Camping spots near Gillham, Arkansas encompass riverside camping areas with varying levels of development. Located in the Ouachita Mountains at elevations between 600-1,000 feet, this region features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters that rarely dip below freezing. Campsites throughout the area maintain a natural forest setting with oak, pine, and hickory trees providing shade during summer months when thunderstorms are common.
What to do
Water recreation access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. At Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake, campers enjoy both river and lake proximity, with one visitor noting, "The River was crisp and clear and was just a few strides away. You can hear the tiny rapids over the rocks at night."
Hiking trails exploration: Several campgrounds connect to hiking routes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. At Cossatot Falls Campsites, visitors can access riverside trails. One camper shared, "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!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Forest settings support diverse wildlife including deer, birds, and aquatic species. A visitor at Cossatot River RV Park mentioned, "We explored the state park down the road and went on some fun drives," which provides opportunities to spot local wildlife from designated viewing areas.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many camping areas offer larger-than-average sites with good separation. At Sandbar Area Campsites, a camper noted, "The campsites are relatively private, we pretty much had the campground to ourselves until after the first night," while another pointed out site numbers: "18 and 19 seem to be the ones with more privacy."
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds feature clean restrooms and organized sites. A visitor at Bellah Mine reported, "Every site had an unobstructed view of the lake due to the unique terraced landscapes. Paved, mostly level sites with good power 30 and 50A service and shade."
Natural swimming areas: River and lake access points provide swimming opportunities without developed pools. One camper at Sandbar Area Campsites described, "The camping area is just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water," making it ideal for summer heat relief.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. About Sandbar Area Campsites, a camper warned, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds experience heavy traffic during summer months. At Cossatot Falls Campsites, weekends fill quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with one visitor noting, "It's not for the faint of heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy."
Limited utilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. At Oak Grove, a camper reported, "8 bucks per nite with access pass and that Includes electric and water at the site with a dump station on the way out," but many primitive sites have no running water or electricity.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. A camper at Cossatot Reefs mentioned, "Campgrounds are set up for RV, boast grills, firepits, and improves surfaces. There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes... showers and toilets are clean."
Swimming safety: River areas have varying currents and depths. At Cossatot Falls Campsites, a parent shared, "Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river. The park rangers were very nice and informative." Water shoes are recommended for rocky areas.
Wildlife awareness: The area has active wildlife including snakes and ticks. One camper at Sandbar Area Campsites advised, "There is an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!" Tick repellent is essential during warm months from April through October.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. At Pine Ridge, a visitor explained, "You might need to bring a long water hose, because some of the sites share the water," which is common at several area campgrounds.
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds have varying site sizes and locations. At Pine Ridge, an RVer 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! Super nice!"
Generator restrictions: Rules about generator use differ between locations. Cossatot River RV Park allows generators, while at Cossatot Reefs, a camper mentioned, "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."
