My Favorite Summertime Places Around the Ark-La-Tex

By far my favorite camp spot on Wright Patman. There's a place for the kids to play, easy access to your boat, a little peninsula to walk out on and this little park just has a different atmosphere than the other parks on the lake.

I still love going home and spending time on the Cossatot south of the Gillham dam (the more laid back part of the river. North of the lake is where the class 4 rapids are). I especially love how, even on the hottest of days, as you drop off the hill to get to our favorite spot on the river the temperature always drops a good 5 degrees. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to hop in the old flat bottom boat and take a lazy ride down the river while fishing and catching up with my brother. On a hot Arkansas summer day, there's nothing better than a dip in the cool waters of the Cossatot.

Hidden back in the woods on De Queen Lake is one of the nicest little camp grounds around. All the sites are laid out nice with flat spots around the camp fire area, plus a place to pitch an extra tent if you need it. Most of them have decks with steps that lead down to a path that goes to the lake. There's a place for the kids to play. A very relaxing camp ground. We always enjoy our stays here.

Dierks Lake is nice, but the hidden gem on this lake is just south of the dam. It's a small park (only 11 sites), there are no hookups, but there are plenty of other reasons to love this little campground. There are trails to follow, a work out area, a playground plus a swimming area. We really enjoy tent camping here. Fishing along the river isn't half bad either.