Ed Banks Campsite 1

For Arkansans seeking an authentic wilderness experience, a true escape into the heart of nature, Ed Banks Campsite 1 offers a compelling option. Located within the breathtaking Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area in Umpire, Arkansas, this campsite is not for those looking for glamping or extensive amenities. Instead, it promises a genuine primitive camping adventure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Ouachita Mountains and the exhilarating power of the Cossatot River.

Ed Banks Campsite 1 is celebrated for its clean and well-managed environment, a testament to the dedication of the park's oversight by Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the rustling leaves replace the noise of everyday life, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuits like whitewater paddling, hiking, and wildlife observation. While the facilities are intentionally minimal, they are designed to support a responsible and respectful interaction with this unique natural treasure.

Ed Banks Campsite 1 is located on Weyco Rd 52000, Umpire, AR 71971, USA. This places it deep within the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, a significant wilderness preserve in the Ouachita Mountains of southwest Arkansas. The park itself spans a rugged 12.5-mile section of the Cossatot River, often referred to as the "skull crusher" due to its challenging whitewater rapids.

Reaching the campsite requires navigating a combination of paved highways and gravel roads. The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area can typically be accessed by traveling U.S. 278 west from Umpire or east from Highway 71 at Wickes. Highway 246 also passes through the northern portion of the park. Weyco Road 52000 is one of the designated Weyerhaeuser roads that provide access to the interior of the property and various river access points. These roads are often used for forest management, including timber hauling, so caution is advised when driving.

Once at the specific Ed Banks area, access to Campsite 1 is typically a "walk-in" or "hike-in" situation, meaning you park in a designated lot and then carry your gear to the campsite. This primitive access contributes to the secluded feel of the site. While the location offers a deep immersion into the wilderness, it is still within reasonable driving distances from larger towns like Hot Springs (approx. 1 hr 31 min), Texarkana (approx. 1 hr 37 min), Fort Smith (approx. 2 hrs 5 min), and Little Rock (approx. 2 hrs 17 min), making it an attainable backcountry experience for many Arkansans.

Ed Banks Campsite 1 is characterized as a "primitive campsite," meaning it offers very limited services, focusing on a true wilderness camping experience. Based on public information and customer reviews, the services available include:

• Primitive Campsite: The site is designed for tent camping, with no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for a backcountry-style experience.

• Pit Toilet: A basic pit toilet (vault toilet) is available for waste disposal. This is typically a non-flush restroom, providing a designated facility for hygiene.

• Bear-Resistant Trash Can: To minimize human-wildlife conflict and maintain a clean environment, a bear-resistant trash can is provided. This is crucial in a natural area where wildlife, including bears, may be present.

• Picnic Table: Each campsite usually includes a picnic table for outdoor meal preparation and dining.

• Firepit / Fire Ring / Grill: Designated fire rings or pits with grills are typically available for campfires and cooking, allowing for safe fire management.

• River Access: As part of the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, the campsite provides direct or very close access to the Cossatot River, ideal for paddlers, anglers, and those seeking to enjoy the river's unique features.

• No Other Services: It is explicitly stated in reviews that there are "No other services." This means campers should not expect amenities like potable water at the site, flush toilets beyond the pit toilet, showers, Wi-Fi, or a visitor center directly at the campsite. All water should be filtered or brought in, and campers must practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Managed by Arkansas State Parks: While primitive, the campsite is managed by Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, ensuring a degree of oversight for cleanliness and environmental protection.

• True Primitive Wilderness Experience: The most significant highlight of Ed Banks Campsite 1 is its offering of an authentic primitive camping experience. It provides a genuine escape from developed areas, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

• Access to the Cossatot River: Situated within the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, the campsite provides excellent access to the "Skull Crusher" river. This is a major draw for experienced whitewater kayakers and canoeists who seek its challenging Class III, IV, and V rapids (note: river levels are rain-dependent and often best in winter/spring).

• Scenic Ouachita Mountain Setting: The campground is nestled in the rugged and beautiful Ouachita Mountains, offering stunning natural scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and a peaceful forested environment.

• Hiking Opportunities: The campsite serves as an excellent base for exploring sections of the River Corridor Trail, a 12.5-mile linear trail winding through the park's challenging terrain, offering rewarding views and a strenuous hike.

• Clean and Well-Managed: Despite its primitive nature, the campsite is noted by reviewers as "Clean" and "well managed." This indicates that while basic, the facilities are maintained, and efforts are made to keep the area tidy, which is crucial for a positive primitive camping experience.

• Bear-Resistant Amenities: The provision of a bear-resistant trash can is a practical and essential feature for safety in this wilderness area, demonstrating responsible management.

• Fishing and Nature Observation: The Cossatot River and its surrounding natural area offer opportunities for fishing (with proper licensing) and abundant wildlife viewing, including unique species native to the Ouachitas.

• Seclusion and Tranquility: Due to its primitive nature and "walk-in" access, the campsite typically offers a high degree of seclusion and quiet, making it ideal for those who value solitude in nature.

Address: Weyco Rd 52000, Umpire, AR 71971, USA

As Ed Banks Campsite 1 is part of the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, contact information is typically for the park's main office:

• Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area Office Phone: (870) 385-2201 or (870) 385-7858

• Email: cossatotriver@arkansas.com

• Website: For more detailed information about the park, including camping regulations, river conditions, and hiking trails, visit the official Arkansas State Parks website for Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area:

  https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cossatot-river-state-park-natural-area

It is highly recommended to contact the park staff directly or visit their website before planning a trip to Ed Banks Campsite 1 to confirm current conditions, access roads, any fee changes, and especially river levels if planning to paddle. While the site itself is primitive, the park office can provide essential information for a safe and enjoyable visit.

For Arkansans, Ed Banks Campsite 1 offers a particularly suitable and compelling opportunity to connect with the state's rugged natural heritage. Locals often seek out genuine outdoor experiences that showcase Arkansas's unique beauty, and this primitive campsite within the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area delivers precisely that.

Firstly, its primitive nature is a major draw for seasoned Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts. Many Arkansans are accustomed to and appreciative of less developed camping options that provide a deeper immersion into the wilderness. Ed Banks Campsite 1, with its basic amenities like a pit toilet and bear-resistant trash can, encourages self-reliance and a respectful approach to nature, aligning with the values of responsible outdoor recreation prevalent in the state. It's a place where you can truly escape the crowds and find solitude.

Secondly, the campsite's location within the renowned Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a significant advantage. For Arkansans passionate about whitewater paddling, the Cossatot River is a legendary destination, offering some of the most challenging rapids in the central United States. Being able to camp right on its banks, or a short walk away, provides unparalleled access to this world-class recreational opportunity. Beyond paddling, the extensive hiking trails within the park, particularly the challenging River Corridor Trail, appeal to local hikers seeking strenuous and rewarding treks through the Ouachita Mountains.

Furthermore, the fact that it is "clean" and "well managed" by Arkansas State Parks is a strong testament to its suitability. Even primitive sites require oversight, and knowing that the state parks system maintains the area provides a level of confidence for locals concerned about environmental preservation and basic safety. It allows Arkansans to proudly utilize and enjoy one of their state's most cherished natural assets. For those who embrace the spirit of adventure and seek a raw, unfiltered connection with the Arkansas wilderness, Ed Banks Campsite 1 stands out as an ideal and authentic local choice.

Ed Banks Campsite 1

Weyco Rd 52000, Umpire, AR 71971, USA