Best Tent Camping near Jones Mill, AR
Tent campsites in the Ouachita National Forest provide options for primitive camping near Jones Mill, Arkansas. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers free tent camping with nearby creek access, while Hickory Nut Mountain provides established tent sites with scenic views. For those seeking more developed options, Erwin Estate High Point offers tent camping with private pond fishing access approximately 15 minutes from Hot Springs.
Most primitive tent sites feature rock fire rings and level ground suitable for standard camping tents, though bringing all necessary supplies is essential as amenities are minimal. The dispersed sites along Forest Road 132 provide level pull-through areas that can accommodate two to three vehicles, making them suitable for small group tent camping. Sites at Hickory Nut Mountain include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and vault toilets, though water must be packed in or filtered from natural sources. A review on The Dyrt noted, "There are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel."
Tent campers at Brown Creek will find the sound of the creek creates a peaceful atmosphere, with the short 1/4-mile hike to Brown Creek Cascade offering a scenic daytime activity. Most dispersed sites see very little traffic, particularly on weekdays. At Hickory Nut Mountain, campsites are positioned to catch glimpses of Lake Ouachita through clearings in the trees, providing partial views from the ridge. The journey to these higher-elevation sites requires driving approximately 3-4 miles on gravel roads. A camper described their experience: "Nice view. T-Mobile cellphone reception. Bathroom, tables, and flat dirt spots. I car camped without any problems. I did see a few trucks drive in and out for sunset, but otherwise I had the place to myself."
