Riverbend A

- Arkansas 72039

Nestled in the breathtaking Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Riverbend A, officially known as River Bend Aero Ranch, offers a truly unique camping and outdoor experience. This isn't just your average campground; it's a distinctive destination that caters to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, with a special welcome for pilots and their small aircraft. Imagine landing your plane just steps from your campsite, ready to explore the stunning natural beauty that defines our beloved Arkansas. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat by the river, an action-packed adventure in the mountains, or a singular fly-in camping experience, Riverbend A provides an unforgettable backdrop for creating lasting memories right here in our home state.

Riverbend A is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s an active, vibrant community that embraces the spirit of outdoor living. It’s particularly noteworthy for its private grass landing strip, making it a dream destination for aviators who love to combine their passion for flying with a love for the great outdoors. But even if you don't fly, the camp's setting on the banks of the Ouachita River and its proximity to countless recreational opportunities make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Arkansas's natural splendor. This blend of unique aviation access and classic camping amenities creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience that stands out among other campgrounds in the region.

Riverbend A Campground, or River Bend Aero Ranch, is situated in a prime location in Polk County, Arkansas, near the charming town of Mena. While the general address provided is Arkansas 72039, the more specific location for River Bend Aero Ranch is 228 River Bend Lane, Mena, Arkansas 71953. This puts it squarely within the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, renowned for their rugged beauty, dense forests, and clear rivers.

The camp's location right on the banks of the Ouachita River offers direct access to water activities and scenic river views. For those arriving by road, Mena provides a convenient entry point, with access to local amenities and supplies. The area is well-known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular hub for hikers, bikers, anglers, and ATV enthusiasts. The camp’s unique feature of a 3300-foot north/south grass landing strip directly on site makes it exceptionally accessible for small aircraft, including ultralights, hang gliders, paragliders, and gyrocopters, offering a "fly-in" camping experience unlike any other in Arkansas. For pilots, it’s a direct ticket to a wilderness retreat. For non-pilots, it’s still a relatively easy drive into a stunning natural setting.

• RV Hookups: Riverbend A offers dedicated hookups for RVs, providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. While specific details on amperage (30/50 amp) were not explicitly found for this specific location, many modern RV parks in Arkansas offer standard electrical connections, water, and often sewer hookups. It's advisable to confirm these directly when booking.

• Tent Camping Areas: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, there are plenty of open areas suitable for tent camping, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the natural environment.

• Private Grass Landing Strip: A key differentiating service, the camp features a 3300 ft. North/South Grass Landing Strip, welcoming small planes, ultralight aircraft, hang gliders, paragliders, powered paragliders, paraplanes, and gyrocopters. This service allows pilots to fly directly to their camping destination.

• Vacation Rental Space: In addition to traditional camping, the property has converted a shop into a vacation rental space, offering alternative accommodation for fly-in guests or those seeking more comfort than a tent.

• Hangar Space: For visiting pilots, hangar space is available, offering protection and secure parking for aircraft.

• Donation-Based Camping (for pilots): While information specifically for "Riverbend A" as a general campground wasn't detailed regarding payment, River Bend Aero Ranch notes that they do not charge for camping but do take donations, particularly for pilots flying in. This suggests a friendly, community-oriented approach.

• Local Transportation (with advance scheduling): The owners are available to drive fly-in guests to local attractions in the surrounding mountains, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of nearby sights.

• Ouachita River Frontage: A significant highlight is its location directly on the banks of the Ouachita River, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

• Scenic Ouachita Mountains Setting: The campground is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, offering stunning views and a tranquil environment.

• Fly-In Accessibility: The operational grass airstrip is a major feature, appealing to the aviation community and offering a unique mode of arrival for campers.

• Proximity to Outdoor Activities: The camp is ideally located near various outdoor attractions, including hiking and mountain biking trails, the popular Wolf Pen Gap ATV Trails, and the scenic Talimena Scenic Drive.

• Nearby Mena Attractions: Visitors can easily access Downtown Mena for shopping, dining, and visiting Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

• Pond Access: The property includes a pond, adding another natural water feature for relaxation and enjoyment.

• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting means opportunities for observing local wildlife, enhancing the wilderness experience.

• Rural and Uncommercialized Feel: The camp is described as "not commercialized at all," offering a more secluded and authentic outdoor experience compared to larger, more crowded campgrounds.

Given the unique nature of Riverbend A (River Bend Aero Ranch) as a largely private, fly-in friendly campground that often operates on a donation basis for pilots, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense are not typically advertised. The primary "offer" is the unique access it provides: a direct fly-in camping experience for small aircraft, which is a rare amenity. The owners emphasize sharing their wonderful property with others who appreciate nature and aviation.

However, it's always recommended to directly contact Riverbend A for the most current information regarding any unique arrangements or opportunities. They may occasionally host informal gatherings or events for aviators and campers, which could be considered special opportunities. Their emphasis on a donation system for camping, especially for pilots, can be seen as a perpetual "special offer" in itself, providing a highly accessible and affordable way to experience their facilities. For general campers, confirming any specific rates or seasonal considerations would be the best approach.

To inquire about camping, fly-in arrangements, or any other details regarding Riverbend A (River Bend Aero Ranch), you can use the following contact information:

Address: 228 River Bend Lane, Mena, Arkansas 71953, USA

Phone: 479-243-8100

Email: While a direct email for River Bend Aero Ranch wasn't immediately found in public data, general inquiries could potentially be made through their listed phone number or by seeking out their website, which is planecrazyusa.com, for further contact options.

It is always best to call ahead, especially for pilot arrivals or specific camping inquiries, to ensure the best possible experience and to confirm availability and any specific requirements.

For Arkansas locals, Riverbend A, or River Bend Aero Ranch, represents an exceptional opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty in a truly unique way. Its location in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, right on the Ouachita River, means that residents have easy access to some of the finest outdoor recreation our state has to offer. Whether you're into fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, or ATV riding, this campground serves as an ideal basecamp. Being able to escape the city and immerse yourself in such a pristine natural environment, just a short drive away, is a significant advantage for Arkansans.

What makes Riverbend A particularly suitable for locals is its uncommercialized, genuine approach to outdoor living. As one description noted, it's "not commercialized at all," offering a refreshing alternative to more crowded, amenity-heavy resorts. This provides a more authentic and peaceful experience for those who truly appreciate the tranquility of the wilderness. For families, it's a chance to introduce children to the joys of nature, with plenty of space to explore and engage in various activities. For pilots in Arkansas, it's an unparalleled convenience, allowing them to fly directly into their outdoor retreat, making spontaneous weekend trips or longer stays a breeze.

Furthermore, the proximity to Mena means that while you're deep in nature, essential supplies and local attractions are still within reach, striking a perfect balance between rugged adventure and convenient living. The personal touch from the owners, who converted their property to share its beauty, adds to the welcoming atmosphere, making it feel less like a commercial enterprise and more like a shared natural haven. Riverbend A is a testament to Arkansas's diverse outdoor offerings, providing a welcoming and distinct experience for any local looking to disconnect, explore, and rejuvenate amidst our state's stunning landscapes. It's a local secret worth discovering and cherishing.

Riverbend A

Arkansas 72039, USA