🌤 Weather at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–74 °F | 66–87 °F | 42–79 °F | 32–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Big Fk 1 SSE, 16 mi away, elevation 1,200 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cossatot River State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Wickes in Howard, Polk County. Spanning 5,230 acres, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Wickes |
| County | Howard, Polk |
| Park Size | 5,230 acres |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (800 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Cossatot River State Park is located near Wickes, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 34.3500, -94.2519.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Cossatot River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Cossatot River SP — 4,921 acres — protects the Cossatot River — one of the most challenging whitewater rivers in the central United States with Class III-V rapids. The name “Cossatot” is French for “skull crusher”. The park’s Ouachita Mountain forest, river, and rocky outcrops support eastern collared lizards, timber rattlesnakes, and smallmouth bass.
Nearby Attractions
Wickes — adjacent. Ouachita Mountains — surrounding. Queen Wilhelmina SP — 20 miles east.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area (a short drive away) or Daisy State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 23 sites — Three primitive tent-only areas (Class D, self-pay): Cossatot Falls Area (6 sites), Sandbar Area (15 sites), Ed Banks Area (2 sites). Each site has a fire pit, grill, and picnic table; no water, electricity, or showers. Solar composting restrooms nearby. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/cossatot-river or by phone 870-385-2201. River Ridge Group Camp requires advance reservation. |
| Special sites | River Ridge Group Camp offers primitive group camping with pavilion, restroom, fire pit, grill, and river access. |
| Season notes | Primitive campsites/picnic area open all year; restrooms available year-round but no water or heat in the off-season. |
Camping questions about Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
Can you camp at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area?
Yes. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area has 23 campsites. Three primitive tent-only areas (Class D, self-pay): Cossatot Falls Area (6 sites), Sandbar Area (15 sites), Ed Banks Area (2 sites). Each site has a fire pit, grill, and picnic table; no water, electricity, or showers. Solar composting restrooms nearby.
How do you reserve a campsite at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area?
Online at reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/cossatot-river or by phone 870-385-2201. River Ridge Group Camp requires advance reservation.
Source: arkansas.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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