Is Cossatot River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cossatot River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Cossatot River Campground?

Cossatot River Campground is open Open year-round for camping. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cossatot River Campground?

Cossatot River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cossatot River Campground have?

Cossatot River Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cossatot River Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cossatot River Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Cossatot River Campground?

Popular activities at Cossatot River Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cossatot River Campground

4.78

37 reviews

Top 19% in ARSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on ArkansasStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on ArkansasStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Cossatot River Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Arkansas State Parks

Provider

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Campground Map

Cossatot River Campground

34.3428, -94.2530

Driving directionsAccess is via remote gravel and dirt roads; reviewers report steep, loose gravel driveways and rough stretches (one account mentions driving ~3.5 miles on a rough dirt road to the falls). Expect gravel-road access and sections that can be difficult for trailers or low-clearance vehicles.

Reached by secondary/count y gravel roads from nearby state routes; gravel and dirt road conditions may be rough and steep in places.

Weather at Cossatot River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cossatot River Campground

The Cossatot transforms with the seasons, offering different adventures year-round. Late winter through early spring brings the river to life with rainfall, creating the challenging whitewater conditions that draw paddlers from across the region. Spring and fall deliver the sweet spot for camping—mild temperatures, comfortable nights, and perfect conditions for hiking the rugged terrain. Summer heats up, but the river's cool pools provide welcome relief, though water levels typically drop. Since the campground stays open all year, you can choose your own adventure based on what calls to you most.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in AR

Late winter through early spring brings river to life with higher flows and dramatic falls and paddling.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round for camping

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Cossatot River Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, Cossatot River Campground puts you right on the banks of one of Arkansas's most dramatic waterways. With three distinct camping areas—Cossatot Falls, Sandbar, and Ed Banks—you'll find primitive riverside sites that serve as your basecamp for exploring thundering waterfalls, swimming in crystal-clear pools, and experiencing some of the state's most thrilling whitewater. Just remember to pack in what you need, as facilities are minimal and some areas lack potable water.

Primarily primitive tent camping across three named areas (Cossatot Falls, Sandbar and Ed Banks) with about 23 sites total; a separate group camp with pavilion and river access is available.

Historical Significance

Managed for conservation as a State Park Natural Area and part of the National Wild and Scenic Cossatot River corridor. The site is significant for its natural history and biodiversity, with reports noting more than thirty rare plant and animal species in the area.

Weather and SeasonsThe Cossatot transforms with the seasons, offering different adventures year-round. Late winter through early spring brings the river to life with rainfall, creating the challenging whitewater conditions that draw paddlers from across the region. Spring and fall deliver the sweet spot for camping—mild temperatures, comfortable nights, and perfect conditions for hiking the rugged terrain. Summer heats up, but the river's cool pools provide welcome relief, though water levels typically drop. Since the campground stays open all year, you can choose your own adventure based on what calls to you most.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cossatot River has spent millennia carving its way through ancient Ouachita rock, creating a landscape of exposed stone formations, narrow canyons, and cascading waterfalls that will take your breath away. The crown jewel is Cossatot Falls itself, where the river tumbles over layered rock shelves into deep, inviting pools perfect for a post-hike plunge. Dense riparian forests shade the riverbanks, harboring rare plant species and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you're scrambling over sun-warmed boulders or discovering hidden swimming holes, the raw, untamed beauty of this river corridor offers something new around every bend.

Geological RegionOuachita Mountains

Scenic ViewsCossatot Falls and its cascades, exposed bedrock and rocky canyon walls, clear river pools and swimming holes, and sweeping views of the river corridor and riparian forest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (Arkansas State Parks reservation system)

Total Campsites23 campsites

Best CampsitesSites at Cossatot Falls are best for immediate access to the falls, swimming holes, and dramatic scenery. Sandbar sites offer good river access and a more spacious, primitive feel. Ed Banks has only two sites and is likely the quietest option.

Amenities available

Visitor center with interpretive exhibits, wildlife observation room, meeting room and gift shop. Picnic sites at Brushy Creek Recreation Area and a group camp (pavilion, restroom, fire pit, grill and river access). Restroom facilities are present, though some restrooms at camping areas operate without water or heat. No potable water or showers are available at some camping areas; there are no hookups at tent sites. The campground consists of multiple areas (Cossatot Falls, Sandbar, Ed Banks) totaling about 23 sites.

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cossatot River Campground

River-focused outdoor recreation including hiking along river trails, whitewater paddling, swimming in river pools and holes, fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking and interpretive/education programs.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trails along the river corridor including a long ~14-mile river trail and shorter loop options.

Swimming4.0/5

Swimming holes and clear river pools near the falls are a major draw (with safety cautions noted).

Water Sports4.0/5

Whitewater paddling opportunities and challenging river conditions are highlighted as a draw.

Fishing3.5/5

Fishing available from several campground areas on the Cossatot River; anglers warned about changing conditions.

Boating3.0/5

Boating/river recreation noted, but river is narrow/rocky with emphasis on paddling rather than general motorboating.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Secluded, undeveloped feel implies good night skies for stargazing though not explicitly documented.

Photography4.5/5Cossatot Falls, exposed bedrock and canyon walls repeatedly cited as highly photogenic features.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSwift and changeable river conditions—whitewater can be hazardous; check river stage before paddling or swimming. Slippery rocks at falls and pools, limited or no cell service, primitive facilities with limited potable water or showers in some areas, and steep/loose gravel access roads that can be difficult for trailers or vehicles without 4WD.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

37 reviews

Top-Rated

Cossatot River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is strongly positive: reviewers praise the dramatic scenery, falls, river access, visitor center and friendly rangers. Many reviewers rate the park very highly for natural beauty and trail access.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Dramatic river and falls scenery, secluded/undeveloped feel, swimming holes and paddling opportunities, knowledgeable and friendly staff, well-maintained trails and an informative visitor center.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water and supplies; expect primitive facilities. Use 4WD or take care with trailers on steep gravel driveways. Check river stage before paddling or swimming and choose campsites near Cossatot...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

A beautiful Arkansas treasure! | "Heaven on Earth. I have been coming to the Cossatot river for over 50 years." | "Lovely visitor center and walking trails."

Based on 37 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Cossatot River Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Arkansas State Parks

Provider

Go if

River runners, hikers, and swimmers who want Cossatot Falls and a rougher campground feel will like this. Spring is the sweet spot, and sites near the falls get the best setting. Bring water and check river stage.

Skip if

Trailers without 4WD, people who need showers or dependable water, and anyone who needs cell service will have a hard time here. Reviewers also warn about steep gravel access roads and slippery rocks near the water.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.8

(37)

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

1980 Hwy. 278 West, Wickes, AR 71973, United States

Experience the raw power of nature at Cossatot River State Park–Natural Area, where 12.5 miles of National Wild and Scenic River carve through dramatic canyon walls and thunder over Cossatot Falls. Whether you're pitching a tent at one of three riverside campgrounds, tackling nearly 20 miles of backcountry trails, or learning about the river's ecology at the visitor center, you'll find adventure around every bend.