Dispersed camping near Colt, Arkansas features wetland terrain within the Cache River watershed, where seasonal flooding can drastically change site accessibility. Wildlife management areas comprise most camping options, with elevations averaging 200-250 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity, creating challenging conditions for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing at designated spots: Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area offers multiple fishing locations with ample parking for vehicles with boat trailers. One visitor noted that "the site itself isn't bad. It is very well shaded with 8-10 concrete pads. There is a huge parking lot next to it for trucks with boats/trailers to park."
Target shooting: Visit the public shooting range on the access road to Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area. "There is a shooting range on the road before you get to the site," mentions a camper who stayed there during autumn.
Seasonal hunting: Wildlife management areas typically permit hunting during designated seasons, requiring appropriate permits. Many camping areas primarily serve as functional bases for hunters rather than recreational campers. Check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations before planning a hunting-focused trip.
What campers like
Water access: Beagle Club Road Pull-Off provides basic amenities including water. As one visitor shared, "Easy to find and has a water spigot. One other person here. A bit buggy but otherwise a quiet spot to get some sleep!"
Shaded sites: The concrete pads at Hurricane Lake WMA benefit from substantial tree coverage, providing relief from summer sun. A camper described the area as "very well shaded with 8-10 concrete pads. There are a few concrete benches and a water spigot."
Low traffic: Most rustic camping locations near Colt remain relatively uncrowded compared to developed campgrounds. Campers typically report few other visitors, making these spots suitable for those seeking solitude. At Beagle Club Road Pull-Off, one visitor mentioned encountering just "one other person here."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Arkansas state regulations strictly enforce permit requirements for camping on public lands. A camper at North Webb Lake Camp observed it "says no tent camping, but it seemed like an RV was planning on staying." Another visitor at Beagle Club Road noted a "sign in the morning that said hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check."
Weather impacts: Seasonal rain significantly affects road conditions. One camper reported, "It had rained and the road in was near a foot deep flowing water. Not a problem on our motorcycle but a car may have issues with water coming in."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain active well into fall. One October visitor mentioned, "I'm here in October and there are still quite a few mosquitoes. I imagine in the warmer months they would be unbearable."
Tips for camping with families
Site limitations: Most locations lack designated children's areas or recreational facilities. Beagle Club Road Pull-Off consists of "basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night."
Navigation challenges: Many sites require traveling through unmarked back roads. One visitor to South Webb Lake Camp noted going "to a lot of back roads to get here, some looked like small camping spots, but didn't stop, thinking it would lead to a larger group of spots."
Emergency planning: Cell service remains unreliable throughout the region. A Hurricane Lake WMA camper reported "the cell signal is pretty spotty," making emergency communications difficult for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Roadside alternatives: When wildlife management areas become inaccessible, roadside rest areas can provide overnight options. One traveler described Memphis East Campground as a "literal rest stop on the side of highway," noting that "it seemed like an RV was planning on staying."
Site dimensions: While Hurricane Lake WMA advertises as "big-rig friendly" with concrete pads, turning radius and pad size limit larger vehicles. The concrete pads accommodate average-sized RVs but may challenge longer rigs, particularly when sites are muddy.
Duration considerations: Most primitive camping locations near Colt work best for brief stays rather than extended camping. One camper summed up the Beagle Club Road Pull-Off as "not much too it... would only be good for a super quick over night."
