Tent campsites near Maumelle, Arkansas are primarily found within the Ouachita National Forest at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Forest roads in this area often close seasonally after heavy rainfall, particularly in winter months when maintenance decreases.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At South Fourche, campers can access the South Fourche la Fave River via a dedicated canoe/kayak ramp. "It is located on a body of water (not the cleanest at least when I was there)," notes one camper, while another mentions it "has a small mens and womens bathroom" making it convenient for day trips.
Hiking trails: The dispersed sites along Forest Road 132 provide direct access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. A camper reports, "Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. Free dispersed site, no facilities. Rock fire ring. Should be enough parking for 2 vehicles." The trail connects to the Flatside Wilderness Area across the road.
Equestrian adventures: Bear Creek Horse Camp offers primitive camping with trail access. "The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers," according to a recent visitor who notes the "very clean vault toilet located at the rear of the camp."
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: Many dispersed camping locations offer significant separation from other campers. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one visitor noted, "Isolated but not too far out" while another described it as "Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening."
Fire rings: Most dispersed sites include established fire rings. A visitor to Forest Road 132 mentioned, "There was plenty of firewood left by the fire ring," though at other locations campers may need to search for wood. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, a visitor "picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now."
Water features: Several sites offer proximity to creeks or lakes. At Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, a visitor found "The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite" and appreciated "Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person."
What you should know
Hunter activity: During hunting seasons, campers should be aware of nearby hunters. At Brown Creek Cascade, one camper reported, "Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp."
Road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging but passable for most vehicles in good weather. Along Forest Road 132, a camper noted, "Roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather."
Cell service: Reception varies widely by location and carrier. At COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground, campers report "No cell service or wifi. Had to walk to the dam to get it, but that can be a good thing when camping." At Bear Creek Horse Camp, a visitor received "no T-Mobile cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Look for level sites: When camping with children, find flat areas for tents. At Brown Creek Cascade, a camper found "a good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person."
Accessible fishing: Family-friendly fishing spots make for easy activities with kids. At COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground, visitors enjoy "Great fishing on a mostly shallow lake that keeps the personal watercraft and skiers away."
Pack bug spray: Summer camping requires insect protection. At Camp Robinson, one camper advised, "I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground, a visitor cautioned, "The sites are a little tight for larger rigs to maneuver and many sites don't have water."
Electric options: Few dispersed sites offer hookups. At COE Nimrod Lake, "Did have 50 amp power though" according to one RVer, making it one of the few options for those needing electricity.
Hose length: When water is available, connections may be far from parking. One camper at Carter Cove noted, "The water connections were kind of far from the site so had to use longer hose."
