Top Free Dispersed Camping near Chester, AR

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Chester? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Chester just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Chester, AR (15)

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Chester

7 Reviews of 15 Chester Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access

    Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded site just off Jack Creek Road

    Not sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913.  Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    Awesome Spot Deep In The Ozarks!

    Forest Rd. 82 has 3-4 spots, all about 1-2 miles in. There may be more the further you go, but I didn't go that far. Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    Not a camp spot (private propery)

    This was not at all a campsite. Most of the forest is private property with house everywhere. This location in particular is no different. Go to Sam's throne to camp



Guide to Chester

Camping near Chester, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore. At Devil's Den State Park Campground, one visitor said, "The hikes are short and just amazing!!!!!" Another camper noted, "Hiking was fantastic, with each trail being dramatically different than the one before."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "You can’t swim or paddleboard but can kayak or fish here."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Redding Campground enjoyed spotting wildlife. One camper shared, "We saw deer, armadillos, and skunks," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-spaced sites at Devil's Den State Park Campground. One review highlighted, "LARGE, well spaced sites with two bath houses within 50 yards in either direction."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms. A camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground said, "The facilities are super clean and well taken care of."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures noted, "Owners are great and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "They did offer ViaSat WIFI for a fee, but I love to unplug when I get the chance."
  • Reservations Required: Some sites, such as Springhill, require reservations in advance. A camper noted, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov."
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Lake Wedington, are temporarily closed, so check ahead before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Nice large pool area with a water playground/splash pad."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures enjoyed, "Camping, buggy riding, swimming, and fishing."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Redding Campground warned about horseflies, saying, "They attacked me as soon as I got in the water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park mentioned, "Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures appreciated the "Full hookups, 50 amp to primitive camping right on the river."
  • Be Mindful of Check-In Times: Some campgrounds have specific check-in times. A camper at Byrd's Adventure Center noted, "They called to check on our arrival and have our registration ready for us."

Camping sites Chester, AR, and the surrounding areas provide a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chester, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chester, AR is OHT Backcountry Primitive Site with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chester, AR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Chester, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.