Fifteen years later: Remembering deadly Albert Pike flood that left 20 dead
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ark.- It's been 15 years since a deadly flood at what was once a popular campsite took the lives of 20 people. The campsite remained closed until a bill sponsored by an Arkansas congressman was signed into law this year.
For many families back at Albert Pike Recreation Area along the Little Missouri River, it brings back memories. However, June 11th also carries a somber memory.
'It's almost like visiting a haunted house,' said Cathy Smith, a visitor at Albert Pike.
Albert Pike Recreation to remain day-use only 10 years after fatal flash flood
On June 11, 2010, heavy rain during a storm fell over the campsite at night, causing a flash flood where 20 campers who were sleeping died.
'We actually knew a couple and their grandchild that perished in the flood, so it was absolute horror,' Smith said.
The O'Rand family says they used to come to the site often but have rarely been back since the flood.
'Some of the best parts of my childhood was being in this area and knowing that something like this happened really quickly with very little warning they had. It was devastating,' Aaron O'Rand said.
The camping area has remained closed after the flood, only allowing some areas for day use until Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman worked on the EXPLORE Act, a bill signed into law this year by former President Joe Biden in early January.
'Part of the EXPLORE Act requires reopening and rebuilding the campground at Albert Pike; it requires the campsite to be above the 100-year floodplain,' Westerman said
The Montgomery County Judge Bart Williams stated that when the new campground is built, the area will go back to being an overnight campsite and will be beneficial.
'Montgomery, Polk, Howard and Pike counties will benefit through stimulation of local economies in our small communities through tourism. The local governments will see an increase in the tax base,' Williams said. 'Montgomery County residents grew up with this area open and want to be able to spend time there with their families and pass it along to future generations.'
Study to look at future use of Albert Pike after fatal flood
Westerman added that he 'knows they're already working on designs on how to build the new campsite and how to get the existing families back up.'
Both families say they're glad that the campsite will be reopening as they bring their family members to the areas that are available for day use.
'We were expecting it to be totally different and look different and like the vibe different but it's really about the same,' Megan O'Rand said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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