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Best Dispersed Camping near Little Rock, AR

43 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Ouachita National Forest near Little Rock, Arkansas, primarily along Forest Roads 132, 152, and 179. These free primitive sites require no reservations and offer basic locations for tent and small RV camping in natural settings. Several designated dispersed areas include Camp Robinson Dispersed Site along Lake Conway, Harris Brake Lake, and multiple forest road pull-offs throughout the Ouachita mountain region. Most sites feature simple fire rings with no other amenities or services.

Forest roads accessing these dispersed sites range from well-maintained gravel to rocky, bumpy tracks requiring careful navigation. Sites along FR179 and FR132 may require higher clearance vehicles in some sections. Most dispersed areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring sufficient water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, though most sites permit campfires in existing rock rings when conditions allow. Several sites feature creekside camping options with seasonal water access, though drinking water treatment is necessary.

The camping experience varies across sites, with some offering lakeside views and others providing creek access or forest immersion. Harris Brake Lake receives positive reviews for its scenic qualities despite lacking amenities. "Gorgeous free campground but loud screaming kids and dogs barking...accessible lake and picnic table chained to tree," noted one camper. Sites along Forest Road 179 provide creek access with opportunities for fishing and summer swimming. "Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping," according to a visitor review. Cell service varies significantly between sites, with many forest road locations having limited or no connectivity.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Little Rock, Arkansas (24)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Little Rock, AR

27 Photos of 24 Little Rock Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Little Rock, AR

43 Reviews of 24 Little Rock Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Dispersed Camping near Ouachita National Recreation Trail, AR

    Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. Free dispersed site, no facilities. Rock fire ring. Should be enough parking for 2 vehicles. Suitable for tent camping, car camping, truck camping & van camping. Mostly level. There was plenty of firewood left by the fire ring. Camped here in February; very quiet. Only 2 vehicles drove by. Had a few bars of T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 14, 2022

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Popular dispersed campsite in the Ouachita National Forest. Only one site; not a campground. Located on the gravel Brown Creek Road in Perry County, Arkansas. The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite. Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing). This campsite is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site. There are other dispersed sites along Brown Creek Road. The site is close to the road; there's a large mud puddle covering one of the 2 entrances to this site. 2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site. Large pine trees on the site. Hammock camping is possible. No water (except for creek). No toilets nor showers. No trash - take out what you bring in. May need to hike a ways in the woods to find firewood. Large rock fire ring on site. No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service. Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed

    Nice wooded dispersed site above a small creek

    Coordinates: 34.87057,-92.89844. Camped here on April 20, 2025. Located along Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), appoximately 1/2 mile west of the Brown Creek Cascade dispersed site and trail head (see separate listing). Large, level site with a dirt surface. Should easily accomadate 2 or 3 rigs and tents. Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway). Easy access from the forest road. The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season. Only 6 vehicles passed by during my stay (which was on a Monday evening). There is a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site. A small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek. The site is shaded; solar charging and Starlink connectivity may be difficult. Hammock camping is possible. No T-Mobile cell service. No access to hiking trails at the site; trailheads for Brown Creek Cascade and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are a short drive away. Loved this site. Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek. Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots. No issues for high clearance 4x4 vehicles.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    Creekside dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Camped here on Dec 13, 2023. Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site. Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level. The site has a rock fire ring. Only a few vehicles drove by the site on FR179. Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing. Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service.  Love this spot!

  • Samuel S.
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Harris Brake Lake

    Maintained, lovely view, FREE

    We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood. This is small as far as public land goes; more like a little park. Very pretty however, and lovely view of the lake!

    I am towing a 19' travel trailer. And someone else is here with a 22'. There are a few places to park with no need to backup.

    My coordinates: 34.9831627, -92.7626397

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

    Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

    Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed

    Large creekside dispersed site

    Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Crystal Mountain Dispersed

    Good View with Difficult Access

    I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

Guide to Little Rock

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Little Rock, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the confines of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Little Rock, Arkansas

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area

  • This area features a spacious site that can accommodate multiple rigs, making it ideal for groups looking to enjoy the outdoors together at FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed.
  • The site is surrounded by beautiful forest, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation in nature.
  • Access to the Ouachita Trail is easy from this location, allowing campers to enjoy hiking right from their campsite.

Brown Creek Cascade for Dispersed Campers

  • Located near the South Fork of Brown Creek, Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers a peaceful setting with soothing sounds of flowing water.
  • This site is perfect for tent camping, with a level area and a rock fire ring for evening gatherings.
  • The proximity to hiking trails makes it a great choice for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Little Rock, Arkansas?

The Ouachita National Forest offers numerous free dispersed camping options near Little Rock. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR provides easy access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Flatside Wilderness Area. Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site is located along a well-maintained gravel forest road in Saline County with a creek flowing into the North Fork of the Saline River. Other free options include various sites along Forest Road 132, Brown Creek Road, and Forest Road 779. Most sites are accessible by vehicle, though road conditions vary, and some require high clearance during wet weather.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Little Rock?

Dispersed camping sites around Little Rock typically offer minimal amenities. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite features proximity to a beautiful cascade with a short 1/4 mile hike to the water feature. Harris Brake Lake is somewhat more developed with mowed grounds, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Most dispersed sites have basic fire rings but lack facilities like restrooms, potable water, or trash services. Campers should prepare to be entirely self-sufficient by bringing their own water, carrying out all trash, and having a plan for sanitation. Cell service is spotty throughout the Ouachita National Forest, so download maps before your trip.

Is free tent camping allowed year-round near Little Rock?

Free tent camping is generally allowed year-round near Little Rock, particularly in the Ouachita National Forest. North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed offers large wooded sites ideal for tent and hammock camping throughout the seasons. Bear Creek Horse Camp along Forest Road 772 is another option accessible in all seasons, though minor erosion may affect access during heavy rain periods. While most dispersed sites remain open year-round, winter camping requires additional preparation for colder temperatures, and spring brings potential for muddy conditions on forest roads. Always check for temporary forest closures due to fire danger in summer or extreme weather events before setting out.

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