Tent campsites near Hot Springs Village, Arkansas spread across the southern portion of the Ouachita National Forest, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,600 feet. The region features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly favorable for camping. Summer overnight temperatures typically remain above 65°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Irons Fork Primitive Camping offers direct water access with a boat ramp. "Right next to the boat ramp. Lots of people fishing. Great for kayaking," reports Stephanie P.
Off-road exploration: The gravel forest roads leading to Hickory Nut Mountain provide opportunities for moderate off-roading. "If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping," notes Jeff P.
Spring swimming: Some dispersed sites offer natural water features for cooling off. "Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day. Plenty of room for our tent and camp kitchen!" shares Candace R. about her experience at Hickory Nut Mountain.
What campers like
Elevated solitude: Hickory Nut Mountain campsites provide isolation and night sky features. "At night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs'. Which makes the experience a little enchanting," Chrischelle N. describes.
Creek-side settings: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers waterfront camping with natural ambiance. "The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite... The sound from the creek was soothing," notes Fred S.
Hammock-friendly trees: The forest composition at many sites creates ideal hammock conditions. "The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock," Stephanie P. mentions about Irons Fork Primitive Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Forest roads leading to campsites can present challenges. "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," Sophia W. reports about Dispersed FR132.
No facilities at dispersed sites: Pack in all essentials when choosing undeveloped sites. "No water (except for creek). No toilets nor showers. No trash - take out what you bring in. May need to hike a ways in the woods to find firewood," explains Fred S. about Brown Creek Cascade.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the forest. "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge. I received no T-Mobile cell service," notes Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Scout ahead for space: Some sites offer better group accommodations than others. "This dispersed camp site has a level pull-thru driveway which can accommodate about 2 or 3 vehicles... The site is pretty much surrounded by forest - easy to stroll around in," explains Fred S. about Dispersed FR132.
Consider restroom access: For families with younger children, choose sites with bathroom facilities. "There are picnic tables, grills and fire pits. It's a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads. But it's free to stay," Nicole G. mentions about Hickory Nut Mountain.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing possibilities. "As of late, there is considerable wildlife to view and great fishing in our pond. Occasionally, we even have a Golden Eagle that will make an appearance!" reports Susan E. about Erwin Estate High Point.
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most tent campsites near Hot Springs Village accommodate only smaller rigs. "Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers. Great views of the water," Izzy T. explains about Irons Fork Primitive Camping.
Limited hookups: No electric or water connections exist at most Ouachita Forest sites. "Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest... Free dispersed site, no facilities. Rock fire ring. Should be enough parking for 2 vehicles. Suitable for tent camping, car camping, truck camping & van camping," Fred S. describes about Dispersed FR132.
Low-clearance considerations: Many forest roads require vehicles with adequate ground clearance. "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road," notes Fred S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp, suggesting caution for lower vehicles.
