewsShow more
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 112 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed reviews focus exclusively on accessibility features.
Based on 112 reviewsPet-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 112 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement