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Best Dispersed Camping near Fairfield Bay, AR

34 Reviews

The Ozark foothills surrounding Fairfield Bay, Arkansas feature predominantly dispersed camping options within Ozark National Forest and along the Buffalo National River. Sam's Throne Recreation Area, located about 45 miles northwest of Fairfield Bay, offers free primitive camping with vault toilets and established fire rings. Woolum Dispersed Area along the Buffalo National River provides riverside camping with vault toilets and space for both tents and small trailers. Several smaller dispersed sites dot the forest roads throughout the region, particularly along Charleston Road and near Brock Creek Lake, catering to campers seeking solitude.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many dispersed sites accessible only via gravel forest roads. As one camper noted, "Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road" that provides access to multiple camping areas, though some spur roads "may be rough due to erosion." Wildlife Management Areas require special permits purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for $5. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Cell service remains patchy throughout the region, with T-Mobile and AT&T offering limited coverage at higher elevations.

Scenic views and natural features consistently receive praise from visitors to the area. At Sam's Throne, campers report "beautiful cliff views a short walk away" and excellent stargazing opportunities. One reviewer described it as "quiet and peaceful" with "trails that lead to stunning sunset" views. The Buffalo National River sites offer "both rock and sand beach" access with good solar charging potential. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience significantly, with late September bringing "low river levels, cool nights and sunshine-filled days." Insect activity peaks during summer months, with multiple reviewers recommending bug spray as essential equipment. Most dispersed sites include established rock fire rings but lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas (14)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fairfield Bay, AR

13 Photos of 14 Fairfield Bay Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fairfield Bay, AR

34 Reviews of 14 Fairfield Bay Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2022

    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2024

    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2024

    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Lake View Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates: 35.49123, -92.80548. Large open dispersed site set back from Charleston Road, just north of Bell Rd (Forest Road 1334). Located in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trails area. Charleston Road is a wide, well-maintained gravel road. Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible. The dispersed site has a dirt surface with some embedded rocks. It's on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view. Solar recharging is possible in this open site. The site is on what appears to be a parking area along an old dirt track; this track appears as an older section of Charleston Rd on some maps. There is a dirt ramp into the lake. There is room for multiple rigs at the campsite. Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked. There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small. Tent Camping is possible near the fire rings. The lake was drained at the time of my visit; otherwise, it's a really nice view.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Nice site to hang-out in

    The pin location may not be accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.44497, -92.76914. This is a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site is located on a dirt track - Forest Road 93021L, which is off of Tackett Mountain Road - Forest Road 1319. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd, but it is close to Forest Road 93021L. Tackett Mountain Rd is a wide, well maintained, gravel forest road. Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover. Once up the incline, the track becomes dirt, goes through a clearing and heads into the woods where the dispersed site is located on the right. One can camp in the clearing; there is a small rock fire ring that is overgrown with grass and weeds, but the site in this review is nicer. The clearing was logged long ago where one may find some pieces of firewood. Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site. There are no hiking trails here, although one can take a stroll along FR90231L which is less than a half-mile long. Even though there is not much to do around here, it's a nice place to simply hang out in. I liked it.

  • Candace R.
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    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.

  • Summer R.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Sam'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.

Guide to Fairfield Bay

Dispersed camping near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the tranquility of the Ozark National Forest while engaging in outdoor activities.

Dispersed campers should check out Austin Trailhead Dispersed

  • Located just off Wilderness Trail Road, Austin Trailhead Dispersed provides easy access to multi-use trails, making it a great spot for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.
  • This small, shaded site features a rock fire ring and is suitable for tent camping, although it may not offer much privacy due to its proximity to the trail.
  • The area is free to camp, but be prepared to bring your own water and firewood, as these amenities are not available.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas

  • When visiting Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, look for the small, level dirt surface that accommodates one vehicle, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
  • This site is tucked into the trees, providing some privacy, and features a clean rock fire ring for your campfire needs.
  • Keep in mind that there are no facilities, so plan to pack in and pack out all your trash and supplies.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Fairfield Bay

  • The Charleston - Bell Roads Dispersed area is a large wooded site located near Brock Creek Lake, perfect for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
  • This site offers a mostly level dirt surface and is close to a rocky dry creek, providing a scenic backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Be aware that the area can flood depending on the lake level, so check conditions before your visit to ensure a safe camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fairfield Bay, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fairfield Bay, AR is Sam's Throne Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fairfield Bay, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Fairfield Bay, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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