Camping near DeQueen Lake
DeQueen Lake in southwestern Arkansas features several established campgrounds with developed facilities for both tent and RV campers. The lake area includes Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, and Bellah Mine campgrounds, all managed by the Army Corps of Engineers with waterfront camping options. Nearby Cossatot River State Park offers more primitive tent camping experiences at Sandbar and Cossatot Falls areas. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, while some also feature boat ramps for lake access or proximity to swimming areas.
Access to DeQueen Lake campgrounds remains consistent year-round with paved roads leading to most developed sites. Oak Grove and Pine Ridge campgrounds maintain level pads suitable for RVs with 50-amp electrical service, while the more primitive sites at Cossatot River State Park require driving several miles on gravel forest roads. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Cossatot Reefs at Gillham Lake typically open from early March through late November. Facilities vary significantly across the region with some offering full amenities including showers, while others provide only basic vault toilets. A camper noted, "This is a very pretty campground with big sites. Half of them are right on the water. Level pads and some of the sites are split level!"
Lake views represent a significant draw for campers throughout the region. Bellah Mine campground features terraced landscapes providing unobstructed views of DeQueen Lake from every site. Many reviews mention the fishing opportunities, with Gillham Lake receiving praise for excellent angling. Waterfront sites typically fill quickly during summer months and holiday weekends. Several visitors highlighted clean facilities and spacious campsites as notable features. The region balances developed recreation areas with more secluded options like the tent-only sites at Cossatot River State Park where, according to one review, "The campsites are relatively private" and offer "a picnic table and a fire pit" with "river access within a very quick walk." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with visitors advised to watch for deer, snakes, and ticks.
