Best Dispersed Camping near Norman, AR

Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest surrounds Norman, Arkansas, with numerous primitive sites available along forest service roads. Most camping opportunities are found along Blue Knob Road, Buck Knob, Forest Road 153, and several other forest roads that provide access to free camping areas. The region features multiple pull-off spots near creeks and rivers, particularly along Hogan Creek and the Fourche La Fave River, where campers can find secluded sites with varying levels of accessibility.

Forest roads throughout the Ouachita National Forest range from well-maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks with some erosion. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviewers noting that access can be challenging during wet conditions. A visitor commented, "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 dispersed sites lack amenities, with no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Fire rings are common at established sites, and camping is permitted with no reservations required. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many locations, with T-Mobile coverage particularly spotty.

The dispersed camping experience near Norman offers solitude and natural beauty, with many sites situated near water features. Campsites range from open clearings to wooded areas with shade. A camper noted, "It's a pretty spot along Hogan Creek; the sound of the flowing creek is nice." Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, though campers should practice proper food storage as this is black bear country. Winter camping provides better views at ridge-top sites, while summer brings higher undergrowth at some locations. Most sites can accommodate small vehicles and tents, with limited space for larger rigs. The area serves as a good base for exploring hiking trails, including the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, and offers opportunities for fishing in nearby creeks and rivers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Norman, Arkansas (27)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Norman, AR

28 Reviews of 27 Norman Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Dispersed Camping near Ouachita National Recreation Trail, AR

    Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. Free dispersed site, no facilities. Rock fire ring. Should be enough parking for 2 vehicles. Suitable for tent camping, car camping, truck camping & van camping. Mostly level. There was plenty of firewood left by the fire ring. Camped here in February; very quiet. Only 2 vehicles drove by. Had a few bars of T-Mobile service.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2020

    Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    Exploring the hidden road

    This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest. Please do your homework because the road signs are lacking. Word of advice, best to stay away during hunting season as we spotted over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day; a hunting paradise as well. On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

    Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

    Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    CR133/FR146 Hogan Creek Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Small Dispersed Site, Tucked Away

    Coordinates: 34.93095,-93.32258. This a small dispersed camp site tucked away a short way from County Road 133/ Forest Rd 146 in the Ouachita National Forest. It's at the end of a short dirt track which may have been an old forest road. Above Hogan Creek, sounds of the creek can be head at this site. There is a path along the creek behind the campsite; it eventually provides access down hill to the creek. This is a secluded spot which can not be easily seen from CR133/FR146. Backing your vehicle into the site is best. There is a small rock fire ring at the end of the access track. The site's entrance is on the right hand side just after the bridge crossing Hogan Creek when coming from the west on CR133/FR146. A truck camper and smaller can fit into the site. A little bit of leveling may be required. Tent camping is also possible. It's a pretty campsite. The forest road is in great shape.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Crystal Mountain Dispersed

    Good View with Difficult Access

    I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Irons Fork

    Nicest free spot I’ve seen!

    The place was beautiful and had plenty of lake access points too. I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that. Some nice mature trees were there but didn’t get in the way of our view of the lake. There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring. More spaces are available near the road as well. Bugs weren’t much of an issue but we did use bug spray. There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire. I’m happy we visited, but not happy about the humidity- I am thankful we were able to sleep in the car though! There was only one other person there. It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage. We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. 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. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.


Guide to Norman

Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest region near Norman, Arkansas offers primitive outdoor experiences across varied terrain ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet in elevation. The area receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and numerous water features. Forest roads typically remain accessible from March through November, with some seasonal closures during extreme weather conditions.

What to do

Creek exploration: Several dispersed sites provide direct water access for swimming and fishing. At North Fork Creek Rd Dispersed, campers can reach the North Fork Ouachita River by "bushwacking down a steep hill and over rocks," though one reviewer notes the river is "well above the site, so it is unlikely to get flooded."

Wildlife viewing: The Ouachita forests host diverse animal species including black bears, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species. A camper at Mena Arkansas appreciated their "good secluded spot for Privacy" which increases opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Scenic driving: Forest roads themselves offer recreational opportunities beyond just access. At Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain, a visitor reported: "This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest. Please do your homework because the road signs are lacking... On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive."

What campers like

Ridge-top views: Several dispersed sites offer panoramic vistas from elevated positions. A camper at Forest Service RD 132 described "fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south" with "some shade in the summer" and an even more "fantastic view during the winter season."

Solitude: The remote nature of these sites provides peaceful camping experiences. At Blue Knob Road, one visitor found "a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!"

Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the natural acoustics at rustic camping sites near Norman. A reviewer at Turner Creek Road found their spot "very secluded... just a rock fire ring, very peaceful."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Forest road quality can change seasonally and requires careful navigation. A camper at Forest Service RD 153 warned that "roads are way too washed out" and they "couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road."

Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal to no amenities. A reviewer at Irons Fork noted: "There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring... There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire."

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. At Forest Service RD 153, a camper noted the site "has a nice view. The view is better during winter season camping" and mentioned "high summer undergrowth around site."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for comfort: Choose locations with level terrain for easier tent setup. One camper at Forest Service RD 132 cautioned: "If you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on."

Water access locations: Sites near water features provide natural recreation for children. At Irons Fork, a visitor noted they "had a great spot on the water for a morning shower" and that there "seemed to be about 5 sites" with "plenty of lake access points."

Safety precautions: Be aware of wildlife concerns and weather variability. A camper at Irons Fork reminded that "it is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage" while noting they "had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. At Blue Knob Road, an experienced driver advised: "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain."

Limited maneuverability: Forest roads and campsite access points can challenge larger rigs. A camper with a 30-foot Class C RV at Blue Knob Road stated this is "probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site."

Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain at many sites necessitates leveling equipment. At Gladstone Forest Road, a camper described a "large, open dispersed site" that "should accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller" but noted the site has a "mostly level dirt surface" that may require some adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Norman, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Norman, AR is Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Norman, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Norman, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.