Top Free Dispersed Camping near Compton, AR
Looking for the best Compton dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Compton, AR (17)
2. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed
1 Review•1 Photo•44 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
4 Reviews•7 Photos•118 SavesHercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers. The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. A variety of wildlife species live within the Hercules Glades including white-tailed deer, raccoons rabbits, squirrels, turkey, quail, songbirds, lizards and snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents. Limit your party size to 10 persons. No camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics; Never tie stock directly to trees. No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed. Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Key attractions along the trail include Long Creek Falls, panoramic views of the Ozarks countryside, and a variety of native communities including open limestone glades and mixed forests. Rating: More Difficult to Most Difficult with steep terrain, stream crossings, sparsely marked trail, and elevations from 600 to 1200 feet. Length: 32 miles Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Restrictions: Foot and Horse only. Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
5. Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping
1 Review•22 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
7. Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)
3 Reviews•1 Photo•48 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Picnic Table
8. Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
1 Review•10 Photos•5 SavesThe U.S. Forest Service maintains all of the developed recreation areas. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere but on food plots and areas marked closed to camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
9. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed
1 Review•1 Photo•25 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground and at least 100 feet from any administrative site to include trails, buildings and designated recreational areas. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building).
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- WiFi
- Alcohol
10. OHT Backcountry Primitive Site
1 Review•2 Photos•20 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Compton
38 Reviews of 17 Compton Campgrounds
Fred S.
Legend
Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek
Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.
- Fred S.Legend
Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR
Large Group Dispersed Camping
Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.
- Fred S.Legend
Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Convenient to National Forest OHV Area
Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.
Taylor M.
Traveler
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Cute spot!
Quiet and beautiful spot in AR! Patchy cell service and no water hookups, but there are bathrooms, lots of privacy, fire pits, and trails connected to the sites! Highly recommend a visit here
- Fred S.Legend
Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails
Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322. Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.
Summer R.
ScoutSam's Throne Recreation Area
Title Required: Good. Quiet. Good and quiet.
Only stayed one night but it was very quiet and peaceful. There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed. No trash service but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Great sites either way. Happy to stay again.
- JJon D.
Guide
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!
- ssunshine R.Scout
OHT Backcountry Primitive Site
Yea
Yea yea
Conceptual S.Scout
Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed
Secluded
Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon). Little to no man made noise but be respectful, there is a private residence at the end of the road.
- KKelly C.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Quiet & Serene
This is a great, and free, campground. Lots of sites, all are good.
- Fred S.Legend
Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks
Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou
Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.
- JJohn W.Scout
Woolum
One of the best remote campgrounds in AR
I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round. I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.
Kloee S.LegendWoolum
Beautiful campground!
This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming. There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces. We had full hookups to boot!
Candace R.GuideWoolum
Buggy but Beautiful
So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.
- bbriGuide
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
- bbriGuide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Peace on Earth
Amazing peaceful campsite. Can be eerie pulling up at night but is so beautiful and peaceful. On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky. Bathrooms are cleaned every other day.no running water or showers just two vault toliet. Some campsites have cell phone service. Att and had the best out of all of our phones. Place is completely free. Beautiful path to walk to see the open ozarks but not much else to do here. Bambi and her mom also seem to live here.
Anna W.Guide
Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)
Quiet and easy
We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.
Bob W.TravelerSam's Throne Recreation Area
Secluded and Scenic!
Several first come-first serve sites for RV or tent. Fire rings at each site and vault toilets at each end of campground. Limited Verizon cell. Great hikes on bluffs overlooking valley.
- Ivan M.Scout
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Gem of a Site
We camped right next to the trail head and apart from all the traffic during the day for the trail (cars coming and going) it’s great. The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base amo if you’re rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that. Compost bathroom s were super clean. Had a great experience there
- AAlexandraTraveler
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Beautiful Area, Clean Campsites & Bathrooms
Pros:
-Campground was completely empty when I arrived on a Thursday evening in December.
-Sites are separated by trees, so some privacy.
-There are more than one compositing toilet on site& they are cleaned regularly.
-Beautiful cliff views are a short walk away.
Cons:
-No water access, so bring your own
- KKelsey R.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
The BEST view!
Private camping spots, with trees separating each site. There’s fit pits, but no rv hook ups and only a couple bathrooms there.
It is considered a national park spot so it’s not set up for rv, but if your van or rv is self standing is perfect!! - Clayton R.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Gorgeous!
Road is kinda sketchy on the way up but the bluffs are fantastic!
- ZZahra N.Scout
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Wrong Location
Went to this location to camp anticipating water campsites, no such thing.
The V.ScoutSam's Throne Recreation Area
Great Weekend Spot!
Campsites were spaced out and had great privacy. The trail was super close and the views were amazing.
- Jacob B.Guide
Woolum
Extremly beautiful area, simple camp ground
I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren’t open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings. Beautiful area!
- Nikki M.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Nice area
Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby
Crystal C.Legend
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!
This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful. However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically. Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.
My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand. Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks. Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.
Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!! Very important in this region.
Bring everything and then plot your course.
The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas. This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!
I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.
Be careful but have fun!!!
Guide to Compton
Camping near Compton, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do
- Hiking: The area is filled with trails that lead to stunning views. Campers have enjoyed the hiking trails at Withrow Springs State Park Campground, with one reviewer saying, "I've walked all the trails multiple times and I can walk them again every day; they're beautiful."
- Water Activities: If you love being near water, check out Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River. One camper mentioned, "The river was clear and refreshing," making it a great spot for swimming and kayaking.
- Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife while camping. One visitor at Mill Creek (Missouri) noted, "Wildlife is everywhere. Eagles, hawks, fishing, and more."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A reviewer at Withrow Springs State Park Campground said, "Heated shower house and bathrooms were amazing."
- Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One happy camper at Haw Creek Falls Camping shared, "The site is beautiful, right on the creek/waterfall."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River mentioned, "The campground is surrounded by the river and hills, and you can hear the water flowing at night."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Richland Creek Recreation Area, have few amenities. A camper noted, "The campground is beautiful, but had some decent size mud holes coming in."
- First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A reviewer at Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River advised, "Strictly a FCFS use area, so come early."
- No Cell Service: Be prepared for limited or no cell service in some areas. A camper at Steel Creek Campground mentioned, "You do not have any cell service unless you drive into Ponca."
Tips for camping with families
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. One reviewer at Table Rock State Park Campground mentioned, "Playground available for the kids right next to the shower house."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Wanderlust RV Park said, "We enjoyed our stay, and the campsite is not too far from restaurants and stores."
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Ozark Campground noted, "We avoided the busy times at the swimming area because the church group had a lot of kids with them."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mill Creek (Missouri) mentioned, "Nice fairly easy to park a 35-foot 5th wheel."
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so make reservations when possible. A camper at Wanderlust RV Park said, "Must have reservations; it is always full."
- Watch for Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough, so check conditions before heading out. A visitor at Richland Creek Recreation Area warned, "The road down from Falling Water had been washed out and repaired but was almost washed out again."
Camping around Compton, AR, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to fun family activities. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Compton, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Compton, AR is Falling Water Creek with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Compton, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Compton, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.