Cossatot Falls Campsites, near Umpire, Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to immerse themselves in nature. With six spacious campsites right by the river, it’s perfect for tent camping or RVs, though you won’t find any hookups or running water here.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Cossatot River. You can hike down to natural swimming holes and even find some natural jacuzzi areas to relax in between the falls. As one happy camper put it, “The beauty is worth it,” and many appreciate the chance to explore the rugged terrain, which includes some rock climbing.

The campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. While there are no showers, the vault toilets are kept clean, and the park rangers are known for being friendly and helpful. Just remember to pack in your own water and firewood, as those aren’t provided on-site.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or fishing, Cossatot Falls is a great choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride on the gravel logging road to get there, but trust me, it’s worth it for the experience that awaits you.

Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

Are you in need of a campground near Wickes, AR? Wickes is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Wickes

The Best Camping Near Wickes, Arkansas

I camped in early November when the leaves started to peak. Sandbar is one of my favorite camping spots along the Cossatot. It is tents only..which I kinda like if you are a "non-glamper". The tents spaces are very nice with lots of trees which make it very cozy. Only compost toilets and no showers…but if you can brave the cold river water to bathe in…GO FOR IT…such a relaxing treat. Sandbar does not sit right on the river but is within a very short walking distance…You can hear the Owls and Coyotes at night. I highly recommend this camping spot if you want to be in the thick woods (but accessible by car)…So forget about the city and all it's modern attachments…cell service is spotty. Have fun!

Cossatot River - Sand Bar Area

We parked at the visitor center and hiked the 5-6 miles to the state park. Beautiful moderate hike.  If you go right after some heavy rain,  all the falls along the trail will be flowing at full blast!  The primitive campgrounds at the state park are nice and spread out.  No potable water.  Vault toilets.  Great swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some boulder hopping possibilities.

You don't want to pass up this place! 

Large sized campgrounds, beautiful scenery, Great place to camp!

Beautiful Place

Driving back from Mena, AR to Texas, we happened upon this river by mistake. We came in from the backway and it was a long trek but worth finding this end result. Quiet, river was beautiful and calm. Some rapids where we were, a lot of rock. We did not camp but plan to next time! 

Stubbled on this gem

Love this camping spot!! Right next/near the Cossatot river/ rapids with easy access spot. Wish I could say the same thing about the gravel logging road in ! O.o  OH MY LORT!! It will test your suspension!! There are only 6 “pull up to” camp sites, and a couple “hike” to. The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in!! Ain’t gonna happen.... there is NO water except what you bring with you or if you pull some from the river. The “bathroom” is your basic (pit) out-house, so bring ya “Poo-pourri!! Awesome hiking trail! 
So all and all we will be back even if we have to drive that dang logging road again!! 

A not so hidden gem in the Natural State

There are 6 pull up to campsites at the cossatot falls.  Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is a “out house” type of restroom.  

Not so hidden gem in the natural state

We typically don’t camp in regular campgrounds, we prefer more separation. We also have a large 20’ tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through. The sites had decent separation but the middle row of the Sandbar campground would be tight if there had been a lot of people. They did allow generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us but one person’s generator use ruined the quiet..all day every day (they have quiet hours from 10pm to sunrise...but that was the only quiet we got). So that was the only bummer for us. 
The Rangers are incredibly nice and hospitable. Also super helpful. Overall a beautiful campground with large spaces. 

Huge Camping Pads

There are 6 very large pads right by the river with 2 pit toilets.  This place is pretty and offers a lot to do.  Hiking trails, kayaking, swimming, fishing.  The park rangers are very friendly and helpful.  I would say it was sort of busy during the day because it is just across from the falls so this isn’t the place to “get away.”  Overall it is very well taken care of with a lot of activities to do and we would return.  Go to the Falls campground if available (which this review is for), the other campground at the Sandbar is a few minutes up river but looked very tightly packed and less of a view.


Right by river 

I absolutely loved this campground. The tent pads were huge and the waterfall area was beautiful. Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river.  The park rangers were very nice and informative.  I can't wait to go back!

Paradise 

Happened upon this by accident last year on a trip back home. We couldn’t wait to go back and spend a day exploring. It’s not for the faint or heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by. The surrounding foliage is beautiful. 

It’s primitive camping only and just about 6 spots. The bathroom was clean and well stocked. No running water or electricity but it was a great place to have a picnic and explore!  

Amazing place to explore 

There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity.  Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.

Nice to camp without RVs

Limited camp sites; first come first serve at times… Group Camp can be reserved thru Rangers Station. No showers, but bathrooms. At times they can smell, but never bothered me enough not to return. 

River is divine! Hiking down to swimming holes you’ll see natural jacuzzi areas to sit between the falls. Hiking also requires some rock climbing. We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance. 

Photos of Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

Real photos from real campers