Dispersed camping near Jones Mill, Arkansas offers numerous primitive sites within the Ouachita National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,300 feet. The region features rocky, ridge-top terrain interspersed with creek valleys and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Winter camping often provides clearer views through leafless trees, while summer temperatures can reach 90°F with high humidity from June through September.
What to do
Fishing creekside spots: Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed campsite provides easy access to the North Fork of the Saline River. According to Fred S., "Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site." Though he "tried fishing here, but no luck" at another nearby site, he notes "from previous experience that there is fish in the creek."
Hike connecting trails: Access the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest. Fred S. mentions the "Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby." For more remote trail access, the North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed site offers "Access to the Ouachite National Recreation Trail...a 4-mile drive on forest roads to the south."
Waterfall hunting: Visit Brown Creek Cascade via a short hike from nearby camping. Fred S. describes it as "a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing)" from the campsite, making it an accessible adventure for most campers.
What campers like
Elevated viewpoints: Many ridge-top sites in the Ouachita Forest provide seasonal vistas. At Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest, Logan R. describes "amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises" and notes there's "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."
Creek sounds: Waterside campsites offer natural ambiance throughout the forest. Fred S. notes at one site that "The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high" and adds "a wonderful sound of the creek" provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Star visibility: Clear night skies reward campers in less densely forested areas. Fred S. describes one site having "Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing," which can be ideal for astrophotography or simply enjoying the night sky.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving, especially after rain. Rikki H. warns about Forest Service Road 153, stating "We couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road." Similarly, Fred S. notes that FR 153 "appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places."
GPS reliability issues: Navigation systems may lead to impassable routes. Alice S. cautions about FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed: "WARNING: Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices."
Cell service spotty: Coverage varies dramatically across the forest. While most sites have no service, Fred S. mentions that at one Vista site you can get "T-Mobile cell service." Alice S. notes that FR132 Crossroads has "pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Sites near water provide natural entertainment for children. Arthur S. shares about Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite: "Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person." The site's proximity to a creek and short hiking trail makes it family-friendly.
Be aware of hunting seasons: Some dispersed areas see hunting activity during season. Arthur S. warns "Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp" during his stay at Brown Creek Cascade.
Check for level tent spaces: Many sites have rocky, uneven ground challenging for family camping. Jacob F. notes about one site: "Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat." Look for sites described as having "level" ground in reviews.
Tips from RVers
Measure vehicle access carefully: Most forest roads accommodate truck campers and vans rather than large RVs. At one site, Fred S. advises it's "suitable for about 3 campervan-sized rigs. A truck camper will be able to enter the site, but the trees may prevent maneuvering deeper into the site."
Scout for pull-through options: Some sites offer easier parking without difficult backing. Fred S. describes that Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest has "a level pull-thru driveway which can accommodate about 2 or 3 vehicles," making it easier for those with trailers.
Bring leveling equipment: Prepare for uneven terrain at most dispersed camping areas. Jacob F. advises: "If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on," indicating the importance of bringing leveling blocks or similar equipment.
