The Ouachita National Forest around Kirby, Arkansas sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 feet with dense oak and pine forest covering the mountainous terrain. The region receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually, creating numerous waterways that intersect primitive camping areas. Water availability fluctuates seasonally with summer creek levels often dropping significantly below spring high-water marks.
What to do
Fishing in forest creeks: Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop offers productive fishing spots where campers can catch multiple species. "Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour," notes one Long Creek visitor.
Off-road exploration: Forest service roads around Kirby provide access to remote camping locations with vehicle-dependent accessibility. "If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading," advises a camper at Hickory Nut Mountain, describing the road conditions leading to primitive sites.
Rock hopping and swimming: The Cossatot River offers natural features for water recreation during warmer months. A visitor to Cossatot Falls Campsites explains, "It's not for the faint of heart or people avoiding physical activity because trekking the huge river boulders is not easy. But the beauty is worth it. The water is crystal clear and you can watch fish swim by."
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Tent camping near Kirby, Arkansas often features well-designed tent pads larger than standard campground offerings. "The tent pads were huge and fit our tent, which was super nice because our original plans fell through," reports a camper at Cossatot Falls Campsites.
Stream-side camping: Proximity to moving water provides both practical benefits and ambiance for tent campers. "We didn't care for the established sites at the top of the mountain so we headed back down Pollard Creek Trail- what a surprise gem we found! Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day," shares a Hickory Nut Mountain visitor.
Primitive hiking options: The Eagle Rock Loop trail system offers extended backcountry tent camping opportunities. A camper at Straight Creek Campsite recounts, "Went here a while back for some hiking and camping. Spent 3 days out here. Rained heavily on the 2nd day and small creeks and rivers became huge swells. This is for a more experienced hiker if you going during rainy season."
What you should know
Weather-dependent access: Forest roads around Kirby deteriorate quickly with rainfall, limiting access to many primitive tent camping areas. "Luckily it hadn't rained in a while. The trails to get to this rec area are for the 4wd's and off-road vehicles," reports a visitor to Pikeville Creek Campground.
Campground closures: Some previously established camping areas have been permanently closed or repurposed. "The Albert Pike Recreation Area is now for Day Use Only. As a result of flooding and potential flooding the former campground is now a day use area with parking spaces, picnic tables, water faucets and restrooms with toilets, sinks and showers," explains a visitor to the area.
Tent site surface conditions: Many tent camping spots have rocky or difficult soil conditions for staking tents. "The campsites are gravel and good luck putting your tent spikes in!! Ain't gonna happen," warns a Cossatot Falls camper about ground conditions at their site.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes for children: Several locations offer natural swimming areas suitable for supervised children. "Our children enjoyed climbing on the rocks and splashing in the river. The park rangers were very nice and informative," shares a Cossatot Falls Campsites visitor.
Insect preparation: The dense forest environment requires comprehensive insect protection, especially for children. "During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and pacaridin for other insects," suggests a camper at Viles Branch Creek Primitive Campsite.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting provides natural educational experiences. "You'll see a variety of plants and forest creatures," notes a Long Creek Campsite visitor, while another mentions, "You're surrounded by 'lightning bugs'. Which makes the experience a little enchanting."
Tips from RVers
High clearance requirements: RVs and trailers need sufficient ground clearance for forest roads. At Buckhorn on Lake Greeson, a visitor advises, "I do recommend it to anyone that has a high clearance vehicle and if you are towing that your trailer be one of high clearance too."
Limited pull-through sites: Most primitive camping areas have limited turning space for larger vehicles. "There are 6 pull up to campsites at the Cossatot Falls. Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls," explains a camper, noting the specific parking configuration.
Generator considerations: Noise restrictions and etiquette vary between sites. One camper notes, "They did allow generators which is unfortunate because the river is so close. Part of what we love about camping is being in nature and hearing the sounds around us but one person's generator use ruined the quiet."
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