Gillham Lake campgrounds occupy the picturesque Ouachita Mountain foothills in southwestern Arkansas at approximately 900 feet elevation. Most camping areas remain open from March through October, though specific opening dates vary by site. Water levels fluctuate seasonally with spring typically bringing higher water and more challenging river conditions at associated camping areas.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Near Cossatot Falls Campsites, visitors can experience the river when conditions are right. "Great swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some boulder hopping possibilities," notes Nicki M., who hiked into the area.
Swimming at natural features: The summer heat makes water activities essential. At Shady Lake Campground, families can cool off in the lake's swimming area. "There's a dock a little way out from the shore to swim to and jump off of. The bottom is covered with leaves, but hey, it's a lake," shares Brian.
Fishing access: Multiple sites offer fishing opportunities with varying levels of accessibility. One visitor at Cossatot Reefs mentioned, "Fun fishing. Definitely will return," highlighting the popular activity below Gillham Lake's spillway.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The region's campgrounds often feature larger-than-average sites. At Cossatot Falls, "These pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through," according to Summer H., who appreciated the extra space for larger camping setups.
Natural sounds: Many campers value the auditory experience at Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake, located about 20 miles east of Gillham Lake. Though not directly on Gillham, this alternative offers similar amenities with power hookups at reasonable rates. One visitor noted sites are "at perfect price points, you can get water/50a sites for $25/night."
Waterfall proximity: The cascades near camping areas provide both visual appeal and recreational options. "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!" reports Nicki M. about her experience near Cossatot Falls.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires preparation and appropriate vehicles. Phil B. warns about Cossatot Falls: "It's 5 miles to pavement. On a good day, depending what you're driving, that's 20 to 30 minutes of dirt, gravel, rocks, and washboards."
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites now require advance booking. "These sites are now reservable, not first come. You can luck out, but I would recommend reservations," advises Phil B. about Cossatot Falls sites.
Water availability: Cossatot River RV Park offers full hookups when primitive camping isn't preferred. "The park is clean, has standard RV hookups, and the highway isn't full of noisy traffic," notes Vanessa M., clarifying this is a good option for RVers wanting basic amenities while still being near the river.
Tips for camping with families
Scout appropriate swimming areas: Not all water access points are suitable for young children. At Shady Lake Campground, one visitor reported: "We spent 3 nights in a campground on loop C and loved it (we have 4 boys under 12). There is a picturesque babbling creek that runs by most of the campsites, and we could have spent at least a couple days just exploring up and down the creek."
Check for playground access: Bellah Mine camping area, approximately 15 miles west of Gillham Lake, offers "clean shower house, playground with pea gravel surface, boat ramp, and lake access," according to Vanessa M., making it suitable for families needing recreational facilities.
Plan for connectivity limits: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region. One visitor at Shady Lake noted: "No cell service. You can decide whether that is a good thing or not (I loved it). If you're really desperate, you can drive 5 mins down the road and get a signal."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Little Coon Creek Park offers accessible options for RVs with electrical needs. "This was a wonderful place to go fishing with the family! The park was well taken care of, and the bathrooms were very clean, and stocked," notes Franklin R.
Site terrain considerations: When selecting a site at Bellah Mine, Michael M. observed, "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. No sewer but the dump station is right at the exit."
Generator restrictions: For those needing power, check campground regulations. Summer H. at Cossatot Falls noted: "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."
