Best Dispersed Camping near Midland, AR
The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Midland, Arkansas features multiple free dispersed camping areas along forest roads and creek beds. Primitive sites are concentrated along the Talimena Scenic Drive corridor and throughout the Jack Creek area, with several established but undeveloped camping spots like Dead Man Gap and Turner Creek Road. Most sites consist of simple clearings with rock fire rings and no amenities, situated on public Forest Service land where dispersed camping is permitted without reservation.
Access to remote sites typically requires navigating dirt and gravel forest roads with varying degrees of maintenance. Several locations like Dead Man Gap can be reached with standard vehicles, though some areas recommend high-clearance or 4WD capabilities, particularly after rain. Many forest roads narrow to single tracks with occasional erosion, and some sites require navigating short unmarked dirt tracks off main forest roads. As one camper noted, "Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places." Most areas have no cell service, drinking water, or toilet facilities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Campers appreciate the seclusion and natural settings along creeks and forested areas. Many sites offer creek access for cooling off during summer months, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. "There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water," reported one visitor to Dead Man Gap. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with fireflies noted at some locations during summer evenings. While remote, traffic noise can occasionally be heard from nearby highways at certain sites. Visitors should be prepared for limited or no cell coverage, with several reviewers mentioning the need to travel some distance to regain signal.
