Best Dispersed Camping near Fifty-Six, AR
Dispersed camping opportunities near Fifty-Six, Arkansas include several primitive sites within the Ozark National Forest and Buffalo National River areas. Woolum Dispersed Area offers riverside camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. Sam's Throne Recreation Area provides free established sites with vault toilets and fire rings. Matney Knob offers basic dispersed sites accessed via the trailhead. According to recent visitors, the Brock Creek area features "a large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area."
Most dispersed sites in this region have dirt surfaces with established rock fire rings. Access roads vary in quality; Charleston Road is well-maintained gravel, but several campers note that "access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion." Vehicle size is limited at many sites, with most accommodating truck campers, small vans, or tents. Solar charging potential varies by location, with shaded sites limiting power generation options.
Wildlife Management Areas like Gene Rush require special permits purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for $5. Camping in WMAs is restricted to designated sites only. The Buffalo National River area experiences seasonal road closures due to erosion and flooding. Bears are present in the region, particularly around Sam's Throne, necessitating proper food storage. Pack out all trash as most sites have no waste disposal services. Cell service is patchy throughout the area. Fall offers spectacular colors while summer requires insect protection.