Best Dispersed Camping near Hot Springs, AR
The Ouachita National Forest provides numerous free dispersed camping opportunities surrounding Hot Springs, Arkansas. Forest Roads 132 and 153 feature several established primitive sites with rock fire rings, offering ridge-top views but requiring careful navigation. "The 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," notes one camper, though another warns of "drainage pipes exposed" and washouts on FR153 after heavy rains.
Most dispersed sites accommodate 2-3 vehicles and are suitable for tent camping, though rocky terrain can make ground sleeping uncomfortable at some locations. Bears are present in the area, requiring proper food storage. Cell service varies significantly by location, with T-Mobile coverage available at some ridge-top sites while valley locations typically lack connectivity. Fire rings are common at established sites, but campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting. Irons Fork offers a more developed option with vault toilets, though reviews indicate these facilities are rarely maintained. A camper noted, "We were the only campers and had a great spot on the water for a morning shower."
