federalfederal

WILBUR D. MILLS

federal · DUMAS, AR

DirectionsCall
  • dump station4.8 mi
  • fuel station12 mi

USACE · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Wilbur D. Mills Campground is a small, quiet campground offering 21 campsites. The park is located just downstream of the Wilbur D. Mills Dam on the right descending bank of the Arkansas River. Recreation Hiking, fishing, hunting, birding, and boating are all popular pastimes in this area. The waters below Wilbur D. Mills Dam can be an excellent place to catch Blue, Channel and Flathead catfish as well as other species such as crappie, white bass, striped bass, and their hybrids. Many outdoor enthusiasts find the whitetail deer hunting to be excellent in the fertile soils of the bottomland hardwoods of the public lands adjacent to the area. Birders find many species to check off their lists as well. Hiking is permitted year round in the area, except during permit drawn hunts outside the park. Hikers are reminded to wear bright colors, such as fluorescent orange or yellow during hunting seasons as well. Facilities Electric and water hookups are available at each of the 21 campsites, 17 of which can be reserved. There is one designated Disabled Access site. Hot showers and a boat launch are also available. Natural Features The Wilbur D. Mills Campground is on the lower portion of the Arkansas River, just below the Wilbur D. Mills Dam. This non-commercially navigable portion of the Arkansas River meanders below Wilbur D. Mills Dam as it makes it's 26 mile journey to the confluence with the Mississippi River. Many species of shorebirds find the shallow water and sand bars great feeding and nesting habitat. Federally Endangered Least Terns (Sterna antillarum) can be seen feeding and nesting in this portion of the Arkansas River. Please exercise caution and avoid active nesting sandbars. Nearby Attractions The Arkansas Post National Memorial marks where the first European village west of the Mississippi River was built in 1686. Arkansas Post was also the capital of Arkansas up until the Civil War. Arkansas Post State Park is also close to WIlbur D. Mills Campground and is worth a visit. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area is a state managed public land area offering many outdoor activities. The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge also offers many recreational activities on its 160,000 acres of public land.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    4.8 mi
  • fuel station

    Fuel station

    12 mi
  • grocery

    Piggly Wiggly

    12 mi
  • trailhead

    Watson Trailhead

    6.5 mi
  • attraction

    Desha County Museum

    11 mi
  • recreation site

    Boat launch

    0.6 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

May weekends are typically reserved about 3 days ahead.

Based on 39 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/5/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.