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Big Fir Primitive Camping

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Big Fir Primitive Camping, near Mount Ida, Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate the simplicity of nature. This free campground offers a handful of primitive sites right by the water, making it a prime location for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying stunning sunrises.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for gathering around after a day of outdoor activities. Visitors have noted the beautiful lake views and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper saying, “It was perfect! Free with beautiful views.” Just keep in mind that there’s no drinking water or electricity available, so come prepared with your supplies.

For those looking to explore, the area is surrounded by numerous islands and waterways, ideal for paddling and fishing. The nearby boat launch makes it easy to get out on the water, and the shaded spots provide a nice retreat from the sun. While some campers have mentioned the presence of bugs, a little bug spray goes a long way in ensuring a comfortable stay.

If you’re seeking a quiet escape with direct access to nature, Big Fir Primitive Camping is a solid choice. Just remember to bring everything you need, as amenities are limited, but the natural beauty and tranquility make it worth the trip.

Description

Big Fir Campground is a primitive campground on the northwest end of Lake Ouachita. This small campground is one of the most out of the way and secluded campgrounds on the lake. The 50 or so campsites here are all non-electric and primitive. There is a boat ramp and restrooms within the park. If you are looking for an out of the way place to camp, you have found it with the Big Fir Campground. This is a beautiful location on the lake with plenty of trees and good lake views. There is fishing available from the bank.

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Location

Big Fir Primitive Camping is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located Off of Hwy 188 on the west side of the lake. Look for the sign.

Coordinates

34.113380387474734 N
93.32272712219793 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Big Fir Primitive Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2024

Awesome Stay

I have my truck and 25 ft camper and have stayed five nights right on the water. There’s been at least a couple campers around every night but not rowdy. A lot of people here to fish. I did put in “Big Fir Recreational Use Area” to find the site as someone else mentioned. I have plenty of service through Verizon and my Starlink works great here too.

Month of VisitApril
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  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Arielle J., April 26, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 20, 2022

Great place, app directions/map not correct

The directions link in the app took me to the middle of nowhere and the map that shows is not anywhere close so be careful. Search Big Fir Public Use Area in your gps/Google instead.

That said when I did arrive at the right place it was great. Good facilities, quiet and I'd definitely come back again.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2022

Lake views everywhere!

It was perfect! Free with beautiful views. Fishing right on the lake is available and trees for my hammock.

Siteb14
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Patti P., April 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Patti P., April 27, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2021

Chiggers and sand fleas

This was a beautiful free campsite with several grills and concrete picnic tables. You are able to access and swim in the lake. There are also vault toilets but you will need to duck through the huge spiders. No running water or electricity and no stores close so be prepared with food and water. There is also limited or no wood available on site.. Cell phone service was good for AT&T. We planned to stay here for the weekend HOWEVER we were nearly eaten alive by chiggers and sand fleas even with bug spray. I don't have a clue how the other campers were able to stay We had to leave early the next morning. There were campers dogs running around and even they were being eaten up. Side note: ranger came around and got our names and license plate number "in case we went missing"

Month of VisitAugust
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Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Water wonderland

Amazing place, 9-12 primitive sites with pits and a picnic table . Small campers and vans can fit in most of them. Mostly shaded right on the water. Free yes it’s free , truly an amazing spot held dear by locals . Amazing sunrise , a bit buggy so prepare . Pit toilet , no water available , no showers , no market (30minute drive) not reservable , awesome

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Kayakers dream

Amazing campground, free camp made by army core of engineers as part of the new deal when several valleys were flooded to creat over 200 islands and 40,000 acres of water ways. Campsite features primitive sites, fire pit and grill and picnic table . About 9 spots , half of those can take a small camper or van the others are best for car and two are jeep only due to tree roots . We stayed here 5 days because it was so nice , all spots have direct water access for boats . There’s also a boat launch nearby . There are pit toilets which are decent , no water available so bring it.., bring lots of bug repellent it can get a bit buggy at dusk … pebble beaches near two other islands “ hotdog “ and “hamburger “ lots of crystals here also .. water was in the 80s …. Ranger we ran too at a state park near bye said this place can get rowdy… so far locals have been super kind and chill so our interpretation of rowdy is a bit different . It’s about 30 minutes from resupply down mostly gravel roads , but should be fine for small rigs if you go slow

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 17, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2021

Wow what a sunrise

Really love this place if you’re into kayaking or boating there’s hundreds of little islands you can paddle off to there’s about nine Premitive Sites you can park a small RV camper definitely van at each spot half of them have lovely area waterfront accent is easy highly recommend for tubing kayaking wakeboarding paddle boarding the water in June was around 80°

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by gaetan S., June 16, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Free camping next to the water

I've used this campground multiple times and while there is no water or electricity it offers an excellent view of the lake and a few camping spots right along the shoreline. There are roughly 10 spots to camp, about six on the water and a few just off the water but they do fill fast due to the free nature of the site especially on holidays.

Be advised that the bathroom is a pit toilet situation with absolutely no running water. Fires are permitted, and the grounds are monitored fairly frequently. I have never had any issue with the patrols or other campers. Really excellent area and I can't recommend it enough if you do not require water or electric.

SiteNot numbered
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Reese R., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Reese R., May 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Reese R., May 30, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

An incredible Hidden Gem

Last minute circumstances caused us to scramble for a new place for our annual Labor Day campout. We found a small place online and reserved a spot. A 7-hour drive later, we arrive to what can only be described as a hobo camp. Bad doesn't come close to describing this place. I was ready to drive 7 hours back home before staying an this travesty of a campground! My two partners in crime began scanning the local state and national parks, looking for anything suitable for a drive up campsite. We found a review of Big Fir and seeing it was only 45 minutes away, we gave it a shot! And we were not disappointed!!! Flat land on a Lake Peninsula secluded from nearly everyone! And even the few other campers that did arrive were barely noticeable! As an all guys trip, we don't mind a lack of bathroom facilities, but when available, are happy to use them! These were powerless, but clean! A nice treat after a terrible start.

10/10 and am already making plans to go back, next time with the boat in tow!!!

  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Brian E., September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Brian E., September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Brian E., September 8, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

Free and beautiful

Pit toilets, no water. Only about 6 sites. Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, and standing BBQS. Not many flat sights for tents, but doable. Road in is part gravel and some paved. Only 4 stars because people leave trash on the ground even though there are bins. Trees are plentiful and shady. Many paths down to the river/lake. Boat motor noise, but not too bad.

  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Cat R., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Fir Primitive Camping by Cat R., July 14, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Big Fir Primitive Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Fir Primitive Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Big Fir Primitive Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Big Fir Primitive Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Big Fir Primitive Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.