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Best Dispersed Camping near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

34 Reviews

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist within 30-50 miles of Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam. Harris Brake Lake offers free lakeside camping with picnic tables and designated fire rings but no other amenities. The site provides excellent sunset views over the water and level parking for vehicles up to 25' in length. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides another free option near Lake Conway with tent camping in a wooded setting, though reviews indicate the lake is partially drained due to maintenance work.

Forest Road 179 in the Ouachita National Forest contains multiple dispersed sites including creekside camping approximately 150 yards east of the main road. These sites typically feature rock fire rings and dirt surfaces suitable for tents and small RVs. The forest roads are generally navigable with standard vehicles, though some access tracks require higher clearance. According to one visitor, "The forest road was in good condition during my visit. A 2-wheel drive passenger car should be able to reach this site." Most forest sites lack cell service, with visitors noting "No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service" at several locations. No drinking water or toilet facilities are available at any of these dispersed sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam (21)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

19 Photos of 21 Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

34 Reviews of 21 Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam 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
    Jan. 14, 2022

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Popular dispersed campsite in the Ouachita National Forest. Only one site; not a campground. Located on the gravel Brown Creek Road in Perry County, Arkansas. The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite. Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing). This campsite is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site. There are other dispersed sites along Brown Creek Road. The site is close to the road; there's a large mud puddle covering one of the 2 entrances to this site. 2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site. Large pine trees on the site. Hammock camping is possible. No water (except for creek). No toilets nor showers. No trash - take out what you bring in. May need to hike a ways in the woods to find firewood. Large rock fire ring on site. No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service. Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed

    Nice wooded dispersed site above a small creek

    Coordinates: 34.87057,-92.89844. Camped here on April 20, 2025. Located along Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), appoximately 1/2 mile west of the Brown Creek Cascade dispersed site and trail head (see separate listing). Large, level site with a dirt surface. Should easily accomadate 2 or 3 rigs and tents. Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway). Easy access from the forest road. The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season. Only 6 vehicles passed by during my stay (which was on a Monday evening). There is a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site. A small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek. The site is shaded; solar charging and Starlink connectivity may be difficult. Hammock camping is possible. No T-Mobile cell service. No access to hiking trails at the site; trailheads for Brown Creek Cascade and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are a short drive away. Loved this site. Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek. Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots. No issues for high clearance 4x4 vehicles.

  • 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!

  • Samuel S.
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Harris Brake Lake

    Maintained, lovely view, FREE

    We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood. This is small as far as public land goes; more like a little park. Very pretty however, and lovely view of the lake!

    I am towing a 19' travel trailer. And someone else is here with a 22'. There are a few places to park with no need to backup.

    My coordinates: 34.9831627, -92.7626397

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

Dispersed camping near the Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Camp Robinson Dispersed Site for dispersed campers

  • Nestled among the trees, the Camp Robinson Dispersed Site provides a serene environment, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • This location allows for various access types, including boat-in and hike-in, making it a versatile choice for adventurous campers.
  • Visitors have noted the beauty of the area, especially during sunset, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam in Arkansas

  • When camping at the Beagle Club Road Pull-Off, be prepared for a primitive experience, as it offers minimal amenities and is best suited for quick overnight stays.
  • Always carry your own water and firewood, as many dispersed sites, like the Harris Brake Lake, do not provide these essentials.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the natural sounds of the area, as many campers have reported peaceful nights filled with the sounds of birds and frogs.

Great activities while free camping near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of the Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site to the North Fork of the Saline River, offering great opportunities for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Hiking is a popular activity in the area, with trails accessible from sites like the FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, allowing you to explore the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.
  • For those who enjoy stargazing, many dispersed sites, such as the Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, offer clear skies and minimal light pollution, perfect for a night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam is Camp Robinson Dispersed Site with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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