Tent camping around Mount Ida, Arkansas centers on the Ouachita National Forest where elevations range from 600 to over 2,000 feet. The area receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and numerous water features. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Creek fishing opportunities: At Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop, visitors can find excellent fishing spots. One camper reported, "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."
Off-road exploration: The forest roads around Hickory Nut Mountain offer adventure opportunities. A visitor noted, "If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."
Kayaking access: Multiple sites provide water access for paddlers. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, campers appreciate the "great boat access" with sites "right at the waters edge," making it "great for kayaking" according to recent visitors.
Hiking trail connections: Many campsites connect to the extensive trail system. At Albert Pike Recreation Area, "The main attraction of this area is the easy access to the Little Missouri River and the hiking trails along the Eagle Rock Loop. The river and the hiking trails are beautiful."
What campers like
Solitude and quietness: Many Mount Ida tent camping locations offer peaceful settings. At Hickory Nut Mountain, one camper shared, "If you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude."
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Hickory Nut Mountain described, "At night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs'. Which makes the experience a little enchanting."
Creek sounds: Tent sites near water features provide natural ambiance. At Big Brushy, "The Big Brushy Creek is right beside the campground and has several walking trails down to the creek," allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of flowing water.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer scenic water vistas. At COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground, visitors appreciate the "Amazing water scenery" that provides a backdrop to their camping experience.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many Mount Ida tent camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. At Hickory Nut Mountain, "This campground was located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok), on the top of a ridge overlooking Lake Ouachita."
Flooding concerns: Flash floods pose safety risks in some areas. At Big Brushy, "This creek floods quickly and there are signs located through the park indicating it is a flash flood area, so be aware."
Variable facilities: Toilet conditions vary widely between sites. At Crystal NF Campground, there's "a vault toilet no pumped water but there is a clear spring you can get water from," while other locations have more limited options.
Trash management: Most sites lack waste disposal. A Hickory Nut Mountain visitor warned about "glass and trash all over from disrespectful campers who do not care to clean up after themselves however there are also no trash cans here so it's unsurprising."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For family comfort, select locations with basic facilities. Crystal NF Campground offers "8 - 12 sites here. There's a few small, medium and a couple larger sites but no pull through except one perhaps. Most sites also have tent pads."
Consider noise factors: Some locations experience unexpected disruptions. At Hickory Nut Mountain, "This campground shares a drive with a trailhead, so there was more traffic than I was expecting."
Scout for level ground: Finding flat tent space can be challenging. A Hickory Nut Mountain visitor noted, "The spot we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping."
Check cell coverage: Service varies significantly across the Mount Ida region. At Hickory Nut Mountain, visitors report "T-Mobile Cellphone reception," but connectivity diminishes in more remote areas.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most primitive areas near Mount Ida accommodate only smaller rigs. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, a visitor noted it's "Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers" but not suitable for larger RVs.
Alternative parking options: For those with larger vehicles, consider day use. At Albert Pike Recreation Area, "The Albert Pike Recreation Area is now for Day Use Only... with parking spaces, picnic tables, water faucets and restrooms with toilets, sinks and showers."
Road condition awareness: Forest service roads can be challenging. Irons Fork offers a "Gravel toad in good condition to sight" but many other access roads require high-clearance vehicles.
