Map showing campground location near Wickes, Arkansas

Camper submitted image from Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

Within Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area, Sandbar Area Campsites provides tent-only camping accessed by 4.5 miles of two-lane dirt road. The State Natural Heritage Program manages this remote facility where campers pay at their sites on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and grills, with vault toilets available but no running water or showers. Walk-in sites offer more privacy than drive-up options, though spacing between numbered sites varies. The campground sits a short walk from the Cossatot River's sandbar area where the water runs calm. Cell service remains sparse throughout the area. For nearby alternatives, Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area operates less than a mile east.

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Location

Public Campground

Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area is located in Arkansas

Directions

Located south of Mena. The northern route to the park is via Ark. 246 between Vandervoort and Athens. The southern route is via U.S. 278 between Wickes and Umpire.

Address

1874 Highway 278 West
Umpire, AR 71971

Coordinates

34.32200094 N
94.2360004 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
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Verified by 5 users
Last on 12/11/25
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 12/11/25
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

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Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 35 min from Hot Springs, AR
1 hr 36 min from Texarkana, TX
2 hrs 11 min from Fort Smith, AR
2 hrs 20 min from Little Rock, AR

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2 Reviews

Ana A.

Guide

Reviewed May. 28, 2018

Memorial Weekend

This place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing. We stayed at the walk in campsites, they have those and a few where you can park next to your site, don’t expect very much privacy, you can’t make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site. All are tent only. we stayed at #20 with a short walk from the parking area but a little bit too close to #21, 18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy. We did have a nice shaded site with a fire ring, a barbecue grill, a picnic table and nice surface for your tent. the camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water. The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don’t expect showers. We camped with our dog Lulu, the sites are pet friendly and she had fun in the water too. There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!

(5) View All

Vanessa M.

Legend

Reviewed May. 25, 2018

Soothing

The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark. There are several miles of driving on a gravel forest road between the main highway and the campgrounds.

The campsites are relatively private, we pretty much had the campground to ourselves until after the first night. A very large family arrived and decided that the best campsite available was immediately next to us. Had it been full this wouldn't have been irritating, but there were more than a dozen other sites to choose.

Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit, there are toilets available but no showers and phone signal is sparse. River access is within a very quick walk, this section of the river is very calm. Overall the campground is isolated. Its about a fifteen minute drive to the park headquarters, popular trails, and other activities. The park is dog friendly, the surrounding trails are accessible for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sandbar Campground at Cossatot River State Park look like?

Sandbar Campground is nestled in a beautiful forested area of Cossatot River State Park Natural Area. The campground features relatively private campsites surrounded by natural woodland. It has a remote, secluded atmosphere that offers a genuine outdoor experience. The campground includes both walk-in sites and some where you can park directly next to your camping area. The natural setting is pristine and provides an authentic wilderness camping experience away from urban development.

Where is the sandbar located on Cossatot River?

The sandbar areas are natural features along the Cossatot River within the state park boundaries. These sandy shorelines form along the river's edge where the water flow has deposited sand and small stones over time. The specific sandbars are accessible from the campground area, though their size and exact location may shift slightly with seasonal water levels and flow patterns. These areas provide convenient river access for campers staying at the campground.

What camping facilities are available at Cossatot River State Park Natural Area?

Cossatot River State Park Natural Area offers both walk-in campsites and sites where you can park beside your camping area. The facilities are rustic and minimal, emphasizing a more primitive camping experience. The campground is located approximately 4.5 miles down a two-lane dirt road, creating a secluded wilderness atmosphere. Be prepared for a remote camping experience with limited amenities. The campsites provide privacy with natural spacing and forest surroundings. This is an ideal location for campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience away from crowded, developed campgrounds.

What swimming opportunities are available near Sandbar Campground?

The Cossatot River offers natural swimming opportunities near the Sandbar Campground. The river features various spots where visitors can cool off, particularly around the sandbar areas where the water tends to be calmer. Swimming conditions vary seasonally with water levels—higher in spring and potentially lower in late summer. Always exercise caution when swimming in natural rivers, as there are no lifeguards and conditions can change rapidly. The river's natural setting provides a refreshing alternative to developed swimming facilities.

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