Mile 585.0 RBD — 580 Arkansas Bar

The best camping in this section of river is found along the Arkansas Bar which parallels the main channel for five miles (at low water) as the river swings out into and then through Rosedale Bend.  Arkansas Bar ends at the mouth of the Arkansas River.  At low water fascinating campsites can be made amongst the piles of debris and giant snag fields littering the mouth of the Arkansas River.  Beware rising waters!   Bears frequent this area and bald eagles are often seen.  Popular fishing area.  As the water rises above 0 AG (Arkansas City Gage) this sandbar diminishes significantly, only a sliver remains at 5AG and then dwindles completely above 10 AG and no camping will be found.  If you intend to camp on the Arkansas Bar above low water, you must search for it along the giant sandbar at its top end.

At medium water endless beaches and expanses of sand are found at the top end of the bar from 585 to 582.  At high water the only sand is found on the broad plateau of high ground found center island near mile 583.  Entire bar goes under at flood stage.