Waldron
Parking
Arkansas 72958
Waldron is a city in Scott County, Arkansas, United States. Its population was 3,386 at the 2020 census. The city is the county seat of Scott County.
RiverAR
Cossatot River Swimming And Recreation Area
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Find Brushy Creek at Highway 246, separate from Cossatot Falls and the visitor center. Compare viewing access, camping locations and river safety guidance.
Water type
River
Access
Official
Fee
Confirm current camping, group reservations and other charges with the park. No complete current fee schedule is established in this review.
Best season
Call the park and check weather and river conditions before a water visit. Paddling seasons are not safe-swimming guarantees
Nearby towns
Fort Smith, Waldron, Vandervoort, Wickes
Water body
Cossatot River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Fort Smith, Waldron, Vandervoort, Wickes
Access location not verified
WICKES, AR
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Cossatot River Swimming And Recreation Area
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Choose Brushy Creek, not the wrong park entrance
Brushy Creek Recreation Area sits at Highway 246 in the northern part of Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. Cossatot Falls and the Highway 278 visitor center are different destinations. Use the official park map before setting out; no exact access pin is supplied while entrance coordinates remain unverified.
A swimming area, not a permanent safe-water promise
The trail brochure identifies a swimming area by the east-side picnic grounds and a 0.75-mile Brushy Creek loop. It also describes a river-crossing walkway. Barrier-free viewing access does not establish an accessible route into the water.
Keep whitewater planning separate
The park information brochure warns about low-water-bridge hydraulics, requires life vests for paddlers and floaters, and prohibits glass along the river and parking on bridges. Never drive through a flooded crossing. Ask staff about today's conditions rather than judging them from gallery photos.
Facilities, camping and photographs
Brushy Creek is day use. The current park page lists primitive camping at other named areas and reservable River Ridge group camping. Visitor center services are separate from this access. Park-wide photos may show rapids, bridges or buildings elsewhere, so captions distinguish context from a verified swimming entrance.
Getting There
Use the official park map for Brushy Creek Recreation Area at Highway 246 between Vandervoort and Athens. The Highway 278 visitor center and Cossatot Falls are separate destinations. Follow current signs to designated parking and do not park on bridges. No exact entrance coordinate is supplied until it is verified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The trail brochure identifies a swimming area by the east-side picnic grounds. Confirm present conditions with staff. The described barrier-free walkway is not a verified accessible water-entry route.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Cossatot River State Park
State park
4.8 (420)
1980 US-278, Wickes, AR 71973
Nature preserve with extensive hiking trails, camping grounds & challenging rapids for kayaking.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Travelers Lane RV Park Camp sites
Campground
5 (5)
1100 W 2nd St, Waldron, AR 72958
Running water
Little Pines Recreation Area
Campground
4.6 (46)
Waldron, AR 72958
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
US Forest Services Ranger Station
Campground
4.4 (14)
1541 State Hwy 248, Waldron, AR 72958
Public restroom
Public Bathrooms
Public bathroom
5 (2)
19 Cemetery Rd, Hatfield, AR 71945
US Forestry Department
Forestry service
5 (6)
989 Forest Center Rd, Waldron, AR 72958
Cold Springs Ranger District
City government office
2190 E Main St, Booneville, AR 72927
Frequently Asked Questions About Cossatot River Swimming And Recreation Area
Where is Brushy Creek access?
At the Highway 246 crossing in the northern park area, separate from Cossatot Falls and the Highway 278 visitor center. Use the official park map.
Is a swimming area identified officially?
Yes. The trail brochure identifies one by the east-side picnic grounds, but that does not establish current water safety or an accessible water entry.
Can I camp at Brushy Creek?
The park map identifies it as day use. Plan an overnight stay at a separately identified permitted camping area.
Do gallery photos locate the exact swimming entrance?
No. They show park-wide context, including other river reaches and facilities. Entrance coordinates remain unverified.
Highlights
Distinct Brushy Creek day-use access
Officially identified swimming-area context
Pedestrian river walkway
Separate primitive camping locations
Unique Features
Protected Cossatot River corridor with multiple distinct recreation accesses
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid low-water-bridge hydraulics and flooded crossings
- The brochure requires life vests for paddlers and floaters and warns against inexperienced floating
- Do not jump or dive into unknown water
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historically significant for Native American tribes and early settlers. Named 'skull crusher' for its rapids, symbolizing the power of nature.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Park-wide gallery views include other river reaches and facilities. They are not exact Brushy Creek entrance photos or current flow reports.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
No glass containers on or along the river; no bridge parking. Pack out litter and respect permitted access.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Call the park and check weather and river conditions before a water visit. Paddling seasons are not safe-swimming guarantees.
Difficulty Level
The trail brochure lists a 0.75-mile Brushy Creek loop. Walkway access and natural-surface trail or river entry have different accessibility conditions.
Fee
Confirm current camping, group reservations and other charges with the park. No complete current fee schedule is established in this review.
Facilities
Bring drinking water. Barrier-free walkway access does not establish an accessible route into the river.
Activities
Conditions-dependent swimming at the identified area, trail walking and river viewing; whitewater travel requires a separate plan
Phone
870-385-2201
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Brushy Creek is day use. The current park page lists primitive tent sites at Cossatot Falls and Sandbar, plus reservable River Ridge group camping. Confirm current campsite details; no Cossatot lodge is established.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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