Cahoots Springs

For residents of Arkansas seeking a true, unvarnished outdoor experience, Cahoots Springs near Ben Lomond represents a cherished local secret and a retreat into the simplicity of nature. Unlike large, commercial RV parks, Cahoots Springs offers a deeply authentic, primitive camping environment that speaks to the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Little River County area. This isn't just a campsite; it is a historic landmark and a living repository of local memory, affectionately referred to by some as "Ashley's Camp." The identity of Cahoots Springs is intrinsically linked to its most distinguishing feature: a natural, continually flowing artesian spring that has quenched the thirst of travelers and campers for generations. This site is defined by its rustic charm, where the only sounds are the rustling of leaves in the surrounding timber and the gentle murmur of the spring water. It provides an ideal setting for locals who value escaping the constant connectivity of modern life, offering an 'unplugged' experience where the focus shifts entirely to the natural surroundings, fishing, and genuine relaxation. The experience here is about embracing the essentials—the clean spring water, the quietude of the "bottoms," and the history embedded in the landscape.

The atmosphere at Cahoots Springs is deeply communal and informal, a place where local fishing enthusiasts and families have made traditions for decades. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Arkansas wilderness and a perfect location for introducing the next generation to traditional, low-impact camping. The site’s reputation is built entirely on word-of-mouth and genuine appreciation from those who know the region best, solidifying its place as a valued piece of Arkansas outdoor heritage. It is a place where every visit feels like a step back in time, promising a peaceful, uncomplicated break from the everyday.

Cahoots Springs is situated in the scenic area known as the Little River bottoms, placing it geographically near the small, friendly community of Ben Lomond, Arkansas, within the 71846 ZIP code. While a specific street address isn't always utilized for this type of natural area, its position is recognized locally by the geographic code QVM4+98. This location is easily accessible for residents across Southwest Arkansas, offering a short and manageable drive for weekend excursions. Access often involves traveling along local roads that traverse the bottoms, which can provide a scenic and slightly adventurous approach, particularly for those familiar with the local area, perhaps even utilizing methods such as ATVs for the final leg, as described by long-time visitors. The journey is part of the experience, leading you away from the main thoroughfares and into a deeply private, wooded environment.

For local visitors, accessibility also means proximity to excellent fishing areas, notably the Little River, known for its bounty. The location is famous for the old highway bridge that is near the camp, which serves as a landmark and a prime spot for angling. It is this proximity to productive fishing spots and the relative seclusion in the Little River bottoms that makes Cahoots Springs a highly convenient and desirable destination for those in the surrounding Arkansas counties looking for an escape without a lengthy drive. Being near Ben Lomond, the site remains connected enough to local infrastructure to be easily found, yet remote enough to feel truly disconnected once you arrive, striking an ideal balance for a quintessential Arkansas getaway.

Cahoots Springs embraces a philosophy of simplicity, providing the fundamental services necessary for a traditional, self-sufficient camping experience. This is a site for those who bring their own gear and relish the self-reliance that primitive camping demands. The services are minimal but essential, focused on connecting the visitor with the natural resources of the area.

• Campsite: Designated or informal areas suitable for tent camping, offering a cleared space to pitch a tent and set up a temporary camp within the wooded surroundings.
• Artesian Drinking Water Spring: The most notable and essential service is the natural, continually flowing artesian spring, which provides a source of fresh, potable water for campers and visitors.
• Basic Sanitary Facility: An out house is available on-site, providing the most basic form of toilet facilities, consistent with a rustic, primitive camping location.
• Natural Amenities: The surrounding area provides ample natural resources for campfires (where permitted), picnicking, and setting up shade beneath the natural canopy of the Little River bottoms.
• Historic Water Pool: The small, CCC-built wall creates a pool fed by the spring, which, while historic, has been traditionally used by local fishermen to keep their catches fresh while camping, demonstrating a unique local "service."

The allure of Cahoots Springs lies in its unique natural features and its fascinating local history, providing attractions that go far beyond standard campground amenities.

• Historic CCC Artesian Spring: The centerpiece is the natural spring, enhanced by a small wall built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the New Deal era. This structure, now over 80 years old, is a tangible piece of Arkansas's past, and the water is considered a high-quality drinking source.
• Exceptional Fishing Spot: The camp is situated perfectly near some of the best fishing in the local river system. Visitors specifically praise the fishing from the nearby old highway bridge, referring to it as their "favorite perch jerking spot," known for holding "some big'uns."
• The Catfish Pool Tradition: The small, spring-fed pool created by the CCC wall was historically used by local campers to temporarily "stow their catfish" and other catches, offering a fascinating and practical glimpse into the local fishing culture.
• ATV and Trail Access: The location is noted for being accessible via the "bottoms," suggesting nearby trails or unpaved routes popular with local ATV and off-road enthusiasts, providing an adventurous route into the camp.
• Serene Little River Bottoms Environment: The surrounding environment is characterized by the quiet, shaded woods and rich ecology of the river lowlands, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the distinct atmosphere of the Arkansas woods.

As a rustic, historical, and locally-managed or publicly-accessed primitive area, Cahoots Springs often does not have a formal reservation system or a dedicated, constantly staffed office. Information for this unique spot is primarily handled by local authorities or management groups, should one exist.

• Address: QVM4+98, Ben Lomond, AR 71846, USA (Use the nearest community for navigation.)
• Phone: No specific direct operational phone number is publicly provided for Cahoots Springs itself, reflecting its informal, rustic nature. Visitors should consult local Little River County or Arkansas Game and Fish Commission resources for area information.

For the discerning Arkansas local, Cahoots Springs is worth choosing precisely because it offers what modern, commercial campgrounds do not: an authentic, quiet, and meaningful connection to the land and the state's history. This is the definition of an unplugged getaway. The primary draw is the history you can literally drink—the artesian spring and the surrounding wall, a tangible monument built by the CCC. This is not just water; it's history flowing fresh. Visitors consistently remember the experience, commenting that it's "worth the visit" and recalling fond memories tied to the beautiful area and the fishing. It caters perfectly to those who seek out premier fishing opportunities in the state. The access to the river bottoms and the famous "perch jerking spot" near the old bridge ensures anglers have a high probability of success, a significant consideration for any Arkansas outdoorsman.

Furthermore, in an era dominated by reservations and fees, Cahoots Springs offers a refreshingly simple escape. The rustic facilities—the campsite and out house—are basic but sufficient, encouraging campers to rely on their skills and gear, fostering a rewarding sense of self-sufficiency. It is an ideal environment for families who want to share a traditional camping experience, teaching children about the local environment and the historical significance of sites like the CCC pool, which sparked childhood curiosity about the "big catfish" it often held. By choosing Cahoots Springs, Arkansas residents are choosing to uphold a local tradition, enjoy incredible fishing, and savor the pristine drinking water that has been bubbling up from the earth for generations, all within the intimate, beautiful setting of the Little River bottoms. It offers a level of peaceful seclusion and local flavor that few other sites in the state can match, making it a must-visit for the true Arkansas nature lover.