About Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge
Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 5, 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the purpose to protect and conserve migratory birds and other wildlife resources. It is one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in North America. The refuge is home to the only population of native black bears in the state of Arkansas, and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Dale Bumpers White River NWR annually attracts approximately 455,000 visits from hunters, anglers, bird watchers, and others. The refuge lies within the floodplain of the White River, near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. Long, narrow, and varying from a quarter mile to ten miles wide and approximately sixty miles long, the refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. These habitats are a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds.
How to Get There
To find the Office and Visitor Center, turn south by the refuge sign located on Hwy. 1 in St. Charles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1671) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge?
To find the Office and Visitor Center, turn south by the refuge sign located on Hwy. 1 in St. Charles.
How do I contact Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 870-282-8200 or email: whiteriver@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
