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Best Dispersed Camping near Lakeview, AR

34 Reviews

The Buffalo National River offers several dispersed camping options near Lakeview, Arkansas, with Woolum Dispersed Area providing primitive riverside camping along sandy and rocky beaches. This area features vault toilets but no hookups or other amenities. A recent visitor noted, "Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently. Fire rings. Vault toilets." Access roads can become problematic during wet weather, with one camper mentioning that "the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion" in spring 2022.

Several Wildlife Management Areas provide additional off-grid camping opportunities, though with specific requirements. Gene Rush WMA has only designated camping sites rather than true dispersed camping, and requires permits. "Must purchase camping license from Game and Fishing Commission. Can be done online at www.agfc.com for $5," explains one review. Fire restrictions vary seasonally across the region, with most areas permitting campfires outside summer months. Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers free camping with vault toilets and fire rings in sites separated by trees, providing privacy and access to hiking trails with cliff views.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lakeview, Arkansas (12)

    1. Matney Knob disbursed

    1 Review
    Norfork, AR
    17 miles

    2. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    4 Reviews
    Bradleyville, MO
    28 miles
    Website

    "This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  "

    "Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking."

    3. Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    4 Reviews
    Bradleyville, MO
    29 miles

    "Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead."

    "We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet."

    4. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    7 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    34 miles
    Website

    "So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology."

    "I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen."

    5. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed."

    "There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer."

    6. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Greeson Lake, AR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon)."

    7. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    38 miles

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    "Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."

    8. Hercules Lookout Tower Trail

    Be the first to review!
    Bradleyville, MO
    29 miles

    9. Noblett Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Willow Springs, MO
    44 miles

    "If you go down the road to what used to actually be the Noblett Lake campground (it is now a picnic area, no overnight camping allowed). They do have vault toilets available but they're gross."

    10. Sycamore Loop Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Willow Springs, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lakeview, AR

9 Photos of 12 Lakeview Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lakeview, AR

34 Reviews of 12 Lakeview Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!

    This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.  

    My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand.   Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks.   Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.

    Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!!  Very important in this region.

    Bring everything and then plot your course.

    The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas.    This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!   

    I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.   

    Be careful but have fun!!!

  • T
    Nov. 29, 2017

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Nicely private, but not a lot of scenery

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking.

    Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions. There are a few primitive sites at the trailhead, no water or toilets.

    A few hundred yards from the Coy Bald Trailhead there is a fork in the trail. Going left gets you to the falls and the majority of the camp sites with the shortest route, about three miles.

    The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty.

    About a mile in you'll cross the river for the first time. There are camp sites with fire rings on both sides of the river. This is a scenic area with bluffs on one side of the river, but forested, so no views to speak of.

    About three miles in, you'll cross the river the second time. There are a number of camping areas with fire rings along the river.

    Downstream a few hundred feet are the falls that most people go to see. Unfortunately for us, there wasn't enough water for them to be running. There was enough water to wade around in and soak the feet. It was quite nice!

    The area is pretty and quiet, we saw only a handful of people in the two days we were there. The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time.

    All in all, a nice hike and a nice bit if camping. I'd go back to see the falls again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2018

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Rustic with great hiking

    This is a good place for hiking/backpacking. There are several sites around the access road and miles of hiking trails. The only ammenities are some fire rings and 1 toilet. It's a beautiful area but fairly remote and immediate services. Again, good for backpacking/hiking.

  • Candace R.
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Buggy but Beautiful

    So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.

  • Summer R.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Title Required: Good. Quiet. Good and quiet.

    Only stayed one night but it was very quiet and peaceful. There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed. No trash service but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Great sites either way. Happy to stay again.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Beautiful location

    Very beautiful place with vault toilets only and no running water. There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer. 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. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's. No trash cans, pack-in/pack-out facility. Donations are accepted but it is a FREE campsite.

  • J
    May. 2, 2022

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    One of the best remote campgrounds in AR

    I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round.  I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.

  • Ramie W.
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hercules Glades

    I did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate, however the areas of open meadows were a little more difficult to find where it picks back up. The falls are a great rock feature when it’s dry and beautiful when they’re flowing.

Guide to Lakeview

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lakeview, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of options, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lakeview, Arkansas

  • Always check local regulations before setting up camp, as some areas may have specific restrictions. For instance, Hercules Glades Wilderness Area offers plenty of camping opportunities but requires awareness of fire restrictions.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including water and food, since many dispersed areas lack amenities. The Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed area is a great spot, but it has no drinking water or trash services.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially in warmer months. Campers at Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) have reported seeing snakes, so it's wise to stay vigilant.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Lakeview

  • The trails around Hercules Glades Wilderness Area offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. The four-mile hike features beautiful viewpoints and challenging terrain.
  • For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) area provides access to several hiking trails that are quiet and secluded, perfect for a peaceful day out.
  • Don't miss the scenic beauty of the falls at Hercules Glades Wilderness Area, which can be a highlight of your hiking adventure, especially after a good rain.

Activities to enjoy while dispersed camping near Lakeview

  • Swimming and wading are popular activities at the shut-ins near Hercules Glades Wilderness Area, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip after a hike.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can find opportunities in the nearby rivers and streams, with many campers enjoying the tranquility of the water while casting a line.
  • Photography is a must, especially at sunset or sunrise, as the landscapes around Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) provide stunning backdrops for capturing nature's beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lakeview, AR is Matney Knob disbursed with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Lakeview, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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