Dispersed camping near Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers primitive sites throughout the Ouachita National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 600-2,700 feet with a humid subtropical climate averaging 73°F in summer and 45°F in winter. Free camping options require self-sufficiency as most sites lack facilities but provide solitude in mixed pine-hardwood forests within 45 minutes of the national park.
What to do
Creek exploration: Multiple campsites near Hot Springs provide access to small waterways for cooling off during warm months. At Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, campers can take "a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing)" to reach a scenic cascade.
Ridge hiking: Access the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from several free camping areas. At Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR, "Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site" with direct "access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby."
Wildlife watching: The forests around Hot Springs support diverse wildlife including black bears, deer, and many bird species. One camper at Harris Brake Lake noted "the fireflies here are amazing!" while others have reported hearing gray foxes at night.
What campers like
Elevated views: Several free camping spots offer scenic vistas across the forested landscape. At Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest, campers appreciate the "amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises" though the site is "a bit rocky for tent campers."
Private forest settings: Many dispersed sites provide natural seclusion away from developed areas. A camper at North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed described it as a "large wooded dispersed site" where "only 2 vehicles drove by" during their stay.
Lakeside camping: Some free sites offer water access for swimming and fishing. Harris Brake Lake provides "full cell signal with XFINITY mobile" and "ample places to park" with "picnic tables and spots for fire overlooking lake."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly by season and recent weather. At Forest Service RD 153, one camper reported, "roads are way too washed out" and "we couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic facilities. Even at Irons Fork, which has vault toilets, a camper noted they "used my own pop up toilet as there's is not close to being clean."
Weather considerations: The region can experience temperature extremes. One camper at Forest Service RD 153 mentioned "a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons."
Campsite maintenance: Some areas show evidence of previous campers. At Harris Brake Lake, visitors found "a ton of trash, including broken bottles and broken pans, near each site."
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: The area is home to wildlife including black bears. Irons Fork is in "bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage."
Site selection: Choose campsites with natural features that entertain children. At Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest, one camper found a site with "a fire pit, prepared firewood, and a nice stump to chop more on."
Water play options: Consider camping near streams for natural recreation. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite has "the South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite" where "the sound from the creek was soothing."
Cell connectivity: Many families need to maintain contact. Cell service varies widely throughout the region, with some sites reporting "good T-Mobile service" while others have "no T-Mobile cell service."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many forest roads have limitations for larger vehicles. For Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest, a reviewer noted the "large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on."
Leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites aren't perfectly flat. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, "the campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required."
Length restrictions: Few sites accommodate large RVs. North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) is "suitable for about 3 campervan-sized rigs. A truck camper will be able to enter the site, but the trees may prevent maneuvering deeper into the site."
