How much does camping cost at Cossatot Reefs?

Camping fees at Cossatot Reefs are $14 - $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cossatot Reefs first-come first-served or reservation?

Cossatot Reefs accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cossatot Reefs before I book?

Yes! Cossatot Reefs has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cossatot Reefs?

Cossatot Reefs is open March 01 to December 31. 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 Reefs?

Yes, Cossatot Reefs has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cossatot Reefs have?

Cossatot Reefs has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cossatot Reefs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cossatot Reefs. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cossatot Reefs?

Cossatot Reefs offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cossatot Reefs?

Popular activities at Cossatot Reefs include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cossatot Reefs

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cossatot Reefs?

Fire policies at Cossatot Reefs: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

212 reviews

244 Reefs Park Road, Gillham, AR, USA, 71841

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arkansas

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from March 1st ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Gillham Lake Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from March 1st ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Gillham Lake Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Cossatot Reefs

$14.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-68221: $14.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $14.00; WALK TO: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$23.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Provider

870-386-7261

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

244 Reefs Park Road, Gillham, AR, USA, 71841

Cossatot Reefs

244 Reefs Park Road, Gillham, AR, USA, 71841

Nearby places

De Queen: 10 miles (approximately 15 minutes drive)

Gillham: 3 miles (approximately 5 minutes drive)

Weather at Cossatot Reefs

Current alerts(9)

A maximum of 2 Tents and 8 Occupants per site.
Beware of sudden changes in water level below dam; if warning horn sounds twice, water will rise, if it sounds once, water will lower.
Bring extra water hose and electric cords to allow for longer distances from campsites.
Check in with Gate House upon arrival and before you set up on site.

Best Time to Camp at Cossatot Reefs

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable weather and active outdoor opportunities at Cossatot Reefs — daytime highs typically sit in the 60s–70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for long hikes and lakeside camping. Dogwoods and redbuds are in bloom, trails are lush, and fishing/boating pick up as the lake warms, while mosquitoes are still relatively low compared with summer. Weekend crowding can increase in April and May, but weekday visits are pleasantly quiet. Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: comfortable temps and spring blooms (redbud, dogwood) on trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 1st to December 31st annually.

About Cossatot Reefs

Cossatot Reefs sits on the shores of Gillham Lake in southwest Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and showers, with spacious, shaded sites popular among families and anglers. Reviewers highlight the scenic lakeside setting and abundant wildlife, though restroom cleanliness can be inconsistent.

Cossatot Reefs Campground offers 31 campsites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and group gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable weather and active outdoor opportunities at Cossatot Reefs — daytime highs typically sit in the 60s–70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, ideal for long hikes and lakeside camping. Dogwoods and redbuds are in bloom, trails are lush, and fishing/boating pick up as the lake warms, while mosquitoes are still relatively low compared with summer. Weekend crowding can increase in April and May, but weekday visits are pleasantly quiet. Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: January, February

Elevation495 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGillham Lake stretches across 1,370 acres with 36 miles of shoreline, fed by the Cossatot River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. The campground occupies forested terrain at 495 feet elevation, where mature hardwoods and pines create heavy shade across most sites. Campers report abundant wildlife sightings and peaceful lakeside views. In spring, native redbuds and dogwoods bloom throughout the understory, adding splashes of pink and white to the green canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly camping sites are available; no hotel-style accommodations exist.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a single visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 2 tents and 8 occupants per site.

Groups

The group shelter is large and available for reservation.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground provides paved sites and pathways, but there are limited details on other accessibility features. One user suggested, 'A few more pass-throughs in the pipe fences would help disabled access to benches.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and well-shaded, with some sites large enough for 30-40' RVs. Specific complaints include water hookups being far from certain sites.

PrivacySites provide good spacing and privacy, with plenty of shade. One reviewer noted, 'Roomy shady sites with good separation from your neighbors.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #09 is noted for its shade and suitability for summer camping. Sites #13 and #25 are praised for their proximity to the river.

Best CampsitesSites #25, #13, and #09 receive high marks from campers for lake views and proximity to the water. Most sites face the river directly.

Need help booking Cossatot Reefs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cossatot Reefs Campground offers a range of amenities to enhance the camping experience. The campground includes 31 shady campsites, a large group shelter, hot showers, drinking water, and flush toilets. It also features an accessible fishing dock, basketball courts, a day-use area, a dump station, grills, a horseshoe pit, a playground, river access, volleyball courts, and picnic tables. Additionally, there are paved sites, roads, and parking, as well as waterfront sites and shaded areas. However, user reviews highlight some inconsistencies in maintenance, such as bathrooms that are not always clean and occasional water outages. One reviewer mentioned that 'the bathrooms smelled clean but were not actually cleaned' and another noted, 'The grass wasn’t maintained, and our campsite had fish heads and trash.' Despite this, there are many positive comments about the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cossatot Reefs

Cossatot Reefs Campground offers a variety of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The scenic Cossatot River and Gillham Lake provide opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

Fishing4.0/5

Popular activity; species listed (smallmouth, largemouth, crappie, catfish); anglers praised lakeside access.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp and 1,370-acre Gillham Lake; boating listed as a significant activity.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic lakeside views, wildlife (eagles, herons, otters) and spring blossoms make photo ops plentiful.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but one camper reported that trash pickup is not always prompt. 'We cleaned up our site and hauled off two 5-gallon buckets of trash ourselves.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally poor or unavailable. As one reviewer stated, 'There is no phone service in the park. Not only is that inconvenient, but I feel it’s a safety issue.' Another noted, 'Challenging getting a satellite signal.'

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Cossatot Reefs

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From Booking Sources

4.4

212 reviews

Recommended

Cossatot Reefs is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cossatot Reefs Campground receives generally positive reviews for its scenic beauty, peace, and variety of activities. However, issues like bathroom cleanliness, water outages, and cell service are recurring complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 212 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 212 reviews.

Site 17Loved
Site 17 was noted for flooding issues, while Site 25 was consistently praised for its scenic views and spacious layout.
Site 10Issues noted
Site 10 received criticism for shared water hookups and poor maintenance.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the campground’s scenic location by the river, spacious and shaded sites, and the abundance of wildlife. 'The most peaceful and beautiful scenery,' noted one camper....

Based on 212 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include poor bathroom maintenance, inconsistent water service, and the absence of cell phone reception. Some users also reported overgrown grass and unclean campsites.

Based on 212 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a long water hose and a Y-splitter for shared water hookups. Be prepared for poor cell service and carry all essentials as the nearest store is approximately 10 miles away. Secure food to avoid...

Based on 212 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are particularly praised for their pleasant weather and blooming flora, while summer can bring bugs like biting flies and overgrown grass. Winter is noted for its tranquility.

Based on 212 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful site overlooking a running stream with rapids.' 2. 'This park is the number one park anywhere for owls.' 3. 'Bathrooms were horrible. They were not cleaned the entire time we were...

Based on 212 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some campers noted the need for improved accessibility features, such as better access to benches for disabled individuals.

Based on 212 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the campground, and campers recommend being cautious about ticks and raccoons.

Based on 212 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Cossatot Reefs

$14.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-68221: $14.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $14.00; WALK TO: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$23.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

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

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-386-7261

Nearby Campgrounds

493 POLK 246, GILLHAM, AR 71841

Big Coon Creek is a mid-sized campground on Gillham Lake in southwestern Arkansas, operated through Recreation.gov with full hookups for tent and RV campers. The low-elevation setting offers lake access for boating and fishing, plus hiking trails and a swim area. Reviewers praise the scenic views, spacious sites, and quiet family atmosphere, though some note maintenance concerns with play areas and facilities.

Cossatot Reefs

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at Cossatot Reefs

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cossatot Reefs

Planning Tips

About Cossatot Reefs

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Need help booking Cossatot Reefs?

Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Cossatot Reefs

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cossatot Reefs

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cossatot Reefs?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cossatot Reefs

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns