The Ouachita National Forest surrounds Dierks, Arkansas with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet, creating diverse camping environments from river valleys to mountain ridges. Campsites in this area feature gravel access roads that can become challenging after rain, with many primitive locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, making water access an important consideration when selecting tent campsites near Dierks.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Nearby Long Creek offers excellent fishing spots where you can catch multiple species. A camper at Long Creek Campsite reported "Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour."
Kayaking the rapids: The Cossatot River provides challenging water conditions for experienced paddlers. At Cossatot Falls Campsites, visitors note the area offers "Great swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some boulder hopping possibilities."
Hiking trails: The Eagle Rock Loop trail system provides multiple backcountry hiking options with creek crossings. A visitor to the area mentioned "go here and go up the mountain on Forest Road 106, 2.1 miles and on your left will be Winding Stairs trailhead. Hike this for some of the most beautiful scenery to offer."
What campers like
Large camping pads: The tent sites at Cossatot Falls are significantly larger than standard campgrounds. As one camper described, "We typically don't camp in regular campgrounds, we prefer more separation. We also have a large 20' tent that makes it difficult to fit into regular square pad tent sites. These pads were huge and fit our tent."
Creek access: Many campsites offer direct water access for activities and water collection. A visitor to Straight Creek Campsite described it as "located in a valley between two mountains and is located alongside a creek" with "access to water."
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly report diverse animal sightings in the quieter camping areas. One camper noted the area has "an abundance of wild life, keep an eye for snakes and thicks!" while others report hearing owls and seeing various forest creatures.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unmaintained forest roads. A camper at Buckhorn advised "I do recommend it to anyone that has a high clearance vehicle and if you are towing that your trailer be one of high clearance too. The road in starts in pretty good shape but breaks down and if it has rained then it will not be pretty."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have switched from first-come to reservation systems. At Cossatot Falls, a camper noted "These sites are now reservable, not first come. You can luck out, but I would recommend reservations."
Limited amenities: Most tent campsites near Dierks, Arkansas lack running water and shower facilities. A visitor to the Sandbar Area reported "You can't make reservations, they are all first come first serve and you pay at your site... The bathrooms are adequate but no running water, therefore don't expect showers."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Some locations offer easier access while still providing natural experiences. At Bluegill Hill, families appreciate that there are "two little islands you can swim or kayak to from Kitty Cove" and that the host "brought down a couple solar powered fans, which were all the difference after sundown."
Swimming holes: Several campsites feature safe swimming areas for children. One camper mentioned the Sandbar Area is "just a short walk to the sandbar where you can enjoy the cool floating water."
Kid-friendly climbing areas: Many locations offer natural features for exploration. A visitor to Cossatot Falls noted "Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river. The park rangers were very nice and informative."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds have rules about generator usage that affect RV camping. A camper at Cossatot Falls noted "They did allow generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us but one person's generator use ruined the quiet..all day every day."
Supply planning: The remote location requires careful planning for provisions. A visitor to Albert Pike Recreation Area advised "If you need supplies, the town of De Queen has a number of stores, restaurants, gas stations and services available. The small town of Langley has a convenience store/gas station."
Flash flood awareness: Low-lying campgrounds in the area have experienced serious flooding. Multiple campers warn about being weather-aware, with one noting the area is "prone to severe flash flooding so know the weather before heading out."
