Best Campgrounds near Wickes, AR
Campgrounds near Wickes, Arkansas range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive tent camping areas, primarily centered around the Cossatot River and nearby lakes. The Cossatot River RV Park in Wickes provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Within a short drive, Cossatot River State Park offers more primitive camping experiences at locations like the Sandbar Area Campsites, where visitors can enjoy riverside tent camping with basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing campgrounds in the region, with some sites requiring travel on gravel forest roads. The Sandbar Area Campsites at Cossatot River State Park, for example, requires navigating several miles of gravel roads between the highway and campground. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall. Summer temperatures can be very hot, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites. One camper noted, "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."
Riverside camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Wickes area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. The Cossatot River provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling, with campsites often positioned near calm sections of the river. Campers frequently mention the natural beauty and tranquility of the region as highlights of their experience. Sites at Cossatot River State Park's Sandbar Area are described as "relatively private" with easy river access within "a very quick walk" to sections where "the river is very calm." While some campgrounds offer more developed amenities like showers and electric hookups, others maintain a more primitive experience with vault toilets and no running water. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains provide scenic backdrops and hiking opportunities that complement the water-focused activities available throughout the area.
