Best Dispersed Camping near Hot Springs, AR

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Hot Springs, AR

40 Reviews of 27 Hot Springs Campgrounds

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 12, 2022

  Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

  Dispersed Camping near Ouachita National Recreation Trail, AR

  Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. 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. Mostly level. There was plenty of firewood left by the fire ring. Camped here in February; very quiet. Only 2 vehicles drove by. Had a few bars of T-Mobile service.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 14, 2022

  Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

  Free dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

  Popular dispersed campsite in the Ouachita National Forest. Only one site; not a campground. Located on the gravel Brown Creek Road in Perry County, Arkansas. The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite. Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing). This campsite is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site. There are other dispersed sites along Brown Creek Road. The site is close to the road; there's a large mud puddle covering one of the 2 entrances to this site. 2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site. Large pine trees on the site. Hammock camping is possible. 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. Large rock fire ring on site. No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service. Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing.

• 

  Dalton B.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2020

  Harris Brake Lake

  Interesting

  Beautiful free camp ground but.......loud screaming kids and dogs barking...accessible lake and picnic table chained to tree. Light traffic at night.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 19, 2024

  Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

  Pull-thru dispersed site near the Ouachita Trail

  This is an update to my Feb 2022 review. This dispersed camp site has a level pull-thru driveway which can accomodate about 2 or 3 vehicles. I believe this driveway can accomodate a truck camper. Parking is not next to the rock fire ring; the fire ring is a very short walk away into the woods. The site is pretty much surrounded by forest - easy to stroll around in. Despite the site's elevation, there is no view of distant hills. Included some summer time images with this review. I like this spot, especially with the easy access to the Ouachita Trail nearby.

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  Rick M.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 13, 2024

  Harris Brake Lake

  A place to stop for the night

  We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump. It does have a picnick table, though.

• 

  Jeff P.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 9, 2020

  Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

  Exploring the hidden road

  This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest. Please do your homework because the road signs are lacking. Word of advice, best to stay away during hunting season as we spotted over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day; a hunting paradise as well. On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  May. 18, 2024

  Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

  Creekside dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

  Camped here on Dec 13, 2023. Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site. Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level. The site has a rock fire ring. Only a few vehicles drove by the site on FR179. Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing. Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service.  Love this spot!

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 11, 2024

  Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

  No dispersed site at coordinates

  The coordinates placed me at a gated forest road. There is no dispersed campsite here. There is also no river access or creeks at this location. I bet the original reviewer is describing a location down Forest Road 796 which goes westbound from near this location toward the Fourche La Fave River.

• 

  Jared E.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 9, 2024

  Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

  Comfortable and well-maintained

  There was a fire pit, prepared firewood, and a nice stump to chop more on. Very isolated, didn’t see any cars past 7 pm. Ample room for large van and many tents. Beautiful view from atop the mountain!

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 22, 2024

  FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

  Overnight Dispersed Site

  Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2024

  FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

  Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

  Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  Crystal Mountain Dispersed

  Good View with Difficult Access

  I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

  Small Site with Great View

  Located on Forest Road 153. Small site with a nice view. The view is better during winter season camping. Close to the forest road with very little traffic; may get dusty at times. Two rock fire rings. This site has a rocky surface with sparse grass. High summer undergrowth around site. The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller. Finding a soft place for a tent may be difficult. Forest road 153 btween this site and Highway 7 appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places. There are some minor obstacles and washouts. I don't recommend this road for a 2WD passenger car; 4x4's with some high clearence should have no problem. I received good T-Mobile service at this site. Love this dispersed campsite.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 9, 2025

  Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed

  Large creekside dispersed site

  Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.

• S

  Sarah W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 23, 2021

  Harris Brake Lake

  Secluded and Quiet

  We stayed here with our dog on our drive west! It’s a great little spot, fairly quiet and secluded. Some car traffic on a nearby road but not bad. There are only picnic tables and small spot for fire, so we just picked a spot near the lake. We had a gorgeous sunset and wonderful view of the lake!

• 

  Jacob F.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 29, 2024

  Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

  Great view

  Off grid camp site need 4×4 some washouts on forest service rd 153

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

  Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

  Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

• 

  Sara W.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 25, 2021

  Harris Brake Lake

  What a gorgeous view

  Just a picnic table no other amenities and the view is amazing great place to stay for free

• T

  Todd G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 26, 2021

  Harris Brake Lake

  Beautiful sunsets

  No amenities but it’s quiet and pretty and free. The sunset was gorgeous. A little bit of a drive off of I40 but it’s a fantastic spot. We are the only ones here

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

  Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

  Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.

• 

  Logan R.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 17, 2024

  Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

  Overland site

  First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is 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 so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 5, 2025

  Forest Rd 179 Dispersed

  Large Dispersed Site by Beautiful Forest

  Coordinates: 34.84016,-92.82538. Located along unpaved Forest Road 179 (Wildcat Mountain Road), about 3/4 miles south of junction with Forest Road 132. The forest road was in good condition during my visit. A 2-wheel drive passenger car should be able to reach this site. It is a large campsite, close to forest road; no privacy from the road. The site is a dirt surface with a very large rock fire ring. Mostly level. Tent and hammock camping possible. No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service. Shaded; connection to Starlink will be a challenge. Beautiful forest with a very small pond behind the site in the woods. May be able to back a truck camper into the site; I don't recommend anything larger. Pretty area; nice area for a stroll in the woods. There is a hiking trailhead near FR132 with a dirt parking space. This is a really nice, clean site if one doesn't mind the lack of privacy from the forest road.

• s

  sav

  Guide

  

  Aug. 15, 2023

  Harris Brake Lake

  Absolutely beautiful!

  It was gorgeous and obviously well taken care of. we were by ourselves the whole night! Designated fire pits and an awesome view of the lake. However, there were two reasons for the four stars. 1) a little deeper into the woods, there were telltale signs for this camping site being a storage spot for people without houses. we had no issues but as two girls camping in a new state, it def made us a bit nervous. 2) there were two relatively major roads running right next to the site, so we got all of the sounds and the lights that come with that. we also got several curious individuals that drove down through to see what it was. but it was free!!! so definitely no major complaints here.

• 

  Jeni N.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 9, 2020

  Harris Brake Lake

  Our experience was interesting

  This site is a wonderful place to camp because it is free. There was a ton of trash, including broken bottles and broken pans, near each site which was very unpleasant to see and camp near. There seems to be more spots to camp other than where the obvious drive-in sites with a picnic table were. We did not swim or fish in the water, but the lake is beautiful and there is a decent looking boat launch on the property. Our night was interesting because we had heard two gray foxes screeching ALL NIGHT LONG. We hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep that night, along with the dog barking from the very-close nearby houses. No one else was around us though. Overall not terrible, would recommend if anyone is looking for a quick place to swim/fish/sleep.

• M

  Matthew J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2023

  Irons Fork

  Nicest free spot I’ve seen!

  The place was beautiful and had plenty of lake access points too. I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that. Some nice mature trees were there but didn’t get in the way of our view of the lake. There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring. More spaces are available near the road as well. Bugs weren’t much of an issue but we did use bug spray. There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire. I’m happy we visited, but not happy about the humidity- I am thankful we were able to sleep in the car though! There was only one other person there. It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage. We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal.

• 

  Jacob F.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 29, 2024

  Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

  More amazing views

  Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and no very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on. Great views

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 18, 2024

  Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

  Fantastic View

  Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.