The sound of water flowing over rocks provides a constant backdrop at this Army Corps of Engineers campground positioned below the Gillham Lake spillway. Cossatot Reefs accommodates RVs up to 68 feet with electric and water hookups across paved sites, though campers note the access road can present challenges.
"You can hear the tiny rapids over the rocks at night," describes cindy W., capturing the campground's riverside setting. The Cossatot River runs directly adjacent to camping areas, offering immediate fishing access that draws anglers to this forested location. Sites feature fire rings and grills, with clean bathhouses providing hot showers. Basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground occupy the central area, though playground availability varies seasonally.
Cell service proves spotty across carriers, with multiple campers reporting weak or absent coverage. Water spigots serve multiple sites, requiring some campers to purchase additional hose length for connections. The campground operates from early March through late November, with reservations available during peak periods.
Night hours remain quiet despite busy daytime activity, as campers consistently respect established quiet times. For additional camping options in the region, explore campsites near Gillham. The combination of river access and established amenities makes this a functional base for fishing-focused stays.
Description
Overview
Cossatot Reefs Campground sits along the lush banks of Gillham Lake in southwest Arkansas. Nicknamed the "Bright Spot on the Cossatot," Gillham Lake is a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy the lake for its vast boating opportunities, and a boat ramp is provided for easy water access. The river can be canoed from a point below the dam to U.S. Highway 71 South, a distance of about 16 miles. For shorter canoe trips, there are access roads to the river at Mize Crossing and Ladd Bridge.Anglers will find smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish and various species of sunfish in the river. A short nature trail within the campground weaves through a quaint wooded section. In spring, the trail is painted with colorful redbud and dogwood blossoms.
Facilities
Cossatot Reefs offers 31 shady campsites, including a large group shelter. Hot showers, drinking water and flush toilets help create a comfortable camping experience.
Natural Features
Gillham Lake spans 1,370 surface acres and boasts 36 miles of shoreline. The lake stems from the Cossatot River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake is located in Arkansas
Directions
From De Queen, Arkansas, head north on US-59/US-71. Continue for nearly 10 miles and turn Right at Gillham EZ-Mart. Turn right on Tower Road; go 1.3 miles turn left onto Gillham Lake road; go 4.3 miles turn right and follow signs into the campground.
Address
244 Reefs Park Road
Gillham, AR 71841
Coordinates
34.2067417 N
94.2313167 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Texarkana, TX
- 1 hr 52 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 2 hrs 16 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 38 min from Little Rock, AR
