Tent camping near Bryant, Arkansas offers access to the Ouachita National Forest with numerous dispersed camping options within a 30-mile radius. The forest terrain features pine-covered hills with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet, creating varied microclimates across camping areas. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures, making these the optimal seasons for overnight stays at primitive sites.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: South Fourche campground provides direct access to the South Fourche la Fave River. "There is a canoe/kayak ramp for access to the South Fourche la Fave River. A separate parking lot is provided for day use," notes Fred S. in a recent review of South Fourche.
Fishing opportunities: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers fishing in nearby Lake Conway, though conditions vary. "The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps," reports Julie A., who adds that despite this, the site provides "peaceful and quiet" surroundings where "birds and frogs sang all evening."
Hiking trails: Access the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest for day hikes through pine forests. "Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby," mentions Fred S., noting the site's proximity to Flatside Wilderness Area, which sits "across the road from the site."
What campers like
Natural water features: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers creek-side tent camping. Arthur S. reports "Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent" and notes the need to "walk a bit to find" firewood, suggesting campers come prepared with their own supply or allow time for collection.
Privacy levels: For campers seeking less crowded areas, Ozan Point - De Gray Lake provides "spread out spots including picnic tables and grill pits." Erik C. found "a site right on the water" and enjoyed that "nobody else on my peninsula of the campground either which was great."
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed camping sites near Bryant offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, Ken H. shared his experience camping in "90 degrees. Summer swampy area" but noted the enjoyable natural surroundings where "birds and frogs sang all evening."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads to dispersed camping sites vary significantly in quality. Sophia W. notes about Dispersed FR132: "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."
Campsite availability: Many dispersed sites require driving and searching. "Expect to drive a ways between spots," advises Sophia W., who stayed at "two different spots" finding that locations "further back" often provided better camping experiences than those "close to the road."
Safety considerations: Some camping areas experience night traffic. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, Mason G. reported: "I woke up at 11pm 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
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds for family tent camping near Bryant. South Fourche provides basic amenities like "a picnic table and a metal fire pit with a grate" according to Ethan K., who notes it "stays pretty quiet (so would be good for groups that want lots of privacy)."
Water activities: De Gray Lake offers swimming opportunities for families during hot summer months. Erik C. mentions finding "a site right on the water and went for a swim which was great given how hot it was."
Bathroom access: Vault toilets at South Fourche are "reasonably clean with toilet paper provided," according to Fred S., though he notes "there is no drinking [water] at the time of my visit," so families should bring sufficient water supplies.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Bryant accommodate smaller rigs only. Fred S. notes that Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite "is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site."
Water access: No hookups exist at dispersed sites, requiring self-sufficiency. Cultivating Fire L. notes Ozan Point offers camping "for $10 a night (March 1 - October 31)" describing it as "a nice rest stop to cool off for a swim and hang out away from city noise and light."
Power considerations: Solar-dependent RVers should note shade conditions. "Fully shaded so don't expect Solar charging or satellite if you work from a vehicle," warns Cultivating Fire L. about the heavily wooded campsites at Ozan Point - De Gray Lake.
