Some want Albert Pike site open for overnight use

ARKADELPHIA — A rally is planned for this weekend in support of reopening the Albert Pike campground for overnight use.

Overnight camping has been prohibited at the south Arkansas campground since 2010, when 20 people died in a powerful flash flood after the Little Missouri River rose more than 20 feet in less than four hours.

The site is now open during daylight hours but not for overnight camping. It's owned by the U.S. Forest Service.

A rally is scheduled for Saturday morning at the campground in Montgomery County, The Daily Siftings Herald reported. Supporters say the campground has fallen into disrepair and that expanding its use will draw more visitors to the site.

Several cases against the Forest Service by the victims' relatives are pending in federal court. They say the government failed to evacuate the campers or post signs warning of flood danger.

A message seeking comment was left with the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday.

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