Best Dispersed Camping near Jerusalem, AR
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.