Dispersed camping sites surround Dierks, Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest, offering primitive camping options on public land where visitors can experience solitude and natural surroundings. The forest features several secluded sites with varying terrain and seasonal creek access across different elevations. Many locations remain accessible year-round, though conditions deteriorate during wet seasons.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula camping areas provide excellent water access for wading and fishing. "Nice trail, be better after a rain. Level 1 for sure. Some dispersed sites towards end of this end. Residential before you get to end," notes Stephen F. about the Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula area.
**Wildlife observation: The early morning hours offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities near creek-side locations. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, campers can observe diverse forest wildlife where "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water," according to Jessica W.
**Hiking access: Several dispersed sites connect directly to trail networks. "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain," advises Carlos P. about accessing the trailheads near Buck Knob area camps.
What campers like
**Water features: The confluence of streams creates natural swimming holes at several locations. Ken H. at Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220 describes the appeal: "Right off of Forest road51220, large area to park and camp all by yourself. Stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole. Very private."
**Site spacing: The dispersed nature of camping spots provides exceptional privacy compared to developed campgrounds. Jeanne A. noted about National Forest CR 51220 that "Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart."
**Accessibility: Several areas remain accessible for overnight or weekend trips. Dr. David T. describes Bois D'Arce Lake Peninsula as a "Perfect Overnight Spot. Easy to get to and great spots on the lake! free!"
What you should know
**Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates sometimes lead to private property rather than public land. "Could not find. The grid coordinates lead to someones private cabin. Tucked in middles of residential cabin community. It is national forest borders but private lots," warns Jessie M. about Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed.
**Access road conditions: Forest service roads vary significantly in quality. "We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It's completely overgrown," reports MacKenzie D. about finding Pigeon Creek.
**Waste issues: Pack-out policies apply, but not all visitors comply. "The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It's sad," reports azul darcy L. about conditions at Pigeon Creek.
Tips for camping with families
**Midweek timing: Weekday visits typically offer more solitude and site options. "Spent night here mid week..only a couple of vehicles came through," notes Claudia H. about Turner Creek Road, where the peaceful surroundings feature "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful."
**Creek exploration: Shallow creek areas provide natural play areas for children. Jeanne A. describes finding water near her campsite: "We were here two days and loved it. Then we found the creek just east of us off a small trail. Just start walking right into the woods and you'll find it."
**Fire preparation: Fire regulations vary by location and season; bring portable containment options. Jacob from Turner Creek Road mentions only "a rock fire ring" at their camping spot, indicating minimal site development.
Tips from RVers
**Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs but present challenges for larger rigs. At Mena Arkansas dispersed camping area, Ernest W. found a "Good secluded spot for Privacy," though larger RVs may struggle with access.
**Backing skills: Technical backing abilities prove essential for accessing many dispersed sites. Heather C. notes about her experience: "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site."
**Cell coverage: Mobile service varies widely throughout the region. Jeanne A. found "Att service good" at their CR 51220 location, providing connectivity options for those needing to stay in touch during their primitive camping experience near Dierks, Arkansas.
