PENDLETON BEND
426 AR-212, Dumas, AR 71639, Dumas, United States
Guest rating: 4.4 / 5
Overview
Pendleton Bend is a riverside campground and RV park located along the Arkansas River in Arkansas County, near Dumas, Arkansas. Rather than a traditional hotel, it offers outdoor camping and RV sites set within a well-maintained park landscape. Guests consistently describe the grounds as clean, spacious, and well-groomed, making it a favorite for river-side overnight stays and extended camping trips.
Sites & Facilities
The park offers RV sites with water, electric (30 or 50 amp), and sewer hookups, along with concrete-level pads for stability. Several sites include covered shelters with concrete picnic tables and are fenced for added privacy. Guests staying directly along the Arkansas River, such as at riverside site CO3, report enjoying close-up views of barge traffic and abundant wildlife including birds and squirrels.
Recreation & Wildlife
Pendleton Bend is popular for fishing and allowing dogs to swim, thanks to its direct access to the Arkansas River. The surrounding area supports wildlife viewing, with guests noting frequent sightings of birds and squirrels around their campsites. The nearby Merrisach Lake and Merrisach Lake Area add further opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation just a short drive away.
Connectivity & Access
Guests have reported reliable Verizon cell service (2-3 bars) and strong dish satellite reception, though over-the-air television channels were limited during rainy conditions. Power and water hookups are typically positioned close to campsites, reducing the need for long hoses or cables. The access road into the campground is narrow and paved but described as being in good condition.
Location & Surroundings
The campground sits about 5 km from the Arkansas Post Museum and roughly 10 km from Merrisach Lake and its surrounding recreation area. Dining options within a few kilometers include Triple P and Pendleton Sandbar, both bar & grill establishments, while a wider range of restaurants -- including Mexican, Japanese, pizza, and soul food options -- can be found within a 15-20 km radius in Dumas and nearby towns.
Best for
Pendleton Bend is best suited for RV travelers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking direct river access for fishing and dog-friendly recreation. Its spacious, fenced, and well-groomed sites with full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) also appeal to travelers seeking a quiet, low-key overnight or multi-night stop rather than an urban hotel experience. Nature lovers who enjoy wildlife viewing and watching river barge traffic will find the riverside sites especially rewarding.
Travel tips
Access to the campground is via a narrow but well-paved road, so RV drivers should approach with care, especially larger rigs. Cell service (Verizon) and satellite TV reception are generally reliable, but over-the-air TV channels may be limited, particularly in rainy weather. Since campground hosts may not be regularly visible on-site, guests should plan to be self-sufficient regarding check-in and site setup, and consider bringing shorter hoses and cables since utility connections are typically positioned close to the sites.
What guests say
Guest reviews consistently praise Pendleton Bend for its clean, well-groomed grounds, spacious and private sites, and direct access to the Arkansas River for fishing and letting dogs swim. Many highlight the practicality of full RV hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) with utilities conveniently placed near sites, as well as reliable cell and satellite reception. Wildlife viewing and river barge sightings were called out as memorable highlights by riverside guests. A minor recurring theme is the near-total absence of visible campground hosts or staff interaction, and some noted limited over-the-air TV reception during poor weather.
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