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Several free dispersed camping options exist in the Ouachita National Forest near Maumelle, Arkansas, primarily along Forest Road 179 and Forest Road 132. These primitive dispersed campsites offer no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Most locations accommodate tent camping, while some can fit small RVs. The forest roads are generally well-maintained gravel, though some access tracks may require higher clearance vehicles.
Camp Robinson Dispersed Site and Harris Brake Lake are among the most reviewed locations. Harris Brake provides picnic tables and established fire rings with lake views, though several visitors mention persistent barking from nearby neighborhood dogs. According to one visitor, "It was gorgeous and obviously well taken care of." The Forest Road 179 sites offer more seclusion alongside creeks that flow into the North Fork of the Saline River. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with spotty coverage depending on carrier. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check current regulations before visiting.
"I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania."
"Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
"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."
"No amenities but it’s quiet and pretty and free. The sunset was gorgeous. A little bit of a drive off of I40 but it’s a fantastic spot. We are the only ones here"
"Large dispersed campsite in a wooded area positioned between the Winona Scenic Drive (Forest Road 132) and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail in the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas."
"It is early September, Little Rock got up to 98 degrees, it was nice to come back to lake Sylvia that is nearby. Nice and warm on the surface and colder down below."
"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."
"Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person."
"A little bit of traffic on the dirt road, so expect a little dust as this site is right off the road. I think we saw about 4 vehicles, some slowed to reduce dust, some didn't."
"The dirt road starting at HWY-7 is virtually impassible to get to this campground. I ended up stopping one mile in because I simply could not continue and camped off the dirt road."
TravelerThe one semi level spot appears to be a homeless camp. Garbage everywhere, random wheel chair. Grass not mowed like it stated in other reviews. Still tons of constant dog barking. Beautiful view of the lake but definitely wouldn’t recommend staying for more than a night.
TravelerBeautiful, secluded spot. The vantage point faces the wrong way for the sunset, but if you enjoy watching the sunrise, this is the spot to do it. Sat in my chair and enjoyed my coffee and the show. Not much level ground, but plenty of rocks to level your vehicle if you're sleeping in or on it. Probably room for 3 rigs comfortably. A little bit of traffic on the dirt road, so expect a little dust as this site is right off the road. I think we saw about 4 vehicles, some slowed to reduce dust, some didn't. Some reviews said the road in was impassable, but I didn't even have to use 4wd, so they must have fixed it.
RangerCool spot for one night! Lots going on for a Sunday night. Almost like people live out there. No one bothered us and we took our time. Pretty views and late enough in October that there weren’t many bugs and the temps were great. Picnic tables available but no other amenities.
GuideThere is no lake. At the end of a rock and gravel road, that is easy to navigate you come to the end of the road where the lake used to be and there’s a dirt Sirkel drive I’m in a 16 foot transit van with a cargo carrier attached and it was very easy for me to navigate. It might be a tight turn for a large trailer in the middle of the turn is a stack of cinderblocks and what looks like somebody tried to make into a fire pit by using an old pallet. It was a free quiet place to spend the night, but I wouldn’t spend more than a night there.
TravelerRoad is just boulders and is washed out
TravelerIt was a little tough coming in from the north. There was trees down and messed my brackets on my solar up. I wouldn’t suggest anything larger than an extended van. The view is awesome and really peaceful
GuideThis was my first dispersed camping on my road trip and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is compared to all the other noise that organized campgrounds can have. there are two sites across from each other and can accommodate maybe 3-4 tents each. I made the mistake of thinking it wasn’t gonna rain and I didn’t put my rain fly on and just when I was about to fall asleep it poured down on me and I made another rookie mistake of setting my tent up on the soft ground instead of the gravel and by the time the rain was over the floor of my tent felt like a waterbed luckily, my tent was waterproof. The best part of this spot was the isolation and also the spiget. Both camping sites share one. Thank goodness for the rain because I haven’t showered in four days.
GuideWe arrived about teo hours before sunset. It was easy to find and about thirty minutes from the interstate.
There were five people fishing and another trio camping across from us. A group of young girls was also enjoying the park. Felt very safe. We could only find two clear camping sites each with a table.
Campground is clean but the water wasn’t so nice. We wanted to paddle out and go for a swim as it was 90 degrees and unseasonably hot when we arrived on a spring break weekend. However, both disappointed the water wasn’t as fresh as much of the water in the Ozarks.
Lots of dogs barking at night and noisy geese in the morning but it didn’t bother us. Nice to be away from the sounds of the city and have a free shaded camp spot.
TravelerClose to the highway so there’s that ambiance. But pretty secluded. I’m sure it’s used more during hunting seasons since it’s marked for such. It was good for an overnight along the way.
Dispersed camping near Maumelle, Arkansas offers primitive spots within the Ouachita National Forest. Located along the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mountains, most sites sit at elevations between 500-800 feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring brings significant rainfall that can make forest roads challenging to navigate.
Hiking access: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite provides direct access to hiking trails. "Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing)," notes Fred S., making it ideal for quick nature walks.
Wildlife watching: Early morning offers the best opportunities for spotting deer, wild turkey, and various bird species in the forest. The quieter camping areas along Forest Road 179 are particularly good for wildlife viewing. "Beautiful forest with a very small pond behind the site in the woods," reports a camper about Forest Rd 179 Dispersed.
Fishing opportunities: Many sites provide creek access for fishing. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, "Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site," though one camper mentioned "Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek."
Creek sounds: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at several sites. At Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, "Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site," creating a soothing natural soundtrack.
Stargazing: Clear nights offer excellent star viewing opportunities. "Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing," mentions a camper at Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, highlighting the balance between forest cover and open skies.
Natural swimming spots: During wetter periods, creek depths increase. "The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high," notes a camper at Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed. However, water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically based on location and carrier. "No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service," reports one camper at FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, while at Brown Creek, a visitor notes "No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service."
Road conditions: Forest roads require caution, especially after rain. "The ride on Forest Road 132 from the east (Hwy 9) is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road," cautions a visitor to Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed.
Wildlife encounters: Ticks are prevalent during warmer months. One camper at Harris Brake Lake reported "There is a lot of ticks here i pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night." Bring appropriate repellent and check regularly.
Site selection: Choose locations with level ground and established fire rings. "The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping," warns a visitor about Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, suggesting families look for smoother terrain.
Safety concerns: Some sites experience unexpected traffic. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one camper reported "I woke up a 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window," highlighting the need for site awareness.
Entertainment options: Creeks provide natural play areas but require supervision. "The birds and frogs sang all evening," mentions Julie A. about Camp Robinson, indicating natural sounds can be engaging for children.
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate only smaller RVs. At Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed, "Should easily accomodate 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."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most sites have uneven surfaces. "Maneuvering my van into position took some effort due to the trees at this spot; a little bit of leveling was required," reports a camper at Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed.
Road access: Check road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles. "The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots," advises a visitor to Brown Creek Rd, suggesting caution for RVs with lower clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Maumelle, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Maumelle, AR is Camp Robinson Dispersed Site with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Maumelle, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Maumelle, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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