Top Free Dispersed Camping near Harrison, AR

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Harrison? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Harrison, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Harrison, AR (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    2. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    23 Photos
    150 Saves
    St. Joe, Arkansas

    Woolum Campground is a large open field at the Woolum access to the Buffalo River near St. Joe AR. There are no amenities at Woolum. There are no designated sites. A vault toilet is available. Fees are not charged at Woolum. Woolum serves as overflow when Tyler Bend campground is full.

    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    3. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    117 Saves
    Bradleyville, Missouri

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers. The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. A variety of wildlife species live within the Hercules Glades including white-tailed deer, raccoons rabbits, squirrels, turkey, quail, songbirds, lizards and snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents.

    Limit your party size to 10 persons. No camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics; Never tie stock directly to trees. No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed.

    Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Key attractions along the trail include Long Creek Falls, panoramic views of the Ozarks countryside, and a variety of native communities including open limestone glades and mixed forests.

    Rating: More Difficult to Most Difficult with steep terrain, stream crossings, sparsely marked trail, and elevations from 600 to 1200 feet. Length: 32 miles Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Restrictions: Foot and Horse only. Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    5. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    24 Saves
    Greeson Lake, Arkansas

    Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground and at least 100 feet from any administrative site to include trails, buildings and designated recreational areas. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

    Picking a Campsite

    If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:

    Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • WiFi
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite

        8. Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite

        1 Review
        10 Photos
        5 Saves
        Hector, Arkansas

        The U.S. Forest Service maintains all of the developed recreation areas. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere but on food plots and areas marked closed to camping.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Group
        • No image available
          • No image available
          Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Harrison

          31 Reviews of 11 Harrison Campgrounds


          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            July 4, 2024

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Cute spot!

            Quiet and beautiful spot in AR! Patchy cell service and no water hookups, but there are bathrooms, lots of privacy, fire pits, and trails connected to the sites! Highly recommend a visit here

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            June 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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed
            March 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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
            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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
            March 26, 2022

            Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

            Beautiful campground!

            This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming. There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces. We had full hookups to boot!

          • Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
            September 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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping
            August 14, 2021

            Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping

            Not a camp spot (private propery)

            This was not at all a campsite. Most of the forest is private property with house everywhere. This location in particular is no different. Go to Sam's throne to camp

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            August 14, 2021

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Peace on Earth

            Amazing peaceful campsite. Can be eerie pulling up at night but is so beautiful and peaceful. On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky. Bathrooms are cleaned every other day.no running water or showers just two vault toliet. Some campsites have cell phone service. Att and had the best out of all of our phones. Place is completely free. Beautiful path to walk to see the open ozarks but not much else to do here. Bambi and her mom also seem to live here.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)
            August 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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            July 28, 2021

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Secluded and Scenic!

            Several first come-first serve sites for RV or tent. Fire rings at each site and vault toilets at each end of campground. Limited Verizon cell. Great hikes on bluffs overlooking valley.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            March 29, 2021

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Gem of a Site

            We camped right next to the trail head and apart from all the traffic during the day for the trail (cars coming and going) it’s great. The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base amo if you’re rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that. Compost bathroom s were super clean. Had a great experience there

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            January 12, 2021

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Beautiful Area, Clean Campsites & Bathrooms

            Pros:

            -Campground was completely empty when I arrived on a Thursday evening in December.

            -Sites are separated by trees, so some privacy.

            -There are more than one compositing toilet on site& they are cleaned regularly.

            -Beautiful cliff views are a short walk away.

            Cons:

            -No water access, so bring your own

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            December 10, 2020

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            The BEST view!

            Private camping spots, with trees separating each site. There’s fit pits, but no rv hook ups and only a couple bathrooms there.
            It is considered a national park spot so it’s not set up for rv, but if your van or rv is self standing is perfect!!

          • Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
            October 7, 2020

            Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

            Extremly beautiful area, simple camp ground

            I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren’t open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings. Beautiful area!

          • Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
            June 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!!!

          • Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
            June 4, 2019

            Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

            Quiet, spacious, with the best swimming hole!

            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. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash. We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            March 27, 2019

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Primitive Sites & Beautiful Views

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area really is a hidden gem, even for the non-climbers out there. We started a five day camping trip on a Saturday and sure enough, as we had already heard about this place's weekend popularity, the sites were packed. Many groups out there taking advantage of the beautiful March weather to hit the rock and explore all the many jaw-dropping routes on and around Sam's rocky Throne. Once the weekend ended though, there were an average of 2 or 3 other occupied sites in the area throughout the week.

            Me, my boyfriend and our dog must have been the only non-climbers out there, which was completely fine because there really is SO MUCH to do and see. There are a number of trails outside the main established trails (see picture of trail map). Our second day there we spent eight hours skirting along the bluffs and exploring what looked like beautiful fairy lands.

            The weather was perfect (high 50's/low 60's during the days and down to low 40's at night) and the bugs were almost non-existent (but we still defended ourselves from ticks with spray and covered legs).

            We spent every day we were there exploring new spots and areas because the stretch of land is endless. What's nice is you can also drive 20 or so miles out to other beautiful spots like Pedestal Rock Scenic Area and Alum Cove Natural Bridge. We hopped on the Ozark Highland Trail for about six miles starting at the nearby Fairview Campground (which I highly recommend!).

            And of course, don't forget to check out THE Sam's Throne, which is still accessible for those not harnessed and roped up. There is a climbable route that is fairly easy to moderate and allows you to access the throne and all it's glory. There are even a couple of fire rings up there which would definitely make for some breathtaking tent views. I may be partial to this place now because I happened to get engaged on the Throne at sunset during our last night there, and I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful experience.

            I highly recommend this area, this forest, and hell the whole state for a great camping experience!

          • Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
            September 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.

          • Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
            July 7, 2018

            Sam's Throne Recreation Area

            Beautiful location

            Very beautiful place with vault toilets only and no running water. There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer. Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's. No trash cans, pack-in/pack-out facility. Donations are accepted but it is a FREE campsite.



          Guide to Harrison

          Camping near Harrison, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water.

          What to do

          • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out Roaring River State Park Campground. One visitor said, “Great place to fish. Nice open camp spots, easy access to hiking trails and great fishing!”
          • Hiking: Explore the trails at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River. A camper mentioned, “If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails.”
          • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Mill Creek (Missouri) have spotted various wildlife. One reviewer noted, “Wildlife is everywhere. Eagles, hawks, fishing and more.”

          What campers like

          • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Withrow Springs State Park Campground said, “The heated shower house and bathrooms were amazing.”
          • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Table Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “Crowded spots, though great facilities and prices.”
          • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground said, “The staff and rangers are extremely friendly and helpful.”

          What you should know

          Tips for camping with families

          • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River, a reviewer said, “They had live music one night as well as a couple other park programs throughout the weekend.”
          • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Roaring River State Park Campground noted, “Expect the lake winds to keep temps lower than what’s forecasted.”
          • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Mill Creek (Missouri) suggested, “Every site at this park is lakefront. The site has electric and water.”

          Tips from RVers

          Camping around Harrison, Arkansas, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Harrison, AR?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Harrison, 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 Harrison, AR?

            TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Harrison, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.