Dispersed camping opportunities in the Ouachita National Forest provide rustic camping near Benton, Arkansas where visitors can experience primitive outdoor stays in various terrain conditions. The forest elevation ranges from approximately 600 to 2,600 feet, creating diverse microclimates and camping experiences throughout the region. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Hike to scenic viewpoints: North Fork Pinnacle offers a half-mile hike from nearby camping areas with panoramic views. "The North Fork Pinnacle viewpoint is a half-mile hike from the campsite. The site has easy access from both the forest road and the backpacking trail," notes a camper at Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed.
Explore forest trails: The Ouachita National Recreation Trail passes near several dispersed sites, offering day hiking opportunities. A visitor to Forest Road 179 Creekside noted, "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."
Watch wildlife and stargaze: The region's limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Forest Service RD 132, one camper shared, "Great views. Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on."
What campers like
Secluded creek access: Multiple sites feature water proximity for cooling off during hot months. A visitor to Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed described it as a "Large creekside dispersed site located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high."
Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include existing stone fire rings for safer campfires. At Forest Service RD 132, a camper appreciated the "fire pit, prepared firewood, and a nice stump to chop more on. Very isolated, didn't see any cars past 7 pm."
Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of free camping near Benton provides peaceful experiences away from crowds. According to one visitor at Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, "Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing."
What you should know
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage depends on location and carrier. "No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service. Shaded; connection to Starlink will be a challenge," reports a camper at Forest Rd 179 Dispersed.
Road conditions require planning: Many access routes deteriorate seasonally. A reviewer at FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed advised, "The ride on Forest Road 132 from the east (Hwy 9) is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road. I aired-down the tires for ride comfort."
Site conditions vary widely: Terrain can be challenging for tent camping. "Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat," warns a visitor to Forest Service RD 132.
Security considerations: Some areas experience unexpected traffic. A camper at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra water: No potable water exists at any primitive sites in the forest. Pack 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Choose sites with natural features: Creek access provides entertainment for children. At Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, "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)."
Consider wildlife encounters: The forest contains various wildlife including snakes and ticks. One camper at Harris Brake Lake warned, "There is a lot of ticks here I pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night. Other than that it was wonderful."
Prepare for extreme temperatures: Summer heat requires additional planning. "Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area... I definitely put on bug spray right away," advised a camper at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.
Tips from RVers
Check clearance requirements: Many forest roads have low-hanging branches or rough sections. "The dirt road starting at HWY-7 is virtually impassible to get to this campground. I ended up stopping one mile in because I simply could not continue and camped off the dirt road," warns one Forest Service RD 132 visitor.
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks and leveling equipment for uneven terrain. At FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, "Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger."
Site size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs only. A visitor to Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site noted, "Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no larger than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot."
