Dispersed camping options near Arkansas River - Pool 5 include several primitive sites in the surrounding Ouachita National Forest and adjacent to Lake Conway. The terrain varies from rocky creek beds to wooded lakeside areas where campers can experience rural Arkansas wilderness without facilities. Weather conditions fluctuate seasonally with humid summers reaching 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall optimal camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Beagle Club Road Pull-Off, anglers can access nearby waterways with a required permit. One visitor reported, "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."
Creek exploration: Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed offers creek access for warm-weather swimming. A camper noted, "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."
Stargazing: When camping at rustic sites near Arkansas River - Pool 5, take advantage of minimal light pollution. The forest canopy at many sites blocks partial views, but clearings provide night sky observation points. Campers recommend bringing red-filtered headlamps to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers isolation while remaining accessible. A reviewer mentioned, "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
Natural soundscape: The ambient sounds of wildlife enhance the primitive camping experience near Arkansas River. A camper at Camp Robinson noted, "The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening."
Multiple tent spaces: Most dispersed sites accommodate several tents despite limited vehicle parking. At Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, a visitor observed, "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."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. While Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers reliable reception, Forest Rd 179 areas have no service. A camper confirmed, "No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service" at Ouachitas FR179.
Site conditions: Be prepared for rustic, unimproved sites. At Beagle Club Road Pull-Off, a visitor warned, "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."
Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require navigating unmaintained forest roads. For Forest Rd 179 Creekside, a camper explained, "Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subaru."
Permit requirements: Some areas require hunting, fishing, or camping permits. For North Webb Lake Camp, regulations are enforced inconsistently. Verify current requirements with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Insect activity intensifies during warmer months near water features. A Camp Robinson camper advised, "Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. I definitely put on bug spray right away."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one visitor reported, "I woke up at 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."
Water access planning: Creek levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming opportunities. Many creekside sites flood after heavy rain, so check weather forecasts before setting up camp. Pack additional water containers for dry seasons when streams may run low.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near Arkansas River - Pool 5 accommodate smaller rigs only. At Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, a reviewer noted, "Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no larger than a truck camper."
Level parking spots: Finding flat parking requires advance scouting. A camper at Ouachitas FR179 shared, "Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level."
Alternative options: Some designated "camping" areas are actually rest stops unsuitable for overnight stays. One visitor to North Webb Lake Camp clarified, "Literal rest stop on the side of highway. Says no tent camping, but it seemed like an RV was planning on staying."
