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Cossatot River State Park Arkansas (AR) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Cossatot River State Park is a prime destination for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The park’s rich history dates back to the early 1800s when it was inhabited by the Caddo Indians, who named it “Cossatot,” meaning “skull crusher,” referencing the treacherous rapids along the river. The park’s cultural significance is evident in its preservation of ancient Native American artifacts and historical sites.

The park’s unique feature, the Cossatot River, is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over. The river’s swift currents and challenging rapids are the result of the erosion of the Cossatot Formation, a layer of bedrock that was formed millions of years ago. The river’s waters are crystal clear, providing an ideal environment for fishing and swimming.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Cossatot River State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Cossatot River State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When planning a trip to Cossatot River State Park visitors have several transportation options available. Private vehicles are the most convenient way to access the park with multiple entrances available. The park’s main entrance is located off Highway 246 and visitors can also access the park from Highway 278. RV renters should be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 40 feet and a maximum width of 10 feet. Additionally the park recommends that RV renters use four-wheel drive vehicles due to the rough terrain of some of the park’s roads.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available at the park’s campsites with designated spots for larger vehicles. Overnight parking is restricted to these designated areas only. Camping with an RV is a great way to enjoy the park and using alternative transportation methods such as hiking or biking can enhance the experience.

  • Public Transportation

Cossatot River State Park offers several options for getting around including walking paths and shuttle buses. The park’s shuttle service runs seasonally providing transportation to popular spots along the river. Additionally there are miles of hiking trails throughout the park allowing visitors to explore on foot and take in the scenic beauty of the area.

Top Campsites in Cossatot River State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campgrounds near Cossatot River State Park that require reservations are

Cossatot River State Park – Campsite A

This campground offers 26 sites with electric and water hookups as well as a central bathhouse with hot showers. The campsites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing kayaking and wildlife watching.

Cossatot River State Park – Campsite B

This campground has 14 sites with electric and water hookups as well as a central bathhouse with hot showers. The campsites are smaller and more secluded than those in Campsite A making it a great option for tent campers or small RVs. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing kayaking and wildlife watching.

Womble Mountain Bike Trailhead Campground

This campground is located near the Womble Mountain Bike Trail and offers 14 primitive campsites. There are no hookups or bathhouses but there is a vault toilet on site. The campsites are first-come first-served but reservations can be made for large groups. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking hiking and fishing.

Cossatot River RV Park

This campground is located near the town of Wickes and offers 25 full hookup RV sites as well as a few tent sites. The park has a bathhouse with hot showers a laundry facility and a pool. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy fishing kayaking and hiking nearby.

  • First-come first-served

The following campgrounds near Cossatot River State Park are first-come first-served

Brushy Creek Campground

This campground is located within the state park and offers 22 primitive campsites. There are no hookups or bathhouses but there is a vault toilet on site. The campsites are small and secluded making it a great option for tent campers. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing kayaking and wildlife watching.

Gillham Lake Campground

This campground is located about 30 minutes from the state park and offers 16 primitive campsites. There are no hookups or bathhouses but there is a vault toilet on site. The campsites are small and secluded making it a great option for tent campers. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy fishing boating and hiking.

Albert Pike Recreation Area

This campground is located about an hour from the state park and offers 54 campsites with electric hookups as well as a few primitive campsites. The park has a bathhouse with hot showers a laundry facility and a playground. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy fishing hiking and swimming.

  • Alternate camping

If the campsites inside Cossatot River State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near the state park that offer full hookup RV sites as well as tent sites. These campgrounds often have additional amenities such as swimming pools playgrounds and laundry facilities. Examples include Cossatot River RV Park and Winding Stairs Campground.

Backcountry Camping

For those looking for a more primitive camping experience there are several backcountry camping options nearby. The Ouachita National Forest offers dispersed camping throughout the forest and the Cossatot River Corridor Trail has several designated backcountry campsites. These options are best suited for experienced campers who are comfortable with primitive camping conditions.

  • General activities

Whitewater Rafting

The Cossatot River is famous for its Class IV and V rapids making it a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The river’s 12-mile stretch offers a thrilling ride through scenic wilderness with towering bluffs and lush forests providing a stunning backdrop. The put-in location is at the Ed Banks Access and the take-out is at the Brushy Creek Access.

Fishing

The Cossatot River is home to a variety of fish species including smallmouth bass largemouth bass spotted bass and catfish. The river’s clear waters and rocky bottom provide excellent fishing opportunities with many anglers reporting catches of trophy-sized fish. The river’s many access points make it easy to find a prime fishing spot with popular locations including the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Visitor Center the Ed Banks Access and the Brushy Creek Access.

Hiking

The Cossatot River State Park offers over 12 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The park’s trails take hikers through scenic forests over rocky bluffs and along the river’s edge. Popular hiking trails include the Cossatot River Trail the Waterfall Trail and the Long Pool Trail.

Mountain Biking

The Cossatot River State Park has over 12 miles of mountain biking trails offering a challenging ride through rugged terrain. The park’s trails wind through forests over creeks and up steep hills providing a thrilling ride for experienced bikers. Popular mountain biking trails include the Cossatot River Trail the Waterfall Trail and the Long Pool Trail.

Camping

The Cossatot River State Park has over 20 RV campsites offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the park’s many recreational activities. The campsites are located near the river’s edge providing stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The campsites offer full hookups including water sewer and electricity and are located near the park’s many amenities including restrooms showers and a laundry facility.

  • Alternative activities

Alternative Recreational Activities

Sightseeing

The Cossatot River State Park offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness with towering bluffs lush forests and clear waters providing a breathtaking backdrop. Popular sightseeing spots include the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Visitor Center the Ed Banks Access and the Brushy Creek Access.

Nature Watching

The Cossatot River State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer wild turkey and bald eagles. The park’s many hiking trails offer excellent opportunities for nature watching with popular spots including the Cossatot River Trail the Waterfall Trail and the Long Pool Trail.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The Cossatot River State Park offers many picturesque spots for capturing stunning photographs including the waterfalls along the Waterfall Trail the clear waters of the river and the towering bluffs along the Cossatot River Trail.

Bird Watching

The Cossatot River State Park is a popular destination for birdwatchers with over 150 species of birds calling the park home. Popular birdwatching spots include the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Visitor Center the Ed Banks Access and the Brushy Creek Access.

Picnicking

The Cossatot River State Park has many picnic areas offering a scenic spot for enjoying a meal in the great outdoors. Popular picnic areas include the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Visitor Center the Ed Banks Access and the Brushy Creek Access.

Season-specific experiences in Cossatot River State Park

  • Spring activities

Here are some popular recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places in Cossatot River State Park that attract RV campers during the spring season

Whitewater Rafting on the Cossatot River

The Cossatot River is known for its Class IV and V rapids making it a popular destination for whitewater rafting. The river’s waters are at their peak during the spring making it the perfect time to take on its challenging rapids. The put-in for the river is located at the Ed Banks Access Area.

Hiking the Cossatot River Trail

The Cossatot River Trail is a 12-mile loop trail that takes hikers through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. The trail passes through dense forests across streams and along the banks of the Cossatot River. The trailhead is located at the Visitor Center.

Visiting the Historic Mill Site

The Historic Mill Site is a popular destination for history buffs. The site features the remains of an old gristmill a dam and a cotton gin. Visitors can learn about the history of the area and see how early settlers lived. The mill site is located near the Visitor Center.

Fishing on the Cossatot River

The Cossatot River is a popular destination for fishing with a variety of fish species including smallmouth bass spotted bass and catfish. The river’s waters are clear and cold making it an ideal habitat for fish. The best fishing spots are located along the river’s banks.

Wildflower Viewing

The spring season is the perfect time to see the park’s wildflowers in bloom. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s trails and enjoy the beautiful displays of wildflowers such as trillium bloodroot and Dutchman’s breeches.

  • Summer activities

Here are some popular recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places in Cossatot River State Park that attract RV campers during the summer season

Swimming at the Sandbar

The Sandbar is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. The sandbar is located on the Cossatot River and is accessible by boat or by hiking down the riverbank. Visitors can enjoy the cool waters of the river and the beautiful scenery.

Kayaking on the Cossatot River

Kayaking is a popular activity on the Cossatot River during the summer season. The river’s waters are calmer during the summer making it a great time to explore the river’s many bends and twists. Kayak rentals are available at the park.

Visiting the Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a beautiful rock formation located in the park. The bridge is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. Visitors can hike to the top of the bridge for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Camping at the RV Sites

Cossatot River State Park has several RV sites that are perfect for camping during the summer season. The RV sites are located near the river and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet of the park while still having access to modern amenities.

Visiting the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a protected area of the park that is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can hike through the natural area and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. The natural area is accessible from the park’s trails.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a magical time at Cossatot River State Park and RV campers have plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. One popular option is hiking the Cossatot River Trail which offers stunning views of the river and its surrounding hardwood forest. The trailhead is located near the park’s visitor center making it easy to find.

Another must-see attraction is the Historic Cossatot River Bridge. This beautiful bridge was built in the 1930s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river below.

For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity whitewater rafting on the Cossatot River is a must. Known as one of the most challenging whitewater rivers in the country the Cossatot offers Class IV and V rapids that are sure to get your heart racing. Rafting trips can be booked through local outfitters.

Nature lovers will want to check out the park’s bird watching opportunities. With over 150 species of birds spotted in the park it’s a great place to bring your binoculars and see how many you can spot.

Finally no trip to Cossatot River State Park would be complete without visiting the park’s interpretive center. Here visitors can learn about the park’s history geology and wildlife through interactive exhibits and displays.

  • Winter activities

When the temperature drops Cossatot River State Park transforms into a winter wonderland. One popular winter activity is trout fishing in the Cossatot River. The river is stocked with trout during the winter months making it the perfect time to cast a line.

Another great option is hiking the park’s trails. The winter landscape offers a different perspective on the park’s beauty and the cooler temperatures make for a more comfortable hike.

For those looking for a unique experience ice climbing on the park’s frozen waterfalls is a must. While this activity requires some experience and equipment it’s an unforgettable adventure.

Wildlife watching is also popular in the winter as many animals are more active during this time of year. Visitors may spot deer raccoons and even bald eagles.

Finally the park’s interpretive center remains open during the winter months offering a cozy place to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.

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