Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool
RV Guide

Introduction

Sometimes, you need a getaway. Some place so silent and serene that everything around you fills you with peace and calmness.

If you are looking for such a retreat, you are in luck. Wilbur D. Mill Pool is just what you need to bring yourself back to what you enjoy the most - nature and the great outdoors!

Named after a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who became one of the top three longest-serving Arkansas officials, Wilbur D. Mill Pool is situated on a part along the Arkansas Post Canal where the Arkansas River meets White River.

Accentuated with this magnificent junction of two rivers, the area hosts a number of recreational sports and camping sites for vacationers, RV campers, and nature lovers alike.

The occasional chirping of birds echoes melodiously over the calmly flowing river. Indulge yourself in boating, hunting and horse riding or immerse yourself in the scenic views of wildlife. Wilbur D. Mill Pool offers you all that you need to unplug and unwind, away from the bustle of the city life.

RV Rentals in Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Transportation

Driving

Wilbur D. Mills Pool is quite easy to access by any RV, trailer or car. Located 15 miles south of Gillet and 18 miles north of Dumas, Arkansas, the Park can be accessed by taking U.S Highway 165 to Arkansas State Highway 212.

As you approach the place, you can spot the park and campground along the right descending bank of Arkansas about one mile down from Wilbur D. Mill Dam, If you are coming from Dumas, Arkansas.

Different camping sites can easily be reached in your RVs or cars thanks to all the paved roads inside the park and campground.

Parking

Public Transportation

Campgrounds and parking in Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Campsites in Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

Reservations camping

Wilbur D. Mills Campground

Wilbur D. Mills Campground is a compact, quiet campground at the downstream of the Wilbur D. Mill Dam along the bank of the river, near the Pendleton Recreation Area. The Campground is dotted with 21 cozy and modern campsites, out of which 17 can be reserved in advance. One site is designated for Disabled people with Disabled Access. All sites offer overnight stay with standard electricity hookups, hot showers, and boat launch. Each site offers the maximum occupancy of 8 people with 3 vehicles each. Each site provides a proper driveway entry with a paved driveway surface for your RVs and trailers. All sites are pet-friendly and feature a picnic table with a grill.

Notrebes Bend Campground

Notrebes Bend Campground offers 30 campsites that come with electric hookups. Access to drinking water, fire rings, hot showers, picnic tables, and restrooms are also strategically placed to make them accessible to all those who camp here. The campground also has a large boat ramp area that offers access to Arkansas River below Wilbur D. Mills Dam.

Pendleton Bend Campground

Pendleton Bend Campground is located in the lush bottomland forests of Desha County less than four miles away from Wilbur D. Mills Dam. The campground offers 31 campsites for RV campers that come with electric and water hookups.
The campground also features a two-lane boat ramp, restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, playground, and group picnic shelters that make for a truly comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Merrisach Lake Campground

Merrisach Lake is located between Wilbur D. Mills Dam and Lock Number 2. The campground is a comfortable and relaxing destination for RV campers as it offers full-service campsites and state-of-the-art amenities and facilities. A total of 69 campsites are available for reservation that offer plenty of space, privacy, and shade. Some of these campsites are located close to the water's edge, and the campground also features picnic shelters, hot showers, restrooms, as well as a boat ramp and playground to keep you both entertained and comfortable.

Seasonal activities in Arkansas River - Wilbur D. Mills Pool

In-Season

Boating

The presence of the river makes boating a perennially popular activity at Wilber D. Mills Pool. A boat ramp make sit easy to launch small boats into the water. Whether you're looking to do some fishing or simply enjoy a pleasant cruise with the gentle breezes that pass over the river, you can do it here. Get out on the water and experience what the river has to offer.

Fishing

Looking for a truly relaxing experience in the wilderness? Come to Wilbur D. Mills Pool and set out for Wilbur D. Mills Dam to catch Blue, Channel, and Flathead catfish. Famous for harboring a host of different catfish species, anglers are drawn to this place due to an abundance of crappie, white bass, striped bass, and their hybrids.

Hiking

When you set out for a holiday retreat, make sure you pack a pair of good hiking boots. A number of uncharted hiking trails go through the Wilbur D. Mills Park, with moderate to difficult hike levels. Just make sure you wear bright colors if you visit the place during the hunting season to be spotted easily from afar. Hiking is generally permitted all year round except when hunting is permitted.

Off-Season

Arkansas Post State park

While you are camped at Wilbur D. Mills Park, you can check out Arkansas Post State Park close to Wilbur D. Mills Campground. Detour a bit and travel back in time by reaching Arkansas Post Memorial to visit countless cultural memorabilia. The museum provides a worthy account of the long history of Arkansas Post and its role during the Civil War. If you are a nature lover as well as a history enthusiast, this place is a true haven for you.

Hunting and birdwatching

If you are a hunter and you know your way through the woods, can read animal signs, and track your prey, you’re in for a real treat. The bottomland hardwoods nearby offer excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts like you to hunt whitetail deer, waterfowl, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail and other seasonal animals. Find a cozy spot in the Park and watch an amazing birding experience unfold in front of you. Birds of many species are found in this area, making for a stunning sight.

Horseback Riding

If relaxing means hopping up on a horse, you have found the right place to make your riding dreams come true. For avid equestrians and occasional riders, the trails nearby are perfectly well facilitated, with water available on site. You can soak in the spellbinding scene around you while trekking around the area on the back of your horse. Please note that the Park does not provide horses for recreation. You will have to bring your own horses to the site.