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Activities
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Water

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Hickory Nut Mountain

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Campers are Saying

Hickory Nut Mountain, near Mount Ida, Arkansas, is a free camping spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by nature. With picnic tables, fire rings, and a basic restroom, it’s a decent place to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is known for its stunning views and peaceful environment, making it a favorite for those seeking solitude. Visitors have mentioned that it’s not uncommon to have the place to yourself, which adds to the charm. One camper noted, “It’s beautiful & peaceful, most of the time when we visit we are the only campers in the area!”

While the amenities are pretty basic, the surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring. The nearby trails offer a chance to get off the beaten path, and some campers have discovered hidden gems like creek bed camping. Just keep in mind that the roads leading up can be narrow and gravelly, so take it slow.

Though some campers have pointed out issues with litter, many emphasize the importance of leaving the site cleaner than you found it. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy nature without the frills, Hickory Nut Mountain is worth checking out.

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Location

Hickory Nut Mountain is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.56053161 N
93.42409318 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
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

Reviews

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28%
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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2024

Amazing camp site

plenty of spots & a bathroom! Not too far from Hot Springs National Park!

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chloe T., June 25, 2024
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chloe T., June 25, 2024
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chloe T., June 25, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2023

Love This Campsite

I have always loved camping here, it’s beautiful & peaceful, most the time when we visit we are the only campers in the area! Whenever we have encountered people, they has been super friendly. There’s a little road noise & a few cars that drive through to get to the main Trail, but that’s completely fine & didn’t bother us a bit! The only complaint I have is there is glass EVERYWHERE, I spent the whole first & last day picking up glass & trash. We left with three bags of trash from picking up after other campers. I just would hate for someone to not notice & go barefoot & cut themselves. Just remember to pack out what you pack in! Leave campsites cleaner than you found them! :)

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Karlie G., July 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Karlie G., July 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Karlie G., July 26, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2022

Quiet and restroom access

The restroom is a basically a portapotty so be prepared for that otherwise there are picnic tables, grills and fire pits. It’s a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads. But it’s free to stay. We were alone at the campground the entire time we were there.

Site3
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Nicole G., September 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Nicole G., September 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Nicole G., September 1, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2021

Go Off Road Here

We didn’t care for the established sites at the top of the mountain so we headed back down Pollard Creek Trail- what a surprise gem we found! Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day. Plenty of room for our tent and camp kitchen!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Candace R., September 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Candace R., September 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Candace R., September 28, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Beautiful nature; Awful people

The actual campground itself is really gorgeous with a few campsites that distantly overlook the lake however there is glass and trash all over from disrespectful campers who do not care to clean up after themselves however there are also no trash cans here so it's unsurprising.

Stayed on a holiday weekend and the park rangers took to harassing certain campers they believed may have marijuana based on profiling and nothing more.

So in conclusion while the nature is beautiful both the campers and law enforcement will make your stay unbearable.

SiteLast site
Month of VisitAugust
  • night sounds
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2021

What a View

This is a gorgeous spot the view is amazing. Outhouse not so nice door doesn't lock. There is a fire ring, picnic table, grill and it's free. I spent 2 nights here and would definitely come back.

  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Sara W., April 1, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 10, 2021

Great Primitive Camping

Nice view. T-Mobile Cellphone reception. Bathroom, tables, and flat dirt spots. I car camped without any problems. I did see a few trucks drive in and out for sunset, but otherwise I had the place to myself. Can’t ask for much more for a free campsite!

Reviewed Nov. 10, 2020

Behold the beauty!

Hidden off road to the top for scenic view. If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping. If you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude.

  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Jeff P., November 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Jeff P., November 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Jeff P., November 10, 2020
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020

Beautiful Surroundings, Popular Spot

This campground was located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok), on the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Ouachita. The view of the lake was fairly limited, but the site we stayed in did have a clearing in the trees big enough to catch a glimpse of the lake and the surrounding 'mountains'. The site itself was nice enough with a place to pull in, a large picnic table, metal grill, and a fire ring with a grate. The spot we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping. 

This campground shares a drive with a trailhead, so there was more traffic than I was expecting. The first night (Tuesday) we were the only people in the campground but the second night we had some neighbors. 
I will also mention that the second night, a truck came speeding through at about 11:30pm and stopped in front of our campsite before speeding off again down the road. Nothing happened, but it did make me feel slightly uneasy. 

Overall it was a nice experience, but I wouldn't stay here again.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Emerald B., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Emerald B., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Emerald B., October 23, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Nice spot

Only got to stay for a night because of hurricane Laura, The park ranger kindly told us they were shutting it down. Otherwise, very nice free campsite. The picnic tables are beautifully made and there’s a fire pit. You get a view of the lake from the trees and at night you’re surrounded by “lightning bugs”. Which makes the experience a little enchanting.

  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chrischelle N., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chrischelle N., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Chrischelle N., August 27, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2020

Great free camping!

Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area. Please pack out all of your trash!

  • Review photo of Hickory Nut Mountain by Kelsie E., June 11, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Hickory Nut Mountain?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hickory Nut Mountain, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Hickory Nut Mountain have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Hickory Nut Mountain does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Hickory Nut Mountain?

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