Best Dispersed Camping near Bella Vista, AR

Several dispersed camping areas can be found around Bella Vista, Arkansas, where you'll need to bring everything you need and take it all back out with you. Bella Vista City Park Campground has some primitive sites without facilities, so you'll be completely on your own. Following Leave No Trace practices is important here to keep the land in good shape. Some undeveloped spots exist in Bella Vista Area State Park too, which tend to be quiet and away from crowds. You'll need to camp at least 100 feet from any water or roads to protect the environment. Most areas limit stays to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the backcountry. Many of the better spots require high-clearance vehicles since the roads aren't maintained. Fire rules change throughout the year, so check before you go if you plan to have a campfire. Since there's no trash service, plan to carry out everything you bring in. Weather in Bella Vista works best for camping in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Summers get pretty hot, so you'll need extra water. Winter nights can get cold, requiring warmer sleeping bags and clothing. Bella Vista Recreation Area has some more remote options if you want to try boondocking. Make sure you get any required permits before setting up camp on public lands. The area has lots of wildlife, so store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. Stick to these guidelines and you'll have a good time camping in the woods around Bella Vista.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bella Vista, Arkansas (4)

    1. Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Pineville, MO
    10 miles

    "Right off highway K! Coordinates looks like it drops you off at the middle of the road but there is a gravel drive. Brings you to a grass lot with a trail off of it."

    "Pretty remote. Quiet. Tick dog tried to get through the tick gate but failed unfortunately. No table. Burn ban, so no fires. No ticks. Hard to get to in the dark, but nice scenery."

    2. Lookout Tower Road

    3 Reviews
    Siloam Springs, AR
    23 miles

    "Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy."

    "We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there."

    3. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    25 miles

    "Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure."

    "Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight."

    4. Dispersed Near Devils Den

    2 Reviews
    Chester, AR
    48 miles

    "The coordinates are fairly accurate. The entryways are a little tight for vehicles, but I made it in my sprinter van so everything else should be just fine. Would’ve been a nearly perfect campsite."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bella Vista, AR

5 Photos of 4 Bella Vista Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bella Vista, AR

7 Reviews of 4 Bella Vista Campgrounds


  • Lauren
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Be careful!

    I just got back from staying here for a night. For one, it is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company (by walking 15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites) to help pull me out for $400. The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails. They told me that had I gotten caught with my car in there I would have had to pay a big fine. He said camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in. Saying all of that, there are still multiple really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits. I would have been fine with parking and walking in. Also, I was in pretty deep and could still hear the cars on the highway, but not many come by (at least not on a Tuesday night). The creek is nice. Also tons of fireflies which was cool.

  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you’re good to go for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • ‘Chelle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.

  • Bud D.
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Lookout Tower Road

    Fairly clean

    Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.

  • Mack Daddy Van L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Great hidden spot by the water

    The coordinates are fairly accurate. The entryways are a little tight for vehicles, but I made it in my sprinter van so everything else should be just fine. Would’ve been a nearly perfect campsite. Had it not been for all the trash left by others. Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing. Insect surprisingly weren’t that bad. Traffic from nearby road is almost nonexistent. Stay two nights no issues.

  • Michelle T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Lookout Tower Road

    Perfect night out from Bentonville Arkansas

    We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there. There was plenty of space for the dog to roam without getting into high grass where ticks would be festering and it was a sweet little private getaway for a night before driving on. We highly recommend. Starlink didn't work but Verizon did for phone calls only.

  • Chad C.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Lookout Tower Road

    40 foot Bluebird Bus

    I managed to get our 40 foot Bluebird Bus up here. Nice spot well ish maintained.


Guide to Bella Vista

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bella Vista, Arkansas, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Enjoy Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Bella Vista

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lookout Tower Road

  • For a clean and spacious experience, Lookout Tower Road offers multiple spots with ample room and a strong cell signal, making it a convenient choice for modern campers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bella Vista, Arkansas

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Bella Vista, Arkansas?

When dispersed camping near Bella Vista, follow standard leave-no-trace principles. At Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area, campers must use established fire rings and be mindful of seasonal burn bans, particularly in Mark Twain National Forest areas. The 'pack it in, pack it out' rule is strictly enforced to prevent trash accumulation. Most dispersed sites have no facilities, limited signage, and may require permits depending on the specific forest or conservation area. Always check with the appropriate land management agency before your trip as regulations can change seasonally.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas around Bella Vista, Arkansas?

While Bella Vista itself has limited dispersed camping, several excellent options are within driving distance. Lookout Tower Road is about 40 minutes from Bentonville and offers spacious sites suitable for various vehicles - even 40-foot buses have successfully navigated the area. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Dispersed Near Devils Den provides camping spots along water with nice walking trails, though be cautious as the access road can be narrow with occasional mud hazards.

Are there any free camping options in Bella Vista, Arkansas?

Yes, there are several free camping options within driving distance of Bella Vista. Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area offers a peaceful, remote experience with a grassy lot and trail access. It's easily accessible right off Highway K with a gravel drive leading to camping areas. The site is rarely crowded, surrounded by woods, and provides a quiet retreat. These free sites typically have no amenities like tables or water sources, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping. Remember that free sites may have specific regulations regarding maximum stay lengths and seasonal availability.