Primitive camping near Combs, Arkansas clusters in the Ozark National Forest where elevation ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The forest encompasses over 1.2 million acres with limestone and sandstone terrain. During summer months, daytime temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with nighttime cooling to 65-70°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring proper cold weather gear for comfortable camping.
What to do
Hike to Spy Rock: Located about a mile north of the Morgan Mountain dispersed site, this trail offers excellent views with moderate difficulty. As one camper noted at Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed, "Spy rock is gorgeous, the trail is a little rough but totally worth it. Trail head is on the right about a mile past camp."
Water activities: The Lee Creek area provides swimming opportunities during warmer months. A visitor to Lee Creek Off Road Site mentions it's "Right off the main road (you can still hear the traffic, but it's not a lot of traffic)... There's a fire pit, some paths to a hiking spot."
Rock climbing: Sam's Throne area offers numerous established climbing routes for various skill levels. A camper explained, "The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base if you're rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that."
Stargazing: The remote nature of dispersed sites creates ideal dark sky viewing. One camper at Sam's Throne described, "On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Combs host diverse wildlife including deer. One visitor to Sam's Throne Recreation Area observed, "Bambi and her mom also seem to live here," making wildlife viewing a common occurrence.
Cellular connectivity: Unlike many remote areas, some sites offer reasonable service. At Morgan Mountain Road, a camper reported, "T-Mobile has anywhere from one bar LTE to three bars of 5G extended to 2 bars 5G here. I was able to stream video on my phone before bedtime each night."
Multiple site options: Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed offers several camping locations along the road. A reviewer noted, "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."
Solitude during weekdays: Primitive camping spots near Combs experience significantly less traffic mid-week. During these times, campers can enjoy the natural sounds of the forest with minimal disturbance from other visitors.
What you should know
Road condition seasonality: Rain significantly impacts forest road quality. At Dispersed Near Devils Den, a camper warned, "I just got back from staying here for a night... I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company... to help pull me out for $400."
Limited facilities: Most sites have no amenities beyond fire rings. For Sam's Throne, a visitor explained, "No water access, so bring your own," emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.
Bear activity: Black bears inhabit the Ozark region. One camper advised, "There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe."
Access restrictions: Some forest roads have regulatory limitations. A Devils Den visitor cautioned, "The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails... camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose locations with minimal hazards. Morgan Mountain offers spaces that are "large enough for 3, maybe 4 Overlanding Rigs. Couple established fire rings." This provides ample space for families to spread out.
Wildlife education opportunities: The abundant wildlife creates natural learning experiences. At Sam's Throne, a visitor mentioned seeing deer regularly, making it an opportunity for children to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Weather preparation: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. Pack extra tarps and rain gear for unexpected weather changes, particularly during late spring and summer months.
Bathroom considerations: Most dispersed sites have no toilet facilities. River Ridge Campground offers basic toilets, making it more suitable for families with young children, though a camper noted it's "not free... I paid $10 for the night."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Lower-clearance RVs should stick to main forest roads. At Morgan Mountain, a camper advised, "The gravel road has some ruuts but if you take your time small SVUs can make it fine."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. One camper at Morgan Mountain observed, "The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful... Except for one small spot, the site is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot."
Size limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Combs cannot accommodate large rigs. At Lee Creek, a camper noted, "I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit," indicating the space constraints.
