Dispersed camping near Bismarck, Arkansas offers primitive forest sites within the Ouachita National Forest, where elevation ranges from 600 to 2,600 feet across the region. Most locations sit on dirt or rocky surfaces with variable leveling, and access to these free sites requires navigating unpaved forest service roads. The area experiences high humidity during summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter brings cooler temperatures and improved visibility through the forest.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The Brown Creek Cascade trail provides a short 1/4-mile hike with a creek crossing to reach a scenic waterfall. One camper noted, "The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite... the sound from the creek was soothing" while staying at Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite.
Equestrian trail riding: The Bear Creek Equestrian Trail system offers interconnected loop trails accessible from Bear Creek Horse Camp. A visitor described it as "a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers prime opportunities for spotting deer and other wildlife throughout the forest. According to one camper visiting Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain, the area is "a hunting paradise" where they "spotted over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day."
What campers like
Peaceful isolation: Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy and quiet surroundings. A camper at North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed appreciated how "only 2 vehicles drove by" during their stay, describing it as a "beautiful spot and very peaceful."
Access to water features: Creeks and rivers enhance the camping experience at several sites. One reviewer at Irons Fork mentioned they "had a great spot on the water for a morning shower," while noting the area has "plenty of lake access points too."
Ridge-top views: Higher elevation sites provide panoramic vistas across the Ouachita Mountains. A camper at Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest remarked, "This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises," adding that "there is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles depending on recent weather. One reviewer warned that at Forest Service RD 153, "We couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road."
Limited facilities: Pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies. A camper at Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest found "a fire pit, prepared firewood, and a nice stump to chop more on," but most sites have minimal amenities.
Wildlife awareness: The forest is home to black bears and other wildlife that may investigate improperly stored food. One camper at Irons Fork reported "people before us had definitely left some trash around" and later experienced theft when someone "STOLE OUR PADLOCKED COOLER."
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. Campers report "No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service" at Brown Creek Cascade, while at Forest Service RD 132, visitors found "T-Mobile cell service" available.
Tips for camping with families
Bring plenty of water: No potable water is available at most sites, requiring families to pack in all drinking water. A visitor at Brown Creek Cascade recommended bringing "a chair if you want a comfortable seat" and noted they "had to walk a bit to find" decent firewood.
Consider site terrain: Many locations have rocky or uneven ground that affects tent setup. At Forest Service RD 132, one camper observed the "Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping."
Scout locations before dark: Finding a suitable site requires daylight reconnaissance. A camper at Dispersed FR132 shared, "First spot 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 was amazing— maybe 5-10 miles back."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Most forest roads accommodate smaller RVs and camper vans, but large rigs face significant challenges. The Gladstone Forest Rd site is described as "Should accomodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require equipment for proper leveling. A camper at Forest Service RD 153 noted that "The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller."
Seasonal access considerations: Spring runoff and summer growth affect accessibility. At Dispersed FR132, one reviewer advised, "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."
