Best Tent Camping near Malvern, AR
The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Malvern, Arkansas offers numerous primitive tent camping options, with established campgrounds and dispersed sites within a 30-mile radius. Hickory Nut Mountain provides free tent-only camping with scenic lake views, while Ozan Point at DeGray Lake offers secluded tent campsites for $10 per night from March through October. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite provides backcountry tent camping opportunities along forest service roads with creek access and established fire rings.
Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but limited or no potable water. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Hickory Nut Mountain and South Fourche, while dispersed sites require pack-in, pack-out practices. Access roads vary considerably, with some sites requiring navigation on narrow gravel roads. A camper at Hickory Nut Mountain noted that "it's a 4-mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads," though standard passenger vehicles can reach most areas in dry conditions. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with T-Mobile coverage reported at some locations.
Tent campers frequently enjoy the solitude these sites provide. At Ozan Point, one visitor described it as "more tailored to primitive/tent camping with spread out spots" that offer separation from neighboring campers. The heavily forested sites provide ample shade, with many locations suitable for hammock camping between pine trees. Brown Creek Cascade campers report the "sound from the creek was soothing" with minimal vehicle traffic at night. Seasonal considerations include summer heat and humidity, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping excursions. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with deer and various bird species frequently spotted. Pack-out practices are essential as most primitive tent sites lack trash facilities.
