Arkansas River's Pool 5 area supports several dispersed camping options throughout lands managed by state wildlife agencies and Corps of Engineers. Most locations sit on gravel surfaces within forested terrain at elevations between 200-350 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping often coincides with frequent thunderstorms and occasional flooding.
What to do
Fishing access points: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides direct access to Lake Conway, though recent visitors note the lake "has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps." Cell reception remains strong with both AT&T and Spectrum carriers.
Wildlife photography: Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA offers multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing across its extensive acreage. One visitor at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA described seeing "ducks, beavers, frogs and more" during their stay, making it ideal for nature photographers.
Stargazing: Minimal light pollution at most dispersed sites creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Camp Robinson mentioned "the birds and frogs sang all evening" providing a natural soundtrack for stargazing sessions.
What campers like
Isolation: Many tent campers appreciate the lack of crowds throughout the region. A camper at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA wrote, "From what I can tell, there is noone else out here," highlighting the solitude available on weekdays.
Morning atmosphere: Early risers enjoy the natural soundtrack at several locations. One reviewer at Erwin Estate High Point noted excellent opportunities for "nature, vista, and sunset photography" with "great cell phone reception" for sharing images.
Free accommodations: Most dispersed sites charge no fees. A Beagle Club Road Pull-Off user mentioned that while there are signs indicating "hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check," suggesting minimal enforcement of permit requirements.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites feature large gravel that may damage vehicle tires. One Beagle Club Road Pull-Off visitor described it as "basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway."
Navigation challenges: GPS services often provide conflicting directions. A Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA camper warned "You cannot trust either Apple or Google maps to get you here" and advised looking for "very small signs that say 'designated camping area'" to locate official sites.
Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Arkansas River - Pool 5 lack toilets, trash service, and potable water. The campsite at Ste Marie Park was described as "clean, well kept" but a reviewer noted "gate locked closed for winter opens up March 1st," indicating seasonal closures.
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Insect activity increases significantly during summer months. One camper recommended "I definitely put on bug spray right away" when staying at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, especially in "90 degrees, summer swampy area" conditions.
Site selection: Choose elevated areas away from standing water. At Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, a camper warned some sites are "by stagnant ponds that I'm sure are horrific breeding grounds for mosquitoes" while others are "far enough from the water that you can't see, or hear the water, and have fewer mosquitoes and bugs."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife observation times. A camper noted "great fishing in our pond" and "wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more" at various locations.
Tips from RVers
Surface considerations: Most sites feature minimal preparation for parking. A reviewer at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA observed "a lot of the spots we saw were gravel so I'm not sure if it would be super comfortable to sleep here in a tent."
Overnight parking: Several locations serve as convenient stopovers for cross-country travelers. One RVer described their Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA experience as "our first stop as we make our way from New Hampshire to California" and "perfect spot for car camping."
Campsite identification: Look for blue markings to identify designated camping areas. A helpful reviewer reported "There are signs for designated camping and the trees have a blue ring painted around them, so it stands out" making it easier to locate appropriate overnight spots.
