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.
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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!"
$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."
TravelerI accidentally found Rocky Shoals when I was driving through scenic, route, and I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful lake that was in front of me. It didn’t seem like it was raining, but the trees were dripping with wetness. It was nice to let my dog go for a little swim. I didn’t use the bathrooms because they were gross.
GuideThe campground is beautiful and lots of trails to walk and a vintage train ride that takes you around the park. Nice lodge at the top of the hill with a store and restaurant. WiFi is decent and bathrooms are kept clean. Recommend hiking the lovers leap trail for a good scenic view. Not matter how clean I tried to keep my campsite, Ants and Flys are around the RV spots.
ScoutGreat camping spot, very peaceful, and private. Be mindful for ticks. Within the first hour found a lone star tick in front of my tent. Grateful I brought spray for my gear and my body.
GuideCampsites are spacious and can get noisy on the weekends. Security makes routine drive by rounds and very friendly. There is WiFi but kinda lousy and phone service is iffy. Bathrooms are ok but looks like they hose the floors and don’t mop and dry.
TravelerIsolated in the woods. Good for camper vans. One car passed in 2 days. Beware of poison ivy.
GuideThis campground is very quiet. It has beautiful surroundings and lots of nature to see. The spot we are camping in needs a little attention but it doesn't stop us from enjoying the area. A nice picnic table with grill and fire ring make this an awesome spot. Cell phone service is sketchy, thankfully we have starlink. The only bad I have found with this campground is the showers need a deep cleaning and updated (D Loop).
GuideWe arrived late. The pit toilet is boarded up. Not usable. The area is beautiful with a nice creek. Very peaceful. No potable water!
RangerBeautiful setting in the Ouachita Natl Forest --peaceful and calm. Only a few UTVs and trucks drove by in our 5 days there. Challenging & fun UTV trails! Narrow gravel road to arrive --lots of overhanging branches in April. Amour site was approx 1/2 mile in, a pull through on the right with plenty of room. There were 2-3 other campsites farther down the road for a tent, van, or small camper. Easy access to trails.
RangerMaybe a camp used to exist here, but currently there's only the Fourche Mt UTV staging area, and a crumbling, overgrown road ending in a pile of rocks and a downhill slope not navigable by any vehicle other than UTV. Don't make our mistake--we drove our 43' RV in a ways, and had to unhook our towed truck, back to the staging area to get turned around to leave.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wickes, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 184 campgrounds and RV parks near Wickes, AR and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots 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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