Primitive camping near Greers Ferry Lake focuses primarily on sites within Ozark National Forest, with elevation changes between 600-2,500 feet creating diverse terrain for backcountry exploration. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with fall bringing cooler nights in the 40s and daytime highs in the 70s—ideal for dispersed camping when summer crowds have dissipated. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures.
What to do
Creek exploration: Falling Water Creek offers swimming opportunities in summer months when water levels are moderate. As one visitor noted, "Great spot" for cooling off during hot Arkansas summers.
Hiking local trails: The old track near Charleston Road Dispersed is accessible for day hikers heading toward Stoebuck Mountain. A camper mentioned, "The old track is gated just past the site; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain."
Stargazing: Open areas like the large clearing at Group Dispersed Charleston Road provide excellent night sky viewing. According to a camper, "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."
OHV trail access: Multiple dispersed sites connect to the extensive OHV trail system. At Austin Trailhead Dispersed, one camper noted it's "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)."
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: Small tucked-away sites along Tackett Mountain Road offer seclusion. A camper at Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed wrote, "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."
Water access: Several sites provide opportunities for river or lake access. At Middle Fork Dispersed Site, a camper observed, "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."
Natural swimming areas: Buffalo National River camping areas feature natural swimming holes. According to one camper at Woolum Dispersed Area, "This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there... We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back."
Seasonal beauty: Spring and fall offer distinctive camping experiences. One Woolum visitor noted, "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."
What you should know
WMA permit requirements: Arkansas Wildlife Management Areas require appropriate permits regardless of what mapping apps may suggest. One WMA camper received a written warning for camping without proper documentation.
Road conditions vary: Some forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. A reviewer of Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed noted, "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."
No amenities: Most dispersed areas lack all facilities. At Middle Fork Dispersed Site, a camper summarized, "No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out."
Cell service: Reception is inconsistent throughout the forest. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers better coverage, with one camper noting, "The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites with natural features for children. At Woolum Dispersed Area, one camper mentioned, "Camped here mid-week in early November. Quickly found a large, open, level site with a rock fire ring on a grassy field. This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers."
Bug protection: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. A Woolum visitor advised, "Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen."
Security awareness: Some areas experience nighttime traffic. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one camper reported, "I woke up a 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window. So I was packed up and was out by 2am."
Wildlife education: Teaching children about local flora/fauna enhances the experience. Take note of poison ivy at sites like Charleston Road Dispersed, where a camper mentioned, "There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, a reviewer noted, "Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven surfaces. A camper at Brock Creek-Charleston Road Dispersed warned, "The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked."
Access scouting: Check accessibility before bringing larger rigs. One camper at Brock Creek-Charleston Road Dispersed suggested, "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."
Solar options: Several sites offer good solar charging potential. The Group Dispersed Charleston Road site was noted for being "open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible."
