Cossatot River State Park's campsites welcome pets on trails and in all accommodations, with both rustic tent sites at Cossatot Falls and Sandbar Area accessible via forest roads. Most campers report well-maintained grounds with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though no running water is available at primitive sites. Little Coon Creek Park offers more amenities for camping with dogs, featuring reservable group sites that are ADA accessible with water and electric hookups. Oak Grove and Shady Lake campgrounds also maintain pet-friendly policies, with Oak Grove providing full hookups for RVs at just $8 per night with an access pass. Campers bringing dogs to the falls area should note the campground's limited capacity of only six sites, which are first-come, first-served with cash payment.
Dogs enjoy swimming access throughout the region, particularly at Cossatot River where crystal-clear water and rock formations create natural swimming areas where pets can cool off. The forest service roads leading to some campgrounds require cautious driving, with several miles of gravel roads reaching remote camping areas. Jefferson Ridge at Dierks Lake offers additional pet-friendly accommodations with both boat-in and drive-in access. Visitors camping with pets should bring sufficient water supplies when staying at primitive sites, and be prepared for spotty cell service throughout the area. Some campgrounds report wildlife activity including owls and coyotes at night, requiring pets to be properly secured at all times. Tent pads at Cossatot Falls are notably large but extremely hard-packed, making it difficult to secure tent stakes.
"Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is a “out house” type of restroom."
"We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance."
$20 - $40 / night
"You can find sites located on the waters edge for quick boat launching or further removed for forrest and trail access. "
"This is a family and pet friendly place. There are a ton of spots to choose from (most right off the water). There’s electric and water hook ups if you’re fancy like that as well."
$15 - $40 / night
"We have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places."
"Camping is spread out far enough that you’re seldom bothered by others (unless someone brings a bunch of dogs and doesn’t keep them controlled)."
$25 / night
"It was off the beaten path. Very quiet and peaceful. It seemed most people were gone during the day, maybe working. We explored the state park down the road and went on some fun drives."
"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."
"The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark."
$10 - $45 / night
"I jumped on it, it was the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse."
"This was a spur-of-the-moment trip from NW Arkansas to Port Arthur for a couple of nights...this campground was at about the halfway point."
"This site is a back in site with the river directly behind the site. Site consists of 1 fire pit, 1 picnic table and barbecue pit. The hookups consist of water and 30/50 amp electric."
GuideSmall stone roads that were clean and nice. Sites are very close together, but well maintained. Full hookups and pull through sites. Dog park and bath houses. Only complaint was the road noise was very close and when a semi tire blew it was extremely loud. All utilities are nice and neat on concrete slabs.
TravelerWe called and let the office know we were 30 minutes away and the park office was closing in 5 minutes. Shannon said she would wait for us! She was so helpful and even offered to help us hook up as we arrived just as it was getting dark. She also let us know that she was on call and said to let her know if we had ant issues. Bathrooms were spacious and clean. Easy on off interstate and food/gas nearby. Small dog park but nice to let pups off leash for a bit. With fan on we didn’t hear the traffic from road. Perfect spot for overnight stay for 2 adults &our pups.
GuideThis 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!
ScoutNear Gillham Lake but on the river below the spillway.
ScoutDecent little place. Pool. Nice people. Pet friendly.
ScoutWe love visiting! Campgrounds are clean and well maintained. Sites are roomy with full hook-up. Beautiful wooded views, hiking trails, and pet friendly.
LegendTent, RV, and Cabin options available. Tent site range up to $25 nightly, $38 nightly for cabin, and up to $30 nightly for RV. Full RV hook ups, up to 30amp. Pet friendly, wooded, and has playground. Campground is close to Crate of Diamonds SP
TravelerWe have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places. It is a good location on the edge of the Ouachita National Forest with plenty of things to do within the recreation area and in the surrounding area as well. There are multiple hiking trails, some with connections to longer trails outside the rec area. Access for hunters and ATVs outside the rec area. Beautiful canoeing (bring your own boat) where you can see otters, eagles, yes- snakes and all kinds of wildlife. I love that this is an older more rustic park, some people have considered that a negative but to me that is a positive (people who like everything shiny and new definitely should look elsewhere). If the cat wasn't already out of the bag on this treasure of a camp, I certainly would not make a post encouraging more people to come here. lol! Sadly they have demolished the A camping loop right at the front and are 'upgrading' it to bring in more people with bigger rigs. the heavy construction has run off a lot of the wildlife for a couple seasons so will see how it turns out in the end. I hope the Bald Eagle and otter family return when it all quiets back down. There are sites with water and electric and tent only sites- some of which are very primitive and if you like to be far from other campers and can do primitive sites- they are a plus! (some will think they are awful, but to others they are a bonus- lol!) If you love getting back nature, peaceful cell phone free beauty and quiet in a rustic camping setting you will love it. Fishing, hiking,, swimming, nearby ATV riding, hunting, easy access to other nearby national forest rec areas, rivers and trails.
RangerGiven that the gorgeous Cossatot River has a State Park but its campgrounds are up a few miles of hilly gravel road and offer no plumbing or electricity, you may be searching for more comfy accommodations as a jumping off point to hike or kayak. Lake Gillham campground is unfortunately too far away to be convenient. The CRSP park rangers may mention this RV park, if you inquire, or you might find it yourself on a map. The location is convenient enough - just a few minutes' drive down the road from the Visitors Center. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The setting is adequate: it's close to the road and offers fire ring, picnic table, and a gravel pad. The thing that ruined our stay were some of the regular clientele who were downright creepy/frightening. Think, disintegrating trailers, abusive yelling late at night, unkempt heavy drinkers with leering eyes. In spite of the pluses, I would not feel comfortable staying here again. Perhaps the cabins are distanced enough from the RV part to feel safe.
Cossatot River State Park and surrounding natural areas offer numerous camping options near Gillham, Arkansas, located within the Ouachita Mountains at elevations between 600-2,700 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-95°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area have gravel access roads and limited cell service, with several options requiring cash payment.
Hiking the trails: Several miles of scenic hiking paths connect Cossatot River State Park's visitor center to camping areas. "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 Cossatot Falls Campsites visitor Nicki M.
Explore boulder formations: The river's unique geology creates multiple rock formations for climbing and exploring. "It's not for the faint of heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by," notes Cindy W. about her experience at Cossatot Falls.
Fishing opportunities: Lakes and rivers throughout the region offer diverse fishing options. "Even though I didn't catch anything my first time out fly fishing the tranquil scenery made up for it," shares Mickey B. from Beavers Bend State Park Campground.
Large camping pads: The spacious tent sites at Cossatot Falls are notably generous. "The tent pads were huge and the waterfall area was beautiful. Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river," says Lindsey P.
Nature sounds: The natural soundtrack is frequently mentioned by visitors to Sandbar Area Campsites. "Sandbar is one of my favorite camping spots along the Cossatot. The tents spaces are very nice with lots of trees which make it very cozy... You can hear the Owls and Coyotes at night," explains Deb B.
Creek access: Many campsites feature proximity to flowing water. At Shady Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Loved my overnight stay at Shady Lake! Slept right above a babbling creek and heard peaceful water flowing all night."
Hard tent pads: Some campsites have exceptionally firm ground surfaces. "The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in!! Ain't gonna happen," warns Wenona D. about Cossatot Falls.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have basic amenities. "There are 6 pull up to campsites at the cossatot falls. Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is an 'out house' type of restroom," explains another Cossatot Falls visitor.
Driving conditions: Access roads require careful navigation. At Little Coon Creek, staff are noted for being helpful: "The park rangers were so nice and gave the kids some smokey bear Frisby's That kept them occupied for the entire weekend!" reports Franklin R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gillham, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gillham, AR is Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gillham, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 120 dog-friendly camping locations near Gillham, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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