Dispersed camping near Greenwood, Arkansas occurs primarily in the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests where elevations range from 500 to 2,700 feet. Seasonal considerations are significant with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Access to most free camping sites requires navigating forest service roads that frequently deteriorate after rainfall, creating challenging conditions for standard passenger vehicles.
What to do
Hike to scenic overlooks: Near the Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed site, campers can access the Spy Rock trail which offers panoramic mountain vistas. "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," notes one visitor. The trail requires moderate hiking ability and sturdy footwear.
Creek exploration: Several primitive sites provide direct water access. At Jack Creek Dispersed in the Ouachita National Forest, you'll find "a short path down to Jack Creek" where "depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek." Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically offering the most reliable flow.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times throughout the area. Deer, wild turkey, and various bird species are commonly spotted. At Dispersed Near Devils Den, one camper noted "tons of fireflies which was cool" during summer evenings, creating natural light displays after sunset.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Free camping sites around Greenwood typically offer good separation from other campers. At Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, visitors appreciate that "Our closest neighbors were at least 300 yards away and we only knew they were there because we had hiked away from our camp and noticed their fire."
Multiple site options: Many forest roads feature several dispersed sites along their length. On Morgan Mountain Road, campers report "various camp sites along a dirt road" with different characteristics—"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."
Natural swimming spots: During warmer months, creek access provides welcome relief from heat. One camper at Lee Creek Off Road Site described it as a "local stop in for swimming and fishing" with "nice walk trails along the water." These natural swimming areas lack lifeguards or facilities, so appropriate caution is necessary.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Most sites require traveling on unpaved forest roads of varying quality. At Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, a visitor noted "Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places." Conditions worsen after rain, with many campers recommending higher clearance vehicles.
Prepare for limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent throughout the region. At Morgan Mountain Road sites, one camper reported "T-Mobile has anywhere from one bar LTE to three bars of 5G extended to 2 bars 5G here," while at Jack Creek Dispersed, another found "no T-Mobile cell service." Verizon typically offers better coverage than other carriers.
Pack out all trash: Many sites show evidence of previous visitors leaving garbage behind. Near Devils Den, a camper mentioned they "Would've been a nearly perfect campsite. Had it not been for all the trash left by others." Forest service does not provide trash collection at dispersed sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select sites with easier road access. Turner Creek Road provides "a very secluded spot" that's "very peaceful" while being more accessible than some deeper forest locations. This allows for quicker exits if weather or other factors necessitate leaving quickly.
Bring plenty of water: No drinking water is available at any dispersed camping areas. When temperatures rise in summer months, hydration becomes critical. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day, plus additional water for cooking and cleaning.
Screen for hazards: Upon arrival, survey your site for potential dangers like widow makers (dead overhead branches), poison ivy, or trip hazards. At Dead Man Gap, campers advised to "be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations are significant: Most primitive sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. At Jack Creek Road Dispersed, a visitor noted the "site has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller." Standard travel trailers and larger motorhomes will find few suitable options.
Consider pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier vehicle positioning. The Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed site is described as a "small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road" that "can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other."
Leveling challenges: Few sites offer perfectly level parking. At Morgan Mountain Road, a visitor observed the campsite "is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot." Bring leveling blocks or other solutions to stabilize your vehicle.
