Best Dispersed Camping near Eureka Springs, AR

Eureka Springs' surrounding forests and parks include several dispersed camping spots for those who prefer camping without facilities. At ClosedKat M, campers find quiet sites away from crowds, though you'll need to bring everything you need. The Corps of Engineers Campground has primitive sites with no amenities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. All dispersed campers in the area must follow Leave No Trace guidelines and set up at least 200 feet from water sources and roads. Most areas limit stays to 14 days. Many access roads to these remote sites are rough and need vehicles with good clearance. The wild camping around Eureka Springs puts you right in the middle of Arkansas's natural beauty. Check for current fire rules before your trip, as they change throughout the year. Pack in all your water, food, and supplies since there are no services nearby. Remember to pack out all trash when you leave. Weather varies dramatically by season - spring and fall are generally most comfortable, summers can get quite hot, and winters often drop below freezing. Devil's Den State Park's Kettle Campground has backcountry sites that feel more remote than standard campgrounds. Withrow Springs State Park Campground also offers primitive camping options where you'll need to be completely self-reliant. These basic sites give you a peaceful break from everyday noise and crowds.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Eureka Springs, Arkansas (7)

    1. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    10 miles

    "Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure."

    "Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight."

    2. Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Pineville, MO
    35 miles

    "Right off highway K! Coordinates looks like it drops you off at the middle of the road but there is a gravel drive. Brings you to a grass lot with a trail off of it."

    "Pretty remote. Quiet. Tick dog tried to get through the tick gate but failed unfortunately. No table. Burn ban, so no fires. No ticks. Hard to get to in the dark, but nice scenery."

    3. Lookout Tower Road

    3 Reviews
    Siloam Springs, AR
    42 miles

    "Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy."

    "We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there."

    4. Buffalo Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Pettigrew, AR
    39 miles

    "The final half mile of Madison/404 was too steep and rough to proceed. Cavern Mountain Rd 5 was good. Additionally, Google routed us a bunch of dirt roads to get here."

    5. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    St. Paul, AR
    50 miles

    "Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
    There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road."

    "GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite."

    6. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    1 Review
    St. Paul, AR
    49 miles

    "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!"

    7. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Greeson Lake, MO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "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)."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Eureka Springs, AR

12 Reviews of 7 Eureka Springs Campgrounds


  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you’re good to go for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Large dispersed with a view

    Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site. Altough eroded in spots due to recent heavy rains, Morgan Mountain Road was in good condition - no obstacles. A 2wd passenger car can carefully make it over the eroded areas. 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. Access into the site from the forest road is easy. There is a clean rock fire ring. Tenting camping is possible. Hammock camping may be possible using nearby trees. The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful. I received no T-Mobile service during my visit. I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite.

  • ‘Chelle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.

  • Philip W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Forested mountain area with trails

    No toilets/showers/dumpsters/ trash cans.
    Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
    There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road. So you don’t have to go too far if you forgot something. The camp I’m at has the land cleared fairly well of grasses and such.
    The others further down the road are for one vehicle type camps with longer grass. There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away.

  • Bud D.
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Lookout Tower Road

    Fairly clean

    Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Awesome site

    GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite. 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.

  • Conceptual S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 6, 2023

    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.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    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!

  • Michelle T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Lookout Tower Road

    Perfect night out from Bentonville Arkansas

    We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there. There was plenty of space for the dog to roam without getting into high grass where ticks would be festering and it was a sweet little private getaway for a night before driving on. We highly recommend. Starlink didn't work but Verizon did for phone calls only.


Guide to Eureka Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Eureka Springs

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the stunning Roaring River, located near Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area, perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation.
  • Experience the serene environment of Buffalo Creek Trail, which offers beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Discover the well-maintained bike trails around Lookout Tower Road, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area on two wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping around Eureka Springs, Arkansas?

Several free dispersed camping options exist around Eureka Springs. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed offers large sites with mountain views, located on Forest Road 1504 about a mile north of AR Highway 215. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed has 3-4 free spots about 1-2 miles along the road, providing easy access to Redding Recreation Area and Spy Rock Trail. Other nearby options include Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area in Missouri and Blair Ridge Road dispersed sites. Most of these locations are accessible with standard vehicles, though road conditions can vary seasonally. Remember that all dispersed camping in national forests follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.

Is boondocking permitted year-round in the Eureka Springs area?

Yes, boondocking is generally permitted year-round in the Eureka Springs area, though seasonal considerations apply. Lookout Tower Road remains accessible throughout the year with multiple spots offering strong cell signals and bike trail access. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed sites are also available year-round but may see increased traffic during peak seasons. Winter access depends on road conditions, as some forest roads aren't maintained after snowfall. During summer and fall, fire bans may restrict campfires. Always check current forest service regulations before planning your trip, as specific restrictions can change seasonally. The 14-day stay limit typically applies in most national forest areas around Eureka Springs regardless of season.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Eureka Springs?

Dispersed camping sites near Eureka Springs are primitive with minimal amenities. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area offers basic amenities including picnic tables and established fire rings in a shaded forest setting. At Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area, you'll find a grassy lot with trail access but no tables or facilities. Most sites feature existing fire rings, though seasonal burn bans may prohibit their use. None of these areas provide toilets, showers, trash receptacles, or potable water. Cell coverage varies by location, with some areas offering surprisingly strong signals. Many sites can accommodate multiple vehicles or camping setups. Remember to bring everything you need, including water and waste disposal options, and practice Leave No Trace principles.