Free dispersed camping on Forest Road 153 in the Ouachita National Forest comes with a real caveat: the road itself demands respect. Reviewers consistently flag washouts and erosion between the site and Highway 7, with exposed drainage pipes and sections that have only been partially repaired. A 4x4 with meaningful ground clearance is the practical minimum; one camper in an AWD Subaru Outback couldn't reach the site at all. Drivers towing anything longer than 20 feet should look elsewhere.
The site sits on a ridge top, which shapes the experience in a few notable ways. Wind moves through the trees regularly, a plus in summer heat and a factor worth planning around in colder months. Sightlines open up in multiple directions, with the clearest views coming in winter when foliage thins out. The surface is rocky with sparse grass, and the ground runs slightly off-level, so tent campers may need to search for a workable patch. Two rock fire rings mark the area, and T-Mobile users have reported solid cell coverage here.
Capacity is limited. The site fits roughly one to three rigs comfortably, with a hard upper limit for anything larger than a truck camper. Logan R. describes it as having "360 sunsets and sunrises," which reflects the exposed ridge position rather than any surrounding shelter. Nearby options for comparison include Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest about three miles east and Iron Springs a few miles to the south. This spot makes the most sense for self-sufficient campers in capable vehicles who don't mind a rough approach and want a free, uncrowded overnight with open sky overhead.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest is located in Arkansas near Jessieville
Coordinates
34.80871884142487 N
93.07559838622788 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 38 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 12 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 27 min from Fayetteville, AR
