Tent campsites near Benton, Arkansas sit within the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,200 feet. This region receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions that support diverse wildlife habitats. During summer months, temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: 3-15 miles: Erwin Estate High Point offers proximity to excellent fishing opportunities. As reviewer Susan E. notes, "Our natural spring pond is a place to fish where it's an almost guaranteed catch as we have stocked it well!"
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk best: The forests around Benton camping areas support diverse animal populations. At Hickory Nut Mountain, campers often spot native wildlife. According to Jeff P., this area is perfect "if you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude."
Hiking and trail exploration: multiple difficulty levels: The region offers various hiking options from short nature walks to more challenging terrain. Near dispersed camping along Forest Road 132, campers can access the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Fred S. mentions that the site has "access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby" making it convenient for hikers looking to explore the longer trail system.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: varied by site: Many tent campsites near Benton provide a sense of isolation without being completely remote. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, Rylie R. appreciated finding a "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
Natural water features: creeks and lakes: The sound of running water enhances many camping experiences in the area. Julie A. described her experience at Camp Robinson: "The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening."
Stargazing opportunities: minimal light pollution: Rural location means excellent night sky viewing at most sites. At Erwin Estate High Point, Susan E. highlights "star gazing at night with a very romantic sunset" as one of the location's special features.
What you should know
Variable road conditions: gravel and dirt access: Many of the dispersed camping areas require traveling on unpaved roads. At Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, Sophia W. advises, "Roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather."
Limited facilities: plan accordingly: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. For Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, Fred S. reports "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."
Cell service variability: coverage gaps: Connectivity differs significantly between camping locations. At Camp Robinson, Julie A. found they "had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum," while at other sites like Brown Creek Cascade, Fred S. noted "No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: wildlife awareness: When camping with children in this region, be mindful of potential wildlife encounters. At Ozan Point - De Gray Lake, families appreciate the safer swimming options. One camper noted it's a "Great place alone or with kids. I keep coming back."
Cooling options: lake access important: Summer heat requires water access for comfortable family camping. Erik C. found Ozan Point ideal during hot weather: "I found a site right on the water and went for a swim which was great given how hot it was."
Site selection: level ground needed: Families should prioritize finding level tent sites for comfortable sleeping. Arthur S. noted about his Brown Creek experience: "Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: small rigs only: Most dispersed camping sites near Benton accommodate only compact RVs. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, Fred S. observed the site can handle small vehicles but notes "solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge" due to tree cover.
Alternative locations: established campgrounds preferred: RVers typically find better options at designated campgrounds rather than dispersed sites. Cultivating Fire L. found Ozan Point "more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots including picnic tables and grill pits."
Seasonal considerations: road access issues: Weather significantly impacts RV accessibility to remote sites. Fred S. noted at Bear Creek Horse Camp, "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road," highlighting the need for careful planning during wet seasons.
