Forest Road 83W provides access to this dispersed camping spot along CR 84, where a single site accommodates truck campers on level ground with easy drive-in access. The US Forest Service maintains this free camping area within forested terrain, complete with a clean rock fire ring and space for campfires. A small pond sits a short walk through the woods behind the site, likely serving as a wildlife watering hole.
The site sits close enough to the forest road that passing vehicles can create dust, though Fred S. noted the road surface remains in excellent condition. No hiking trails connect directly to this location, but the surrounding forest offers informal walking and exploration opportunities. T-Mobile users should expect no cell service in this area. Campers can find additional dispersed options at Off FR83W/CR9 Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR about three miles east along the same forest road system.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingFR 83W/CR84 Dispersed near Pond, Ouachita NF, AR is located in Arkansas
Coordinates
34.905374897385045 N
93.27455801619082 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- 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
- 1 hr 15 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 41 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 51 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 35 min from Fayetteville, AR
