Best Dispersed Camping near Huntington, AR
Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest surrounds the Huntington, Arkansas area, with several free primitive sites along forest roads and creek beds. The Jack Creek area offers multiple dispersed sites at varying distances from the Jack Creek Recreation Area, while Girard Road (Forest Road 20) provides additional backcountry camping options. Most sites feature basic stone fire rings and dirt surfaces suitable for tent camping, with some offering access to seasonal creeks for swimming or fishing opportunities.
The forest roads accessing these primitive campsites typically consist of maintained gravel or dirt surfaces, though many have minor erosion and narrow passages. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote sites, particularly those set back from main forest roads. Most dispersed sites have no amenities - no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups of any kind. Campers must pack out all waste and bring sufficient supplies. Cell service varies significantly by location, with T-Mobile reception reported at some sites while others remain completely off-grid. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
The dispersed camping experience near Huntington provides solitude and natural settings, with sites often shaded by mature trees. Sites range from small single-vehicle clearings to larger areas that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Jack Creek dispersed site offers creek access for wading and fishing during appropriate water levels. According to visitor reports, the privacy levels vary significantly between sites. One camper noted, "This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek." Another mentioned a different site was "close to Jack Creek Road with very little privacy from the forest road." Some sites experience limited traffic, providing a genuinely quiet backcountry experience.
