Bellah Mine Loop

For Arkansans seeking a picturesque and peaceful escape into nature, Bellah Mine Campground, nestled along the shores of De Queen Lake in Gillham, offers an ideal destination. This well-maintained campground provides a refreshing blend of modern conveniences and abundant outdoor recreation, making it a perfect spot for families, anglers, boaters, and anyone looking to unwind amidst Southwest Arkansas’s beautiful landscapes. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview for local users, highlighting what makes Bellah Mine Campground a cherished and suitable choice for your next adventure.

Bellah Mine Campground is a gem managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, known for its commitment to providing clean and accessible recreational areas. Situated on the northern end of De Queen Lake, a man-made lake created by a dam project on the Rolling Fork River, the campground offers stunning lake views and a tranquil atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise its cleanliness and quietude, with many noting that it's "always quiet and clean" and a "very nice site, well kept facility." The campsites are described as "spacious with lovely" surroundings, providing ample room for a relaxing stay.

De Queen Lake itself is a recreational oasis, boasting 32 miles of shoreline and offering a wide array of activities. Whether you're interested in boating, fishing for various species like largemouth bass and crappie, or simply enjoying the serene views from your campsite, Bellah Mine provides the perfect base. Despite occasional challenges, such as unlevel sites in some areas or temporary restroom renovations, the overall sentiment from visitors is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their desire to return. "If you crave tranquility, this is the place to stay," remarked one contented camper, truly capturing the essence of Bellah Mine Campground.

Bellah Mine Campground is located at Bellah Mine Rd, Gillham, AR 71832, USA. This places it in Sevier County, Southwest Arkansas, directly on the northern shores of De Queen Lake. Its position offers a serene setting while still being reasonably accessible from various parts of Arkansas.

To reach Bellah Mine Campground from key Arkansas cities:

• From Little Rock: The drive is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours southwest. The most common route involves taking I-30 W towards Texarkana, then connecting to US-71 N towards De Queen. From De Queen, you'll take Highway 71 north for about 7 miles, then turn west onto Bellah Mine Road and follow signs for about 5 miles into the campground.
• From Fort Smith: Expect a drive of about 2 hours south, typically via US-71 S towards De Queen. Once in De Queen, follow the same directions as above.
• From Texarkana: The campground is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes north. Take US-71 N from Texarkana directly to De Queen, then follow the directions to Bellah Mine Road.

The drive along Bellah Mine Road is noted to be picturesque, leading campers into a secluded yet welcoming environment. While the address is in Gillham, the practical access point and nearby services are typically associated with De Queen, which offers gas, groceries, and restaurants, as highlighted by a reviewer who noted, "De Queen is a 20-minute drive with a Walmart and many restaurants." This balance of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to town amenities makes Bellah Mine Campground an attractive and practical choice for Arkansas locals.

Bellah Mine Campground offers a range of modern amenities designed to enhance the camping experience, focusing on comfort and convenience for RV and tent campers alike. Services typically include:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground provides 24 spacious campsites, primarily Standard Electric sites. These sites can accommodate both RVs and tents, with a maximum of 2 tents and 8 occupants per site. Some sites are waterfront, offering beautiful views of De Queen Lake.
• Electric Hookups: Each campsite typically comes with electric hookups (30/50 AMP service), providing power for RVs and other electrical needs.
• Water Hookups: Potable water is available at the campsites, ensuring convenient access to fresh drinking water.
• Flush Toilets: Modern flush toilets are available in the well-maintained bathhouses.
• Showers: Clean, hot showers are provided in the bathhouses, a highly appreciated amenity for campers. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, even when rebuilding.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires. Some sites feature "cool 'deck' areas" with tables and fire rings, utilizing terracing for an enhanced layout.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp provides easy access to De Queen Lake for boating, kayaking, and other water sports.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A large, reservable group picnic shelter (with electricity) is available for gatherings.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible throughout the campground.
• Campground Host/Gate Staff: Friendly and helpful staff are typically on-site at the welcome office/gate house to assist campers and ensure a pleasant stay.
• Garbage Disposal: Designated areas for trash disposal are provided to maintain cleanliness.

Bellah Mine Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a top camping destination in Arkansas:

• Prime Lakeside Location: Situated directly on De Queen Lake, the campground offers excellent access to water activities. Many sites are "waterfront," providing serene views and direct proximity to the lake.
• Excellent Water Recreation: De Queen Lake is a hub for "boating and water sports." Several boat ramps are provided for easy launch. "Fishing is also a popular pastime," with abundant populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and various sunfish.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers frequently praise the "spacious campsites" that offer a sense of privacy, ensuring you're not "right on top of your neighbor." Some sites feature unique terraced layouts.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is consistently described as "clean and well kept," with "spotless" and "very nice" restrooms and showers, reflecting a high standard of maintenance.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Bellah Mine is lauded for being "always quiet and clean" and a "very peaceful and pretty" place, ideal for relaxation and escaping the noise of daily life.
• Abundant Wildlife and Nature: The 8,700 acres of rolling green landscape around the lake provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, and hunting is permitted in designated project lands (outside developed recreation areas).
• Flexible Camping Options: With 24 campsites offering electric and water hookups, it caters well to both RVs and tent campers, including options for "dry docking."
• Proximity to Local Amenities: While offering a secluded feel, the campground is a manageable 20-minute drive from De Queen, which provides essential services like groceries, gas, and restaurants.
• Dedicated Staff: Reviewers frequently commend the "friendly and helpful" camp host, rangers, and gate staff, enhancing the overall positive experience.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Bellah Mine Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Bellah Mine Rd, Gillham, AR 71832, USA

Phone Number for Campground Inquiries: (870) 386-7511

Please note that while the provided mobile number +1 715-975-0000 might have been a general contact, the specific phone number listed for Bellah Mine Campground (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) on Recreation.gov is (870) 386-7511.

Reservations for campsites at Bellah Mine Campground can typically be made through the official Recreation.gov website (recreation.gov). It is highly recommended to check this website for the most up-to-date information on availability, pricing, specific site details, and any alerts or seasonal closures. The campground is generally open year-round, but specific amenities or services may vary seasonally. For direct questions about your stay, calling the provided phone number is the best option.

For Arkansans, Bellah Mine Campground on De Queen Lake is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination that perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty and recreational opportunities our state offers. Its convenient location in Southwest Arkansas, within a reasonable drive from major population centers like Little Rock and Fort Smith, makes it an accessible escape for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without the hassle of extensive travel. This local proximity allows residents to easily reconnect with nature whenever the urge strikes.

What truly sets Bellah Mine Campground apart for locals is its harmonious blend of serene natural surroundings and modern camping comforts. The presence of De Queen Lake as a centerpiece means unparalleled opportunities for popular Arkansas pastimes like fishing, boating, and various water sports, all just steps from your campsite. Anglers will particularly appreciate the diverse fish populations, making it a reliable spot for a good catch. The consistently praised cleanliness of the facilities – from spacious sites to spotless restrooms – ensures a comfortable and worry-free stay, a detail highly valued by families and seasoned campers alike.

Moreover, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere provides a much-needed respite from daily life, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're enjoying a campfire under starry skies, taking a leisurely walk along the lake, or simply unwinding in the tranquility of your spacious site, Bellah Mine fosters a profound sense of calm. Its management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures high standards and a commitment to maintaining this recreational gem for public enjoyment. For any Arkansan looking for a clean, quiet, and activity-rich outdoor experience by the water, Bellah Mine Campground is a perfect choice to create lasting memories.