Best Dispersed Camping near Norman, AR

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Norman, AR (24)

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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Norman

23 Reviews of 24 Norman Campgrounds


  • Logan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

    Overland site

    First off the coordinates are 34.80858, -93.07552 This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent. There is also limited level ground but not bad. This site has room for 2-3 rigs. If ya needed to squeeze 4 you definitely could. There is a good breeze as it is on the top of the ridge which would be great in summer but can get a bit nippy in the colder seasons so keep that in mind. Nice sound of the breeze in the trees to put you right to sleep and extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!!! I’ve rambled a bit but this site genuinely ticked all the boxes for me. Made for a beautiful evening.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access

    Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. 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. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Jack Creek Road Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded site just off Jack Creek Road

    Not sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913.  Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). 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 has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Mountain Dispersed
    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Pull-thru dispersed site near the Ouachita Trail

    This is an update to my Feb 2022 review. This dispersed camp site has a level pull-thru driveway which can accomodate about 2 or 3 vehicles. I believe this driveway can accomodate a truck camper. Parking is not next to the rock fire ring; the fire ring is a very short walk away into the woods. The site is pretty much surrounded by forest - easy to stroll around in. Despite the site's elevation, there is no view of distant hills. Included some summer time images with this review. I like this spot, especially with the easy access to the Ouachita Trail nearby.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

    Fantastic View

    Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

    Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

    Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

    Small Site with Great View

    Located on Forest Road 153. Small site with a nice view. The view is better during winter season camping. Close to the forest road with very little traffic; may get dusty at times. Two rock fire rings. This site has a rocky surface with sparse grass. High summer undergrowth around site. The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller. Finding a soft place for a tent may be difficult. Forest road 153 btween this site and Highway 7 appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places. There are some minor obstacles and washouts. I don't recommend this road for a 2WD passenger car; 4x4's with some high clearence should have no problem. I received good T-Mobile service at this site. Love this dispersed campsite.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    No dispersed site at coordinates

    The coordinates placed me at a gated forest road. There is no dispersed campsite here. There is also no river access or creeks at this location. I bet the original reviewer is describing a location down Forest Road 796 which goes westbound from near this location toward the Fourche La Fave River.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest

    Solitude

    I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site. There is 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!

  • Sophia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Worthwhile if you take some time to look!

    Stayed at two different spots here. First was a couple miles from the main road (highway 7). Plenty of room but close to the road and some trash, decent for pulling in after dark though. Second spot (pictured) was amazing— maybe 5-10 miles back of I had to guess. There are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but we’ll covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather. Not sure how many sites are back here total. Expect to drive a ways between spots.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    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.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain
    Sep. 12, 2021

    Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    Great dispersed area

    We were the only folks staying overnight. Most people were using site to launch boats. It was quiet & we were undisturbed until a couple of locals parked their pickups right next to us at 7 am. But they were in their boat & gone quickly. Note, site is a little uneven, so chocks were helpful.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain
    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.



Guide to Norman

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Norman, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find solitude and stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Norman, Arkansas

  • Many sites, like Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest, allow campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • If you're traveling with pets, Mena Arkansas is a pet-friendly option, ensuring your furry friends can join in on the adventure.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Irons Fork does not provide drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.

Dispersed campers should check out Irons Fork

  • Irons Fork offers a picturesque setting with multiple lake access points, ideal for swimming and fishing during warmer months.
  • Reviewers have noted that while the road leading in may be challenging, the natural beauty and tranquility make it worthwhile.
  • The site features a picnic table and a fire ring, enhancing the camping experience for those who enjoy cooking outdoors.

Scenic spots for solitude and nature lovers

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 24 dispersed camping locations near Norman, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.