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Best Dispersed Camping near Arkansas River - Pool 5

8 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Arkansas River - Pool 5, with Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offering the highest-rated experience. Located near Lake Conway, this free site permits tent camping with multiple access options including drive-in and boat-in. The site allows campfires and pets but provides no facilities or hookups. A camper noted, "The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum."

Forest Road 179 in the Ouachita National Forest hosts two dispersed camping areas - Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed and Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site. Both permit tents and RVs with drive-in access, campfires, and are free to use. The creekside location features three large rock fire rings on rocky terrain approximately 150 yards from the main forest road. A review mentioned, "The site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no larger than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here." These sites have no facilities or cell service, and the access track may be challenging for some vehicles. The creek provides fishing opportunities and summer swimming when water levels permit.

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arkansas River - Pool 5

8 Reviews of 7 Arkansas River - Pool 5 Campgrounds

  • 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
    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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

    Small, super primitive. Says permit required doubt anyone is checking .

    Not much too it. Basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    Free camp in the trees by drained part of lake

    Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. Picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now. I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    People kept driving in

    I woke up a 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window. So I was packed up and was out by 2am.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    Great little spot

    Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out.

  • Julie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2024

    Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    Great place to overnight

    The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening.

  • Rachel S.
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

    Fine for a night

    Spent just one night here. Easy to find and has a water spigot. Noticed a sign in the morning that said hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check. One other person here. A bit buggy but otherwise a quiet spot to get some sleep!

Guide to Arkansas River - Pool 5

Dispersed camping near Arkansas River - Pool 5 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some great options to consider.

Enjoy Peaceful Nights Under the Stars

  • Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides a serene atmosphere with the sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot for a restful night after a long day of travel.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Arkansas River - Pool 5 in Arkansas

  • Beagle Club Road Pull-Off is a convenient option for a quick overnight stay, featuring easy access and a water spigot, perfect for those on the go. More details can be found here.

Activities to Explore While Free Camping Near Arkansas River - Pool 5

  • North Webb Lake Camp, while primarily a rest stop, offers a chance to explore nearby back roads that may lead to hidden camping spots, ideal for adventurous campers looking for a unique experience. Discover more about it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping along Pool 5 of the Arkansas River?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Pool 5 of the Arkansas River. Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed offers a large creekside site located about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (Wildcat Mountain Rd). If traveling southbound on FR179, look for the track on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. Another option is Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, which is located along a well-maintained gravel forest road in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County. This site is spacious enough for multiple vehicles and features a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River.

What amenities are available at Arkansas River Pool 5 dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas along Pool 5 of the Arkansas River typically offer minimal amenities, staying true to their primitive nature. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides access to Lake Conway for fishing and water activities, with campers reporting good cell reception for AT&T and Spectrum carriers. The area offers beautiful sunsets and peaceful surroundings with the sounds of birds and frogs. Beagle Club Road Pull-Off features a water spigot, which is uncommon for dispersed sites. Most locations have no trash services (pack it in, pack it out), no restroom facilities, and no hookups for RVs. Prepare for self-sufficient camping with your own water, sanitation solutions, and power.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping at Pool 5 of the Arkansas River?

Dispersed camping regulations at Pool 5 of the Arkansas River typically require permits for camping activities. At Beagle Club Road Pull-Off, there are signs indicating that hunting, fishing, or camping permits are required, though enforcement may vary. Some areas have restrictions on tent camping - for example, North Webb Lake Camp reportedly has signage prohibiting tent camping while allowing RVs. Always check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for current regulations, as they manage most of the land surrounding Pool 5. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply to all dispersed sites in the area.

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