The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Jerusalem, AR

77 Reviews

The Ozark National Forest dominates the camping landscape surrounding Jerusalem, Arkansas, with numerous dispersed sites along forest roads and near waterways. Brock Creek area offers several primitive camping options, including sites along Charleston Road and near Brock Creek Lake, where campers can find level spots with established rock fire rings. Tackett Mountain Road provides additional dispersed camping opportunities within the national forest. Most sites accommodate smaller vehicles like campervans and SUVs, with limited space for larger rigs. Harris Brake Lake, approximately 30 miles south, offers free camping with picnic tables and maintained grounds suitable for travel trailers up to 22 feet. The Middle Fork Dispersed Site along the Illinois Bayou provides creekside camping in a large clearing about a quarter mile from Highway 27.

Forest road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring careful navigation on gravel and dirt roads. As one camper noted, "The forest road is in good condition, but the dispersed site is small and close to road; dust may be an issue at times." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites, particularly after rain when erosion can create challenging conditions. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with T-Mobile and AT&T coverage varying by location. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out trash. Winter camping offers different experiences, as one reviewer mentioned: "During summer, this site is overrun by high grass and weeds. When I visited during February, all of that was dead and matted down, with easy access to the fire ring."

Waterside camping locations receive particularly positive reviews from visitors to the area. At Harris Brake Lake, a camper reported, "The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit, and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood." Creekside sites along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou and Brock Creek provide peaceful natural soundscapes. Poison ivy is common at many sites, particularly during warmer months. Hunting season brings increased traffic to the forest roads, with one visitor advising, "Best to stay away during hunting season as we spotted over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day." Many sites feature hiking opportunities on nearby trails, including access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from several dispersed camping areas along Forest Road 132.

Map showing campgrounds near Jerusalem, ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jerusalem, Arkansas (46)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 46 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Jerusalem Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Jerusalem, AR

53 Photos of 46 Jerusalem Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jerusalem, AR

77 Reviews of 46 Jerusalem Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek

    Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed

    Nice wooded dispersed site above a small creek

    Coordinates: 34.87057,-92.89844. Camped here on April 20, 2025. Located along Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), appoximately 1/2 mile west of the Brown Creek Cascade dispersed site and trail head (see separate listing). Large, level site with a dirt surface. Should easily accomadate 2 or 3 rigs and tents. Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway). Easy access from the forest road. The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season. Only 6 vehicles passed by during my stay (which was on a Monday evening). There is a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site. A small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek. The site is shaded; solar charging and Starlink connectivity may be difficult. Hammock camping is possible. No T-Mobile cell service. No access to hiking trails at the site; trailheads for Brown Creek Cascade and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are a short drive away. Loved this site. Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek. Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots. No issues for high clearance 4x4 vehicles.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2025

    FR1802A, Meadows Knob Rd Dispersed

    Secluded, Light Usage, Dispersed Camping in the Ozarks

    Coordinates: 35.58695,-93.20723. Camped here Dec 29, 2024. Set well off of Meadows Knob Rd. Expect pinstriping along the access track to this secluded dispersed campsite. FR1802A toward the site has some erosion; low clearance vehicles may high center in one or two spots. The main forest road into this part of the Ozark National Forest is okay. The campsite is in open area, located in an old clear cut area. There is a partial view of the distant mountains. The site is a level, dirt surface. Not a large site; okay for one rig. Tent camping possible. No nearby mature trees for hammock camping. The site is overgrown with grass and weeds; a weed whacker is needed to clear the rock fire ring. There is a spot on the ground where a previous campfire was made. Good AT&T and T-Mobile 5G service. No shade; access to Starlink is possible. No hiking trails, although there is a 2-track for hiking that leads down into Graves Creek Canyon and some unnamed waterfalls. The hike along this trck is nice. This is not a pretty dispersed site, but it is well off of the main forest road; very private. Access to the site may be difficult for some vehicles. High clearance 4x4 vehicles should have no problems.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2022

    Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

    Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou

    Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from  Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR

    Large Group Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Convenient to National Forest OHV Area

    Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

    Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails

    Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322.  Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.

Guide to Jerusalem

Rustic camping near Jerusalem, Arkansas primarily occurs on Forest Service lands with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,400 feet. Dispersed campsites in this region typically follow a "pack-in, pack-out" approach with seasonal variations affecting road conditions and accessibility. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Trek 1.25 miles from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite to discover a small unnamed waterfall. A camper noted, "A 1 1/4 mile hike takes you to a small unnamed waterfall, which may not be running during the dry season."

Rock climbing: The bluffs at Sam's Throne Recreation Area offer numerous climbing routes. A visitor mentioned, "Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing."

Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing opportunities in the region. As one camper at Sam's Throne stated, "On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky."

OHV trail riding: Many sites provide direct access to designated OHV trails. At Charleston Road Dispersed, a reviewer observed it was "Located in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead."

What campers like

Lake views: The elevated position of Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed provides scenic water vistas. A camper described it as "on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view."

Wildlife encounters: Deer and small mammals are common sightings throughout the area. At Sam's Throne, a reviewer mentioned, "Bambi and her mom also seem to live here."

Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer natural separation. At Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, a camper appreciated that "The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd."

Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites include rock fire rings. At Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, a reviewer noted, "There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small."

What you should know

Variable road conditions: Access to many sites requires careful driving. For Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, a camper warned, "Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion."

Poison ivy prevalence: Many sites have poison ivy, particularly during summer. A reviewer at Charleston Road Dispersed mentioned, "There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site."

Limited level parking: Some sites have restrictions on the number and size of vehicles. At Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, a visitor noted, "The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller."

Seasonal site conditions: Sites change dramatically with the seasons. As one camper observed at Middle Fork Dispersed Site, "Three large puddles on the site."

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom availability: Only select sites have toilet facilities. At Harris Brake Lake, a family noted, "We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood."

Safety considerations: Be aware of hunting seasons and wildlife. A reviewer at Sam's Throne advised, "There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe."

Kid-friendly activities: Look for sites with open spaces for play. At Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, a camper described it as "a level with a dirt and grass surface" that "can accommodate multiple vehicles."

Insect protection: Bring tick and insect repellent, especially in warmer months. A Harris Brake Lake visitor warned, "absolutely beautiful place the fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights. There is a lot of ticks here i pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most primitive sites around Jerusalem accommodate smaller rigs. At Harris Brake Lake, a camper confirmed, "I am towing a 19' travel trailer. And someone else is here with a 22'. There are a few places to park with no need to backup."

Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for uneven surfaces. A visitor at Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed noted, "Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked."

Vehicle clearance: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. At Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, a reviewer observed, "Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover."

Solar charging: Understand sunlight availability at each site. A camper at Tackett Mountain Road stated, "Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jerusalem, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jerusalem, AR is Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jerusalem, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Jerusalem, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring