Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

These sites are now reservable, not first come. You can luck out, but I would recommend reservations. Fantastic large camp sites. 1 and 2 are closest together, and nearest to toilets. 3 though 6 have reasonable separation. All are near the river, but not viewable due to the tree line. Best to bring what you need, (like water). It's 5 miles to pavement. On a good day, depending what you're driving, that's 20 to 30 minutes of dirt, gravel, rocks, and washboards. The visitors center is only a couple miles west on 278. but it's 10 miles more back to town/dollar general. 

Sand Bar camp is very near also (maybe a mile) and has nice sites as well, though they are smaller and possibly closer together. it's still a good alternative destination.

Limited camp sites; first come first serve at times… Group Camp can be reserved thru Rangers Station. No showers, but bathrooms. At times they can smell, but never bothered me enough not to return.

River is divine! Hiking down to swimming holes you’ll see natural jacuzzi areas to sit between the falls. Hiking also requires some rock climbing. We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance.

There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.

Happened upon this by accident last year on a trip back home. We couldn’t wait to go back and spend a day exploring. It’s not for the faint or 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. The surrounding foliage is beautiful.

It’s primitive camping only and just about 6 spots. The bathroom was clean and well stocked. No running water or electricity but it was a great place to have a picnic and explore!

I absolutely loved this campground. The tent pads were huge and the waterfall area was beautiful. Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river. The park rangers were very nice and informative. I can't wait to go back!

There are 6 very large pads right by the river with 2 pit toilets. This place is pretty and offers a lot to do. Hiking trails, kayaking, swimming, fishing. The park rangers are very friendly and helpful. I would say it was sort of busy during the day because it is just across from the falls so this isn’t the place to “get away.” Overall it is very well taken care of with a lot of activities to do and we would return. Go to the Falls campground if available (which this review is for), the other campground at the Sandbar is a few minutes up river but looked very tightly packed and less of a view.

We typically don’t camp in regular campgrounds, we prefer more separation. We also have a large 20’ tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through. The sites had decent separation but the middle row of the Sandbar campground would be tight if there had been a lot of people. They did allow generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us but one person’s generator use ruined the quiet..all day every day (they have quiet hours from 10pm to sunrise...but that was the only quiet we got). So that was the only bummer for us. The Rangers are incredibly nice and hospitable. Also super helpful. Overall a beautiful campground with large spaces.

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 a “out house” type of restroom.

Love this camping spot!! Right next/near the Cossatot river/ rapids with easy access spot. Wish I could say the same thing about the gravel logging road in ! O.o OH MY LORT!! It will test your suspension!! There are only 6 “pull up to” camp sites, and a couple “hike” to. The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in!! Ain’t gonna happen.... there is NO water except what you bring with you or if you pull some from the river. The “bathroom” is your basic (pit) out-house, so bring ya “Poo-pourri!! Awesome hiking trail! So all and all we will be back even if we have to drive that dang logging road again!!

Driving back from Mena, AR to Texas, we happened upon this river by mistake. We came in from the backway and it was a long trek but worth finding this end result. Quiet, river was beautiful and calm. Some rapids where we were, a lot of rock. We did not camp but plan to next time!

Large sized campgrounds, beautiful scenery, Great place to camp!

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! The primitive campgrounds at the state park are nice and spread out. No potable water. Vault toilets. Great swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some boulder hopping possibilities.

I camped in early November when the leaves started to peak. Sandbar is one of my favorite camping spots along the Cossatot. It is tents only..which I kinda like if you are a "non-glamper". The tents spaces are very nice with lots of trees which make it very cozy. Only compost toilets and no showers…but if you can brave the cold river water to bathe in…GO FOR IT…such a relaxing treat. Sandbar does not sit right on the river but is within a very short walking distance…You can hear the Owls and Coyotes at night. I highly recommend this camping spot if you want to be in the thick woods (but accessible by car)…So forget about the city and all it's modern attachments…cell service is spotty. Have fun!