Best Dispersed Camping near Arkadelphia, AR

Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest surrounds the Arkadelphia, Arkansas region, with numerous free primitive sites located primarily along Forest Service roads. Most camping areas are situated along Forest Roads 132, 153, and 179, offering access to remote forest settings with minimal development. The Ouachita National Forest manages these lands, providing backcountry camping opportunities without designated facilities or services. Sites typically feature simple rock fire rings and informal parking areas that accommodate small to medium vehicles.

Forest roads accessing dispersed sites vary considerably in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles due to erosion, washouts, and rough terrain. Several reviews note that Forest Road 153 has significant drainage issues and exposed pipes that may prevent passenger cars from reaching campsites. Most dispersed areas lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or potable water. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and campers must practice Leave No Trace principles. Cellular coverage varies by location, with T-Mobile service available at some sites while others remain completely disconnected. Many sites are not level and may require adjustment for comfortable camping.

The Ouachita National Forest provides scenic camping with varying accessibility to natural features. Some sites offer ridge-top positions with panoramic views, while others are positioned near creeks or rivers. "Great view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs," notes one camper about a Forest Road 132 location. Another visitor to Forest Road 153 described "amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises" despite the rocky terrain. Many dispersed sites are positioned near hiking trails, including the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, allowing easy access to backcountry exploration. Bear activity has been reported in the area, requiring proper food storage. While most sites remain relatively quiet and uncrowded, seasonal variations affect both site conditions and user experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arkadelphia, Arkansas (17)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arkadelphia, AR

20 Reviews of 17 Arkadelphia Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Dispersed Camping near Ouachita National Recreation Trail, AR

    Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. Free dispersed site, no facilities. Rock fire ring. Should be enough parking for 2 vehicles. Suitable for tent camping, car camping, truck camping & van camping. Mostly level. There was plenty of firewood left by the fire ring. Camped here in February; very quiet. Only 2 vehicles drove by. Had a few bars of T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    Creekside dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Camped here on Dec 13, 2023. Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site. Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level. The site has a rock fire ring. Only a few vehicles drove by the site on FR179. Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing. Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service.  Love this spot!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

    Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

    Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed

    Large creekside dispersed site

    Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Crystal Mountain Dispersed

    Good View with Difficult Access

    I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Irons Fork

    Nicest free spot I’ve seen!

    The place was beautiful and had plenty of lake access points too. I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that. Some nice mature trees were there but didn’t get in the way of our view of the lake. There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring. More spaces are available near the road as well. Bugs weren’t much of an issue but we did use bug spray. There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire. I’m happy we visited, but not happy about the humidity- I am thankful we were able to sleep in the car though! There was only one other person there. It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage. We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal.

  • Sophia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Worthwhile if you take some time to look!

    Stayed at two different spots here. First was a couple miles from the main road (highway 7). Plenty of room but close to the road and some trash, decent for pulling in after dark though. Second spot (pictured) was amazing— maybe 5-10 miles back of I had to guess. There are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but we’ll covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather. Not sure how many sites are back here total. Expect to drive a ways between spots.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2024

    FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

    Super Simple But Has Signal

    WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

    The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.


Guide to Arkadelphia

Dispersed camping opportunities near Arkadelphia, Arkansas extend beyond Forest Roads 132, 153, and 179 to include several lesser-known but equally rustic sites within the Ouachita National Forest. These primitive camping locations sit at elevations between 500-2,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during the day and dropping to 65-75°F at night. Forest terrain consists predominantly of oak-pine forest interspersed with rocky outcroppings that create natural lookout points throughout the region.

What to do

Trail access for hikers: Several dispersed sites connect directly to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. At Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR, campers can reach the trail with minimal travel time. "Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby," confirms one visitor, while another adds "The Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site."

Fishing opportunities: Irons Fork camping area provides direct water access for anglers. A camper at Irons Fork reported, "We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower." Another mentioned "plenty of lake access points" making this location suitable for fishing throughout summer months.

Forest exploration: The dense woods surrounding many sites offer walking options without formal trails. At North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed, a visitor noted, "I enjoyed walking along the forest road and strolling in the forest surrounding the site." The varied terrain provides natural exploration opportunities, with many sites offering informal paths into the surrounding woodlands.

What campers like

Ridge-top positions: Elevated camping spots offer superior views across the Ouachita range. A camper at Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest described, "Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and no very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on. Great views."

Privacy and seclusion: Many sites offer separation from other campers, particularly during weekdays. "We were the only campers," reports one visitor to Irons Fork, while another noted the campground was "quiet, cute" with minimal disturbances. Campers frequently report having entire areas to themselves, especially during off-peak seasons.

Prepared fire rings: Most sites include established rock fire rings for safe campfires. At FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR, a visitor found a "Clean site with a clean rock fire ring." Another camper at Forest Service RD 132 mentioned "a fire pit, prepared firewood, and a nice stump to chop more on."

What you should know

High-clearance vehicle requirements: Many forest roads have worsened in condition recently, making passenger car access difficult. One camper at Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest warned, "We couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road." Another added, "Off grid camp site need 4×4 some washouts on forest service rd 153."

Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the Ouachita National Forest. A camper at Irons Fork noted, "It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom." Proper food storage is essential at all sites.

Variable cellular coverage: Service is inconsistent across the region. A visitor at North Fork Creek Rd reported "no T-Mobile cell service at this site," while others found spotty coverage depending on location and carrier. Some ridge-top sites offer better connectivity than valley locations.

Limited site amenities: Beyond fire rings, most sites offer no facilities. "No amenities like bathrooms, water, or trash," explained one camper. Any available toilets are typically vault-style with minimal maintenance, as one Irons Fork visitor cautioned: "There are bathrooms but they are RANK so just pee n poop in the woods."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for comfort: Choose level areas for easier tent setup when camping with children. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, a visitor noted, "Tent and hammock camping are possible. Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge." This shade can be beneficial for keeping temperatures comfortable during summer months.

Water safety considerations: Sites near lakes or creeks require close supervision. A camper at Irons Fork reported, "I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that," indicating swimming options exist but without lifeguards or maintained beaches.

Weather preparation: The region experiences sudden weather changes that families should prepare for. "The site is not quite level; some leveling may be required," notes one camper about FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, indicating the need for proper tent positioning and rain preparation.

Security awareness: While most campers report positive experiences, isolated incidents occur. One Irons Fork visitor warned, "People before us had definitely left some trash around tho. Went to bed no problems then heard a big loud pickup truck w a trailer pull up at 5am...and come to find they STOLE OUR PADLOCKED COOLER."

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Most primitive sites require significant leveling for RVs. A camper at Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest explained, "The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller."

Size limitations: Many forest roads cannot accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Forest Service RD 132 noted, "Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required."

Water resource planning: No water hookups exist at any dispersed sites. All RV campers must bring sufficient water supplies for their entire stay, as there are no potable water sources available at primitive camping locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arkadelphia, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arkadelphia, AR is Irons Fork with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arkadelphia, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Arkadelphia, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.