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Best Dispersed Camping near Gamaliel, AR

18 Reviews

Matney Knob offers dispersed camping near Gamaliel, Arkansas via a decent access road. The primitive sites provide no amenities, with campers needing to pack in all supplies including water. Public land camping options improve near Buffalo National River, where Woolum Dispersed Area provides riverside backcountry camping with basic vault toilets. Woolum features both grassy meadows and riverbank sites, but the access road has experienced erosion issues, with NPS occasionally closing the final stretch.

Several dispersed camping areas exist across the Missouri border in Mark Twain National Forest. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area allows free backcountry camping with minimal restrictions, though campers should verify regulations at trailheads. Blair Ridge Road offers secluded sites with good cell reception, while Noblett Lake provides primitive dispersed options. A camper noted that "most of the sites on this app that say there's just first camping in this area are wrong. They've been turned into day use only areas," with many former camping areas now converted to day-use.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gamaliel, Arkansas (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gamaliel, AR

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gamaliel, AR

18 Reviews of 10 Gamaliel Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!

    This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.  

    My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand.   Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks.   Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.

    Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!!  Very important in this region.

    Bring everything and then plot your course.

    The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas.    This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!   

    I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.   

    Be careful but have fun!!!

  • T
    Nov. 29, 2017

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Nicely private, but not a lot of scenery

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking.

    Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions. There are a few primitive sites at the trailhead, no water or toilets.

    A few hundred yards from the Coy Bald Trailhead there is a fork in the trail. Going left gets you to the falls and the majority of the camp sites with the shortest route, about three miles.

    The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty.

    About a mile in you'll cross the river for the first time. There are camp sites with fire rings on both sides of the river. This is a scenic area with bluffs on one side of the river, but forested, so no views to speak of.

    About three miles in, you'll cross the river the second time. There are a number of camping areas with fire rings along the river.

    Downstream a few hundred feet are the falls that most people go to see. Unfortunately for us, there wasn't enough water for them to be running. There was enough water to wade around in and soak the feet. It was quite nice!

    The area is pretty and quiet, we saw only a handful of people in the two days we were there. The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time.

    All in all, a nice hike and a nice bit if camping. I'd go back to see the falls again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2018

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Rustic with great hiking

    This is a good place for hiking/backpacking. There are several sites around the access road and miles of hiking trails. The only ammenities are some fire rings and 1 toilet. It's a beautiful area but fairly remote and immediate services. Again, good for backpacking/hiking.

  • 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.

  • J
    May. 2, 2022

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    One of the best remote campgrounds in AR

    I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round.  I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.

  • Ramie W.
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hercules Glades

    I did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate, however the areas of open meadows were a little more difficult to find where it picks back up. The falls are a great rock feature when it’s dry and beautiful when they’re flowing.

  • 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.

  • Anna W.
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Quiet and easy

    We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.

Guide to Gamaliel

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gamaliel, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while taking advantage of the unique features each area offers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gamaliel, Arkansas

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Hercules Glades Wilderness Area, allow you to camp almost anywhere without the need for a permit, making it a great choice for spontaneous trips.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at places such as Hercules Glades (Watch Tower), where you can find peaceful spots close to the trailhead, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Always check local regulations and fire restrictions before heading out, especially in areas like Sycamore Loop Dispersed, where amenities are limited and safety is paramount.

Scenic hiking trails for dispersed campers

  • The Hercules Lookout Tower Trail offers stunning views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks while providing access to various dispersed camping spots.
  • For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the trails around Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed lead to secluded areas where you can set up camp and enjoy the serenity of the forest.
  • The Coy Bald hike in the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is a favorite among hikers, featuring beautiful viewpoints and opportunities for camping along the way.

Dispersed campers should check out Hercules Glades

  • The Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is known for its vast wilderness, allowing campers to find their own unique spots away from the hustle and bustle.
  • With features like fires allowed and pets permitted, this area is perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy a rustic camping experience.
  • Be mindful of wildlife, as the area is home to various species, and it's advisable to hike in groups for safety, especially in remote locations like Hercules Glades (Watch Tower).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gamaliel, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gamaliel, AR is Matney Knob disbursed with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Gamaliel, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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