Best Dispersed Camping near Bryant, AR
Ouachita National Forest provides several free dispersed camping options near Bryant, Arkansas, with most sites concentrated along Forest Road 179 and Forest Road 132. These primitive sites feature dirt surfaces, rock fire rings, and no facilities. Car campers and tent users will find suitable spots at Harris Brake Lake and along forest roads, while high-clearance vehicles can access more remote locations.
The forest roads vary considerably in condition. FR179 (Wildcat Mountain Road) remains passable for passenger cars, but portions of FR132 feature eroded sections with embedded rocks. A recent visitor noted, "The ride on Forest Road 132 from the east is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road." Most sites accommodate 1-3 small vehicles with tent space, though maneuvering larger rigs can be challenging around trees. Creekside spots along FR179 provide water access during wet seasons, while sites near North Fork Pinnacle offer hiking opportunities on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Cell coverage varies significantly—AT&T generally performs better than T-Mobile throughout the backcountry areas.