Tent camping near Hensley, Arkansas occurs primarily in the Ouachita Mountain foothills and surrounding lowland areas, with elevations ranging from approximately 200 to 400 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most dispersed camping sites throughout the area require campers to navigate unpaved roads that can become difficult to traverse after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing at multiple access points: At Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, campers can fish in stocked ponds throughout the property. "I will explore more of this WMA in the near future to give a better understanding of services and amenities... There was a large pond with nearby primitive camping for free," notes Sky R.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Tent campers regularly spot diverse wildlife throughout the region's camping areas. "Ducks, beavers, frogs and more," reports one camper at Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA. "The birds and frogs sang all evening," mentions Julie A. about her experience at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.
Hiking to water features: From Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, a short quarter-mile hike leads to the cascade. "Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing)," explains Fred S. The trail requires crossing the creek but rewards hikers with views of the small waterfall.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Many tent sites in the area offer peaceful natural sounds. At Brown Creek Cascade, one camper noted, "The sound from the creek was soothing." Another camper at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site shared, "We woke up to birds singing, and trees rustling. It was very beautiful and peaceful."
Availability of water sources: Despite minimal amenities, several sites offer natural water features. "The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps," explains Julie A. about Camp Robinson. This still provides visitors with water views and wildlife habitat.
Accessibility for overnight stays: Many sites function well as single-night camping spots. "Very nice spot found it quickly at night. Soft ground. Quick to get to off highway," reports Andrew K. about Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA. Another camper mentioned, "This is our first stop as we make our way from New Hampshire to California. Lots of large open sites."
What you should know
Site identification markers: Finding designated camping areas requires attention to specific markings. At Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, Jennifer H. explains, "There are a ton of campsites down the gravel road and they are well marked. There are signs for designated camping and the trees have a blue ring painted around them, so it stands out."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to the best tent camping near Hensley, Arkansas range from well-maintained to challenging. "The road access is gravel, but LARGE gravel that we are surprised didn't ruin our tires," warns Janice R. about one area of Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA.
Limited amenities require preparation: Beagle Club Road Pull-Off offers minimal facilities. "Not much too it. Basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night," notes Heidi H. Many sites lack restrooms, trash service, or established fire pits.
Navigation challenges: Finding some camping areas can be difficult. "You cannot trust either Apple or Google maps to get you here by these coordinates. Also, 'here' is a relative term," cautions Tavi C. about Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA. "I got very lost trying to find the place at night, and then getting back to the freeway the next morning."
Tips for camping with families
Seek sites with natural features: Children often enjoy camping locations with water features or wildlife viewing opportunities. "The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening," describes Julie A. about Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.
Consider tent placement carefully: Some campsites have terrain limitations. Jennifer H. notes about Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, "A lot of the spots we saw were gravel so I'm not sure if it would be super comfortable to sleep here in a tent."
Plan for varying traffic conditions: Some camping areas experience unexpected visitor traffic. Mason G. reports about Camp Robinson, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: While some sites can accommodate small RVs, many dispersed camping areas near Hensley are best suited for tents or small vehicles. At Erwin Estate High Point, campers can access views of "Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs" but the site is primarily designed for tent camping.
Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites have limited parking space. Fred S. notes about Brown Creek Cascade, "This campsite is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site." This makes the area better for smaller camping setups rather than large recreational vehicles.
Consider seasonal weather impacts: During hot weather, insects can be problematic. "Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area... I definitely put on bug spray right away," advises Ken H. about summer camping at Camp Robinson.
