Best Tent Camping near Bismarck, AR
Tent camping near Bismarck, Arkansas centers around DeGray Lake and the surrounding Ouachita National Forest, with several established campgrounds and primitive sites available for tent campers. Ozan Point on DeGray Lake offers secluded lakeside tent campsites with spread-out spots that include picnic tables and grill pits. Point Cedar, also on DeGray Lake, provides basic tent-only camping facilities. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Ouachita National Forest contains numerous walk-in tent sites and backcountry camping opportunities within a 30-minute drive of Bismarck.
Most tent campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Ozan Point charges $10 per night (March 1-October 31) and includes flush toilets, making it more developed than other primitive tent camping options nearby. Many sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though potable water availability varies significantly between locations. The region experiences hot, humid summers when insects can be intense, with campers noting that treating clothing with permethrin helps prevent tick issues. Flash flooding can occur near creeks and waterways, particularly during spring and early summer, so monitoring weather conditions is essential for tent campers.
The tent camping experience around Bismarck offers a mix of lakeside and forest settings. According to reviews, Ozan Point is "tailored to primitive/tent camping" and provides "a nice rest stop to cool off for a swim and hang out away from city noise and light." The sites are fully shaded, creating a cooler environment during hot summer months. Hickory Nut Mountain, though slightly farther away near Mount Ida, offers free tent campsites with views of Lake Ouachita from ridge-top locations. Backcountry tent camping is available throughout the Ouachita National Forest for those seeking more solitude, with dispersed sites typically featuring rock fire rings and level tent pads but requiring campers to pack in all water and supplies.