Chels 
Traveler
TravelerTaylors Lot #1
Perfect Spot
This spot is right outside of city limits so it's a quiet spot that feels private but is also just a couple minute drive to the middle of downtown.
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Wickes, Arkansas (175)
1. Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
13 ReviewsWickes, AR6 milesWebsite+1 (870) 385-2201"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."
2. Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake
9 ReviewsGillham, AR9 milesWebsite+1 (870) 386-7261$23 - $40 / night
"There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes... showers and toilets are clean and there is easy access to hiking trails."
"Near Gillham Lake but on the river below the spillway."
3. Shady Lake Campground
14 ReviewsUmpire, AR18 milesWebsite+1 (501) 321-5202$15 - $40 / night
"We have been coming to Shady Lake for decades and it is one of our most favorite places."
"Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites."
4. Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
2 ReviewsWickes, AR6 milesWebsite+1 (870) 385-2201"The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark."
"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."
6. Cossatot River RV Park
3 ReviewsWickes, AR7 milesWebsite+1 (479) 243-3525$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."
7. Beavers Bend State Park Campground
57 ReviewsEagletown, OK32 milesWebsite+1 (580) 494-6538$20 - $40 / night
"We had initially planned to go camping at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas; however, unfortunately we were unable to go due to the COVID crisis and Arkansas only allowing in-state residents to begin camping again"
"Watched a lot of people walk there in the dark without lights with their kids."
8. Bellah Mine
3 ReviewsGillham, AR13 milesWebsite+1 (870) 386-7511$23 - $45 / night
"Four more parks close by."
"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."
9. CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground
5 ReviewsMena, AR16 milesWebsite+1 (870) 389-6560$12 - $105 / night
"This campground is located right off of Hwy 71 for easy access. Plenty of room for big rigs. Just a short ride to the Wolf Pen Gap trail system."
"I drive truck, always have a hard time getting in/out of places with a semi and usually end up not getting to camp. The main pavilion in the center of the grounds is HUGE!"
10. KOA Mena/ Ouachita National Forest Journey
3 ReviewsMena, AR16 milesWebsite+1 (479) 394-6099$25 - $60 / night
"There is also a beautiful pond on the grounds that was awesome to walk around and just a very pretty place to stay. I will go back👍!"
"Very nice staff and close to Mena and Ouachita national park. Sewer hook ups on almost every site and a lot of trees and well shaded area, but little tight place and not well leveled."
Recent Camping Photos near Wickes, AR
127 Photos of 175 Wickes Campgrounds
Vanessa M.
Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
Deb B.
Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area
Steph C.
Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake
Jo E.
Pine Ridge
J.R. B.
Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake
Pioneer C.
Pioneer Campgrounds
John
CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground
CHRISTI A.
Mena/ Ouachita National Forest KOA
The Dyrt
Mena Cabins
Julie D.
Shady Lake Campground
Fred S.
FR50240 Dispersed
Marlin B.
Armadillo Campground - Beavers Bend State Park
Recent Reviews near Wickes, AR
493 Reviews of 175 Wickes Campgrounds
- ChelsTraveler
Travelers Lane RV Park LLC
Clean and peaceful!
Stayed here recently and it was a really convenient spot. They offer nightly, weekly, and monthly sites, which is nice depending on how long you’re planning to stay. All the sites have electric and water, and some have full hookups with sewer. If you’re in a site without sewer, there’s a dump station and water available on the way out, which made things easy. The location is a big plus, it’s right across the road from a pharmacy, laundromat, Dollar General, and O’Reilly’s, so you don’t have to go far for anything. There are bathrooms on-site, and they even have a small coffee shop in the office, which was a nice touch. It’s really close to Tyson, so I could see it being a great option for anyone working in the area. Even though it’s in town, it was surprisingly quiet during my stay. I enjoyed sitting outside in the evenings, there’s a fire pit and picnic tables that make it easy to relax after a long day. Overall, a solid, no fuss place to stay whether you’re just passing through or need something longer term.
- KKalynn S.Traveler
Billy Creek
Beautiful!
This was such a cool place and a perfect distance away from everything. There were plenty of options for camping spots but also plenty of people there that you don’t feel completely alone.
- J
Jon M.
ScoutCrystal Campground
Great spot for touring bikes—just watch the dust!
I wanted to share some specifics for fellow riders. The campground is accessed by a 3-mile caliche road. It was dusty, but fairly well-maintained and packed and loose rock but solid. I was able to ride my Honda Goldwing down it with zero issues. Only 4 stars because it was full on Friday and one camper played loud music into the night…,,,
Lauren M.
GuideCrater of Diamonds State Park Campground
Great State Park to relax at
We stayed 3 nights and really like it here. Quiet and relaxing. Get to explore the diamond fields in the day. Fire pit at night. A few short walking paths. Kids had a great time meeting new kids. Dogs allowed at the diamond fields. Site 7 is uneven for a long 5th wheel. Other sites might be better, but we made it work.
Jay T.ScoutMiners Camping & Rock Shop
Humble but definitely improving.
A great spot for my pseudo overland rig. Water and 🔌 at most sites. Host is very hospitable.
- BBrianna H.Traveler
Turner Creek Road
Dispersed camping spot
We found this spot last minute coming out of Oklahoma – it was already getting dark so we had to settle for something quick and I’m glad we did ! Nice spot to put up a tent and shower tent ! Fire ring is available here as well ! Park next to your tent . Lots of spiders so just be careful ! You do hear animas at nights , especially coyotes, but it’s such an experience !
- DDean A.Scout
Bellah Mine
Beautiful lake
Sites on water with great views. Small, but well laid out. Four more parks close by.
- BBrianna H.Traveler
Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220
Dispersed camping with creek close !
We had to find a quick spot because of a storm that was about to hit and we stopped here and it was great ! Fire ring for fires , open area for tent , park next to your campsite , and creek near by ! Beautiful scenic area ! Some ATVs pass by but other than that you are unbothered !
Guide to Wickes
Camping options near Wickes, Arkansas center around the Cossatot River and nearby natural areas. The Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area offers primitive tent camping at Cossatot Falls Campsites and Sandbar Area Campsites, both located about 5 miles down gravel forest roads. More developed facilities are available at Cossatot River RV Park in Wickes, which provides full hookups for RVs and cabin rentals. Additional mixed-use campgrounds include Little Coon Creek and Cossatot Reefs at Gillham Lake, located within 10 miles of Wickes, providing electric and water hookups.
Access to many campgrounds requires preparation, particularly for those in Cossatot River State Park. The primitive sites are reached via several miles of rough gravel roads that can challenge some vehicles. Most park campgrounds operate seasonally, with Shady Lake Recreation Area and Cossatot Reefs only open from March through November. Reservations are now required at Cossatot Falls, which was previously first-come, first-served. Facilities at primitive sites include vault toilets but no running water or showers. One camper noted, "The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in! There is NO water except what you bring with you or if you pull some from the river."
Riverside camping experiences are the main attraction in the region. The Cossatot River provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing alongside camping areas. Campsites at Cossatot Falls feature large tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear poles, with reasonable separation between most sites. While RV parks offer more amenities, they lack the immersive natural setting of the state park. Several visitors highlighted the beauty of the river environment, with one noting, "The river is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by. The surrounding foliage is beautiful." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, though campers should be aware of ticks and snakes. Cell service throughout the area is limited, offering a true disconnected outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wickes, AR?
What camping is available near Wickes, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wickes, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Wickes, AR and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wickes, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Wickes, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wickes, AR is Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wickes, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wickes, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Wickes, AR.
What parks are near Wickes, AR?
What parks are near Wickes, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Wickes, AR that allow camping, notably Gillham Lake and DeQueen Lake.
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