Best Tent Camping near Norman, AR

The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Norman, Arkansas offers multiple primitive tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Crystal Campground provides tent sites within a few miles of Norman, while Hickory Nut Mountain and Albert Pike Recreation Area offer additional tent camping choices within a short drive. The Eagle Rock Loop trail system contains several primitive tent sites including Long Creek, Straight Creek, and Viles Branch campsites that can only be accessed by hiking in from trailheads.

Most tent campsites in this region feature basic amenities such as fire rings and pit toilets, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Campers should bring water filtration systems for sites near creeks and rivers, as potable water is rarely available at primitive sites. The forest roads accessing some campgrounds may require high clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. A camper noted, "The road in starts in pretty good shape but breaks down and if it has rained then it will not be pretty." Many tent sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted, and several locations in the national forest offer free camping with a typical 14-day stay limit.

The tent camping experience in this area provides excellent access to rivers, creeks, and hiking trails. Sites along the Eagle Rock Loop trail system offer secluded tent camping with creek access and fishing opportunities. According to one visitor, "On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine, maple and pecan trees." Tent-only sites at Cossatot Falls provide quick access to swimming holes and hiking trails. Summer months bring higher insect activity, so campers should prepare with appropriate repellents. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote tent sites. Most camping areas provide adequate shade for tents, with sites situated among pine and oak trees that offer protection from summer heat.

Best Tent Sites Near Norman, Arkansas (41)

    1. Hickory Nut Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Ouachita Lake, AR
    16 miles
    Website

    "Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below. Only issue was some broken glass around the picnic area."

    "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."

    2. Albert Pike Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-4186

    "Although the campground is closed due to the flood (at least last time I checked), it's definitely worthwhile to camp a little up the trail and in the backcountry."

    "This area is superb for primitive camping along the mountain road side pulloffs. Or if you're up for more of a challenge like us, you can take on the 28-30 mile Eagle Rock Loop trail."

    3. Crystal NF Campground

    1 Review
    Norman, AR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Most sites also have tent pads. First come first serve site with a vault toilet no pumped water but there is a clear spring you can get water from."

    4. Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    2 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    13 miles
    Website

    "The Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop."

    "I loved this trail!! So pretty and full of great camping spots"

    5. Shirley Creek

    2 Reviews
    Oden, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 394-2382

    "The nps map still has it listed as a campground, but there was a sign at the main entrance stating day use only."

    6. Rocky Shoals

    2 Reviews
    Pencil Bluff, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 356-4186

    7. Straight Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    2 Reviews
    Langley, AR
    17 miles
    Website

    "Park Review

    The Straight Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Athens Big Fork trail on the western section of the Eagle Rock Loop."

    8. Bluegill Hill

    1 Review
    New Melones Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Kitty Cove was secluded, but you'll definitely want to bring a tarp or umbrella because there isn't much shade cover. There are two little islands you can swim or kayak to from Kitty Cove."

    9. Viles Branch Creek Primitive Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    1 Review
    Langley, AR
    17 miles
    Website

    "Park Review

    The Viles Branch Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Athens Big Fork trail on the southern section of the Eagle Rock Loop."

    10. Big Brushy

    1 Review
    Oden, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202
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Tent Camping Reviews near Norman, AR

883 Reviews of 41 Norman Campgrounds


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

    Fourche Mountain Campground

    Free Overnight Stay in the Ouachita National Forest

    Stayed here on June 11, 2024. Small 5-site primitive campground. No water. No electric. Clean vault toilets with tp, and a trash barrel. Clean campground & campsites. Sites are small with reasonable separation, but no privacy. Sites have clean picnic tables, fire ring/grill. Some have lantern plies. Gravel drive. Sites nearly level. No tent pads, but tents can be set up. Sites may be able to accommodate a truck camper & smaller. Lots of highway noise from nearby Hwy 27, but not too bad overnight. There was logging activity elsewhere in the national forest, so log haulers were driving by during the day. Campground is located at eastbound turnoff onto Forest Road 83W - a well maintained gravel road. Pine & oak trees in the campground. Probably a beautiful view of distant mountains during the winter. This campground is good for an overnight stay when exploring the national forest or passing by on Highway 27. There is no recreation in this recreation area; no water access, no hiking trails. Good T-Mobile cell service. Despite some of the road noise from nearby Highway 27, I really liked this campground.

  • T
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Small free for all tent sites

    Small open Campground with no specific sites (Tent Only Area). There is a small lot nearby to park then you must walk everything in. This can be anything from right next to your car to a few hundred feet away depending on where you want to set up. Picnic tables, fire rings and campground grills located throughout but again nothing is marketed as far as site numbers. The area allows for up to six camp permits per night. Could be good for smaller groups. It’s up away from the lake unlike the rest of the campgrounds in the park. There are restrooms nearby with flushing toilets and sinks. Also a playground is located close to the campsite. Overall it was clean but felt cramped among other campers and parking away from the tent made for multiple trips back and forth.

  • Richard
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    One of the best in Arkansas

    Definitely my favorite park in Arkansas so far. It’s a really big park at the lake with lots to do. I was there in the fall so I didn’t do any lake stuff but still had a great time tent camping. There’s a nice hiking trail to explore. Also, the bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a state park. All the tent sites have a gravel pad, grill, picnic table and fire ring. There are also walk in tent sites on the peninsula which are nice and quiet. If you get one at the end I’d say it’s probably 200 meters to the parking lot and bathrooms. I peeked into one of the cabins and they look really nice. They also have camper cabins that have heat/air but no bathroom. In all there are 93 RV/tent sites, 8 cabins and 4 camper cabins. The park is also near Hot Springs so there is lots to do.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Big Fir Primitive Camping

    Free and beautiful

    Pit toilets, no water. Only about 6 sites. Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, and standing BBQS. Not many flat sights for tents, but doable. Road in is part gravel and some paved. Only 4 stars because people leave trash on the ground even though there are bins. Trees are plentiful and shady. Many paths down to the river/lake. Boat motor noise, but not too bad.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2019

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop

    Long Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop + Fish!

    The Long Creek Primitive Campsite is located in the Ouachita National Forest along the Little Missouri Trail on the eastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop. The only way to access this site is by entering at a trailhead and hiking in to the site. The nearest trailhead is at Albert Pike Recreation Area. This is a primitive dispersed campsite, but the ground has been cleared. The site is located alongside a creek.

    On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak. You'll also see a variety of plants and forest creatures. The campsite is along Long Creek so you will have access to water. 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. 

    There is adequate clear space to set up a tent or numerous trees to string up a hammock. There are no facilities nearby. You can collect and filter water from the river and dig a hole to poop in the woods. Please practice Leave No Trace in this area. 

    Trekking poles are recommended to aid in tackling the various inclines and declines of the trail.

    If you need any supplies before entering the Ouachita National Forest stop off in the town of De Queen where there are various grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations. 

    During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and pacaridin for other insects.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    COE Lake Greeson Star of the West

    Camping

    DATES: MAR 1 TO OCT 31 

    FEE:$8.00 PER NIGHT 

    LIMITS: 14 DAYS 

    ALERT: WATER SUBJECT TO SUDDEN RISE 

    Potable water, pit toilets, trash, picnic table, lantern pole, pedestal grill, fire ring, Campground is right off the highway and the sites right next to the road will be noisy. Drive further in and you will find nice flat sites and they are quieter. Good for tent or small trailer as sites are small. Beautiful shade with mature trees. 

    LNT 

    AIS 

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Napunani
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    Fabulous Water-Edge Campsite

    PROS 

    Senior discount 

    Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous 

    Totally level site 

    Asphalt campsite pad 

    Pea gravel and grass around asphalt 

    Good night sky viewing 

    Squirrels ate from our hand 

    Saw ranger patrolling campground frequently 

    Waste containers every other campsite 

    Metal picnic table on concrete slab 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    Clean restroom/shower and adequate TP and hand soap. Women had 2 showers, 2 sinks, 3 toilets 

    Weekend campground nearly filled to capacity 

    4 bars Verizon LTE 

    Hike to waterfall a bit tricky, but worth the effort 

    Hot Springs National Park 15 miles from campground; nice to watch the crowds from Superior Bathouse Brewery 

    Free water from the springs next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center- must have your own containers to fill 

    Enjoyed Red Oak Fillin’ Station so much we dined there twice 

    Diamond Head 19th Hole Restaurant, open to the public and very close to park entrance 

    CONS 

    Damn Canadian geese crap everywhere 

    Fire pit was filled with oversized logs and once removed there was unburned charcoal and lots of ash 

    Unable to move picnic table 

    Site#68 no shade what so ever 

    No privacy from other sites 

    Lots of speed boat and jet ski noise, even after sunset 

    Morning train noise 

    Power plant lights and humming noise 

    No security gate closure overnight 

    No WIFI

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Great Lake Activites

    When visiting Arkansas you quickly can get a sense of just what makes the Natural State so spectacular.    But with over 50 state parks each one is very distinct.   Daisy State Park is one which has a large focus on the lake activities.     

    But while the lake might be a large part the camping offered here in the wooded forest areas along with the hiking and biking trails can really set it apart from other camping areas nearby.

    I opted to check out the various camping looking and noticed a few common occrances.   Each is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, grill and fire ring.   However there is a vast difference for those who choose to stay in the improved camping loops and the primitive loops.   Improved camping is elevated and includes both electricity and water at the site.  

     Many of these sites still have water access although some of them are a bit more steep.  The primitive sites all are equipped with tent pads which are very large 12x12 elevated gravel pads but they share water spigots with other sites.   These sites are all walk-in and have nice parking only a short distance from the sites.  IN addition they do have Yurts available in one camping area.   These were available for 2 day rentals only at the time of my visit.

    The restrooms at camp are in very good shape and include flush toilets, a full sink and vanity area and well taken care of showers.   Additionally there are water stations at the restrooms which have drinking fountains and bottle fill areas.

    The campground has rental equipment for those looking to enjoy the lake ranging in price from a single hour to a full day of usage, but they also have boat ramps near the campsites with some trailer parking, this could get a bit crowded during summer however.

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    Nice to camp without RVs

    There are six large, improved sites which are first come first serve cash pay only. Vault toilets, no water and no electricity. Each site has enough room for three tents and has a grill, fire pit, table, and bear pole. There is easy access to the falls and hiking trails.


Guide to Norman

Primitive camping sites near Norman, Arkansas range from basic forest clearings to established sites along rivers and creeks. The area sits within the Ouachita National Forest at elevations between 600-2,300 feet, creating diverse camping experiences across mountain ridges and valley floors. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, requiring campers to prepare for significant seasonal variations.

What to do

Hiking mountain trails: Hickory Nut Mountain offers access to several trail systems with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping. If you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude."

Swimming in natural pools: The Little Missouri River provides swimming opportunities throughout the forest. At Albert Pike Recreation Area, the main attraction 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."

Fishing for native species: Multiple creeks and rivers offer fishing opportunities for trout and sunfish. At one backcountry site, a 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: Forest roads throughout the area allow for vehicle-based adventures. A camper at Hickory Nut Mountain advised, "If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading."

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Straight Creek Campsite on the Eagle Rock Loop offers privacy and natural beauty. One visitor explained, "On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine and maple."

Free camping options: Many sites in the area don't charge fees. One camper at Hickory Nut Mountain shared, "There is a fire ring, picnic table, grill and it's free. I spent 2 nights here and would definitely come back."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from light pollution create perfect stargazing conditions. A camper at Bluegill Hill explained, "Bennett Cove was perfect for star-gazing, but admittedly a little less secluded. You get a wide view of the sky, and if you're lucky like we were, you'll see meteor fireball shoot completely across the sky."

Creek-side sites: Many campers prefer sites adjacent to water. One reviewer shared, "We headed back down Pollard Creek Trail- what a surprise gem we found! Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. A camper at Hickory Nut Mountain stated, "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."

Flash flood risk: The region has experienced dangerous flooding. 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."

Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Norman offer minimal amenities. At Crystal NF Campground, "There's a vault toilet no pumped water but there is a clear spring you can get water from."

Seasonal closures: Some areas restrict overnight stays during certain periods. A camper at Rocky Shoals found, "Rocky Shoals is a former campground turned day use only area, only open from 6am to 10pm."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with toilet access: For the best tent camping near Norman, Arkansas with children, prioritize locations with bathroom facilities. Crystal NF Campground offers "a vault toilet no pumped water but there is a clear spring you can get water from."

Pack insect protection: Multiple reviews mention insect activity. At Viles Branch Creek Primitive Campsite, a ranger advised, "During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear beforehand with permethrin to prevent ticks and use pacaridin on the spot for other insects."

Consider daytime noise levels: Some sites experience regular traffic. At Big Brushy, "Very quiet little campground, however you are just off the highway and will have road noise."

Monitor weather forecasts: Weather changes can affect camping conditions significantly. One camper at Straight Creek reported, "Rained heavily on the 2nd day and small creeks and rivers became huge swells. This is for a more experienced hiker if you going during rainy season."

Tips from RVers

Limited large vehicle access: Most primitive sites near Norman restrict large RVs. At Crystal NF Campground, "I believe there are 8 - 12 sites here. There's a few small, medium and a couple larger sites but no pull through except one perhaps."

Prepare for no hookups: Camping in this area requires self-sufficiency. A visitor to Hickory Nut Mountain reported, "Nice campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails!"

Consider tent-RV hybrid camping: Some smaller RVs can access sites that have both tent pads and vehicle parking. At Crystal NF Campground, "Most sites also have tent pads. First come first serve site."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norman, AR is Hickory Nut Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Norman, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.