Best Tent Camping near Hensley, AR
Tent camping options near Hensley, Arkansas include several dispersed sites and established campgrounds within driving distance. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers free primitive tent camping with access to Lake Conway, while Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite in the Ouachita National Forest provides a natural setting along South Fork of Brown Creek. Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area also offers designated tent camping areas throughout its extensive grounds.
Most tent sites in the region feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Camp Robinson has no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Brown Creek Cascade site includes a stone fire ring and level ground suitable for tents, though campers report needing to search for firewood. Access roads vary significantly, with Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA featuring gravel roads that can be challenging to navigate. Sites are typically marked with blue rings painted on trees or small "designated camping area" signs.
"Great spot to pitch a tent by Lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out," noted one visitor about Camp Robinson. The area provides varying levels of seclusion, with some campers reporting peaceful nights interrupted only by natural sounds. Brown Creek Cascade campers mention enjoying the soothing sounds from the nearby creek, though occasional hunting activity brings gunshots within earshot. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with no AT&T or T-Mobile service reported at Brown Creek. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting ducks, beavers, frogs and other animals, particularly around the water features at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA. Summer months bring significant insect activity, especially near stagnant water, making bug spray essential equipment for tent campers.
