Top Free Dispersed Camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Searching for a dispersed campsite near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.


Recent Dispersed Reviews In John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

6 Reviews of 13 John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    July 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. 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. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    July 21, 2024

    Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access

    Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    July 19, 2024

    Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded site just off Jack Creek Road

    Not sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913.  Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    July 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed
    February 13, 2024

    Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    Awesome Spot Deep In The Ozarks!

    Forest Rd. 82 has 3-4 spots, all about 1-2 miles in. There may be more the further you go, but I didn't go that far. Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!



Guide to John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake

Camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails are gorgeous and plentiful," highlighting the variety of paths available for all skill levels.
  • Fishing: The lake is perfect for fishing. A camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park noted, "Fishing pond, dog walk area, propane station all on property for reasonable rates," making it a convenient spot for anglers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Devil's Den State Park Campground shared, "We saw deer, armadillos, and skunks," which adds to the camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Aux Arc. One reviewer said, "The sites are spaced out nicely," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground remarked, "The facilities are super clean and well taken care of," which is always a relief when camping.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA noted, "Friendly staff. Highly recommend," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "No cell signal," which can be a nice way to unplug but might be inconvenient for some.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Springhill advised, "You have to reserve your site in advance via Recreation.gov," so plan ahead.
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Springhill warned, "Bring screen room or bug repellent for biting flies and no-seeums," to keep the pests at bay.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures said, "Everyone was so nice, but also gave us our space," which is great for families wanting a balance of fun and privacy.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Devil's Den State Park Campground mentioned, "The hikes are short and just amazing," perfect for kids who might not want to hike for hours.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground noted, "You can’t swim or paddleboard but can kayak or fish here," so having snacks ready for breaks is a good idea.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Fort Smith-Alma RV Park mentioned, "Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere," so double-check before booking.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A visitor at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA said, "Full Hookups, level sites," which is ideal for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Mulberry River Outdoor Adventures shared, "He has on different occasions said we didn't pay when we did," indicating that communication is key to a smooth experience.

Camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, Arkansas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake is River Ridge Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.