Dispersed camping near Cammack Village, Arkansas largely centers around the nearby Ouachita National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F. Fall through early spring provides optimal camping conditions in this region, with creek-side sites offering natural cooling during warmer months.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Ouachita National Recreation Trail connects with several dispersed camping areas, particularly at Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed, Forest Road 132, where "the North Fork Pinnacle viewpoint is a half-mile hike from the campsite." The trail system offers accessible terrain suitable for day hikes.
Creek exploration: Many campsites sit adjacent to seasonal creeks. At Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed, "a small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek."
Stargazing opportunities: Sites along Forest Road 132 provide nighttime viewing when skies are clear. One camper at FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed noted the area has "nice wooded area around site to stroll through" with minimal light pollution during weeknights.
What campers like
Overnight convenience: Many dispersed sites provide quick overnight options for travelers. At Harris Brake Lake, one reviewer noted, "No amenities but it's quiet and pretty and free. The sunset was gorgeous. A little bit of a drive off of I40 but it's a fantastic spot."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Cammack Village support diverse wildlife. A camper at Camp Robinson noted, "The birds and frogs sang all evening," while another visitor experienced "two gray foxes screeching ALL NIGHT LONG" at Harris Brake Lake.
Seasonal fireflies: Summer campers often mention insects, both good and bad. A Harris Brake Lake visitor wrote, "absolutely beautiful place the fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads deteriorate with weather and use. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, one camper described "a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subaru."
Bug protection essential: Ticks, mosquitoes and other insects populate the area, especially in warmer months. One Harris Brake Lake camper reported "a lot of ticks here I pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night."
Campsite preparation: Most sites lack tables, toilets, or water. Bring all needed camping supplies. A Harris Brake Lake visitor advised, "We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump. It does have a picnic table, though."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families new to dispersed camping, select sites with clear access. At Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, a visitor noted, "Didn't have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person."
Monitor hunting seasons: Be aware of hunting activity in national forest areas. One camper at Brown Creek Cascade reported, "Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp."
Check site capacity: Different sites accommodate varying group sizes. The Base of North Fork Pinnacle site "can accommodate 3 or 4 small to midsize rigs. Tent and hammock camping is possible."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Cammack Village best suit smaller vehicles. At Brown Creek Rd/FR805, "due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway)."
Look for level parking: Uneven terrain can complicate RV parking. A Base of North Fork Pinnacle camper noted, "Maneuvering my van into position took some effort due to the trees at this spot; a little bit of leveling was required."
Cell service varies by carrier: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the area. The Base of North Fork Pinnacle site has "spotty T-Mobile service, but good AT&T service," while most Brown Creek Road sites report no T-Mobile coverage at all.
