A large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou, this free dispersed site sits about a quarter mile off AR Hwy 27 on Middle Fork Road, which handles standard 2WD vehicles without trouble. The gravel-covered ground is level enough for multiple rigs and tents, though campers sleeping without pads may find the surface uncomfortable. No facilities exist on site. Bring your own water, and plan to pack out all trash. Recent visitors have noted litter including broken glass, so a thorough site inspection before setting up is worth the effort. Bayou Bluff Recreation Area Campground lies close by for those who prefer developed amenities, and there are additional campsites near Hector for exploring the broader area.
Description
If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.
The Ozarks are known for the clear mountain streams, but please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.
Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/osfnf/recreation/?cid=fseprd623199
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMiddle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks is located in Arkansas near Hector
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
35.53035 N
92.94551 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 35 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 59 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs from Hot Springs, AR
