Tent camping near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas often requires driving on gravel roads that connect to primitive wilderness areas. The Ouachita Mountains offer elevations from 600-1,200 feet with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. National Forest lands surrounding Hot Springs provide access to numerous backcountry camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Ouachita provides multiple tent camping locations with water access. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, "spot #1 was right at the waters edge. Concrete/stone picnic table, grill, firepit. The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock. Right next to the boat ramp. Lots of people fishing."
Off-road adventures: For secluded tent camping locations beyond established sites, explore forest service roads in Ouachita National Forest. On Hickory Nut Mountain, campers can "explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping. If you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling relief during hot Arkansas summers. One camper at Irons Fork noted the area is "great for kayaking" while others mentioned swimming opportunities throughout the region.
What campers like
Elevated views: The region's higher elevation campsites reward tent campers with scenic overlooks. At Erwin Estate High Point, you'll find "180+ degree view overlooking Benton to Malvern to Greater Hot Springs" with "cattle roam the pastures" and "star gazing at night with a very romantic sunset."
Solitude options: Many primitive tent sites offer privacy for those willing to venture further from paved roads. At Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, one camper found "amazing" spots noting "there are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather."
Free camping: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate the no-cost options. According to a Hickory Nut Mountain camper, visitors find "parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many tent camping areas require driving unpaved roads. One camper at Hickory Nut Mountain mentioned "this campground was located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok), on the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Ouachita."
Limited facilities: Most backcountry tent sites have minimal amenities. A camper at Ozan Point - De Gray Lake noted it's "more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots including picnic tables and grill pits. For $10 a night (March 1 - October 31), this was a nice rest stop to cool off for a swim and hang out away from city noise and light."
Campsite conditions: Site maintenance varies across locations. At Dispersed FR132, one visitor warned about their first spot having "some trash" but found a better location "maybe 5-10 miles back" where "roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel and very few large rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment for children. Near Ozan Point, one visitor mentioned "I found a site right on the water and went for a swimming which was great given how hot it was. Nobody else on my peninsula of the campground either which was great."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe nature. At Erwin Estate, families can enjoy "wildlife sitings: Eagle, White-tail Deer, Wild Hogs, Birds, Squirrel, and more. Onsite catch and release pond bass fishing."
Shade coverage: Summer tent camping requires protection from intense sun. A camper at COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground appreciated the "amazing water scenery" while Ozan Point was described as "fully shaded so don't expect Solar charging or satellite if you work from a vehicle."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many tent-focused areas accommodate smaller RVs with careful planning. At Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, a camper noted "this dispersed camp site has a level pull-thru driveway which can accommodate about 2 or 3 vehicles. I believe this driveway can accomodate a truck camper."
Limited hookups: Primitive sites typically lack amenities for larger vehicles. An Irons Fork visitor mentioned the area is "ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers" but noted the site offers no hookups, making it better for self-contained units.
Road conditions: Approach routes may challenge larger vehicles. At Hickory Nut Mountain, campers will find the access road is "a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads. But it's free to stay."
