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Best Dispersed Camping near North Little Rock, AR

43 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Ouachita National Forest near North Little Rock, Arkansas, with several free primitive sites accessible via forest roads. Most sites are located along Forest Roads 132 (Winona Scenic Drive), 179 (Wildcat Mountain Road), and 805 (Brown Creek Road), offering access to wilderness areas like Flatside Wilderness and proximity to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. These public lands permit no-fee camping in designated dispersed areas, typically featuring basic rock fire rings with no other amenities or facilities.

Forest roads in this region range from well-maintained gravel to rough, eroded tracks that may require high-clearance vehicles. Many sites can be reached with standard passenger cars when driven carefully, though some areas become challenging after rain or during wet seasons. Several locations, particularly those along FR132A leading to Crystal Mountain Overlook, demand 4x4 vehicles due to significant erosion. Most dispersed sites have dirt surfaces with some embedded rocks that may be uncomfortable for tent camping. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available, and campers must pack out all waste. Camping is permitted year-round with typical 14-day stay limits.

The camping experience includes creekside locations, wooded settings, and occasional viewpoints overlooking Lake Winona and surrounding hills. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating multiple small vehicles while others suit just one rig no larger than a truck camper. Many areas provide access to hiking opportunities, particularly the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and shorter paths like the Brown Creek Cascade Trail. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with T-Mobile coverage particularly unreliable. "Beautiful site in the woods. Quiet. Next to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail which is a wonderful hiking trail," noted one visitor of the North Fork Pinnacle site. Another camper described their experience: "Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near North Little Rock, Arkansas (24)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near North Little Rock, AR

27 Photos of 24 North Little Rock Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near North Little Rock, AR

43 Reviews of 24 North Little Rock 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 14, 2022

    Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Popular dispersed campsite in the Ouachita National Forest. Only one site; not a campground. Located on the gravel Brown Creek Road in Perry County, Arkansas. The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite. Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing). This campsite is suitable for tent camping, car camping, camper vans & truck campers. Two vehicles can easily fit on this level site. There are other dispersed sites along Brown Creek Road. The site is close to the road; there's a large mud puddle covering one of the 2 entrances to this site. 2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site. Large pine trees on the site. Hammock camping is possible. No water (except for creek). No toilets nor showers. No trash - take out what you bring in. May need to hike a ways in the woods to find firewood. Large rock fire ring on site. No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service. Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed

    Nice wooded dispersed site above a small creek

    Coordinates: 34.87057,-92.89844. Camped here on April 20, 2025. Located along Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), appoximately 1/2 mile west of the Brown Creek Cascade dispersed site and trail head (see separate listing). Large, level site with a dirt surface. Should easily accomadate 2 or 3 rigs and tents. Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site (although it can park on the access driveway). Easy access from the forest road. The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season. Only 6 vehicles passed by during my stay (which was on a Monday evening). There is a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site. A small creek is down the hill behind the site; the creek is dry during the dry season. A beautiful wall of trees is across the creek. The site is shaded; solar charging and Starlink connectivity may be difficult. Hammock camping is possible. No T-Mobile cell service. No access to hiking trails at the site; trailheads for Brown Creek Cascade and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail are a short drive away. Loved this site. Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek. Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places, although a 2WD passenger car can make it if driven carefully through the rough spots. No issues for high clearance 4x4 vehicles.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    Creekside dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

    Camped here on Dec 13, 2023. Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site. Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level. The site has a rock fire ring. Only a few vehicles drove by the site on FR179. Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing. Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service.  Love this spot!

  • Samuel S.
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Harris Brake Lake

    Maintained, lovely view, FREE

    We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood. This is small as far as public land goes; more like a little park. Very pretty however, and lovely view of the lake!

    I am towing a 19' travel trailer. And someone else is here with a 22'. There are a few places to park with no need to backup.

    My coordinates: 34.9831627, -92.7626397

  • 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
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed

    Large creekside dispersed site

    Coordinates: 34.82029,-92.82184. Large creekside dispersed campsite located on a rocky, bumpy track, about 150 yards east of Forest Road 179 (aka Wildcat Mountain Rd). If going southbound on FR179, the track is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge. The track may look sketchy to some drivers, but I drove down it okay in my Subara. Good spot for car camping. The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping. There are trees for hammock camping. There are 3 large rock fire rings. This site is prone to flooding. The site appears to be popular and well used. There are no hiking trails, but the access track passes the site and continues along the creek - good for an easy stroll. Tried fishing here, but no luck. I do know from previous experience that there is fish in the creek. The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded; may be difficult to get a Starlink connection. I received no cell service. This is a pretty nice site, offering some privacy from the forest road and a wonderful sound of the creek.

  • 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.

Guide to North Little Rock

Dispersed camping sites near North Little Rock, Arkansas provide budget-friendly overnight options within the Ouachita National Forest. These primitive campsites generally sit at elevations between 500-1,500 feet, with temperatures averaging 75-90°F in summer and 30-50°F in winter. Some sites offer creek access while others feature ridgetop positions with partial views of surrounding valleys and Lake Winona.

What to do

Hiking to viewpoints: Take the half-mile trail from Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed to reach elevated outlooks. "The North Fork Pinnacle viewpoint is a half-mile hike from the campsite. The site has easy access from both the forest road and the backpacking trail," notes Fred S.

Fishing in nearby waters: Harris Brake Lake offers shoreline fishing access directly from free camping areas. "I really enjoyed this site. I stopped on a weekday and I was the only one there. It was nice watching the sun set over the lake," shares Kyle C.

Seasonal swimming: Creek-adjacent sites provide cooling options during hot months. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, "The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high," according to a recent visitor.

What campers like

Quiet nighttime atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite. "Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night. The sound from the creek was soothing," reports Fred S.

Wildlife viewing: Evening and early morning hours bring active wildlife. At Harris Brake Lake, Julian P. observes, "The fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights."

Scenic sunsets: Evening light shows rank highly among camper experiences. "The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening," shares Julie A. about her stay at Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.

What you should know

Vehicle access challenges: Road conditions vary seasonally and by location. At Forest Service RD 132, "The ride on Forest Road 132 from the east (Hwy 9) is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road."

Limited site amenities: Most areas have minimal improvements. "This site is a wonderful place to camp because it is free. There was a ton of trash, including broken bottles and broken pans, near each site which was very unpleasant to see and camp near," reports Jeni N. about Harris Brake Lake.

Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on carrier and exact location. "No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service" at Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, while Forest Rd 179 Dispersed has "No T-Mobile service. Has AT&T 5G service."

Seasonal insect considerations: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months. "There is a lot of ticks here I pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night," warns Julian P.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection priority: Choose established sites with natural buffers from hazards. At Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site, "Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site."

Arrival timing: Schedule arrivals during daylight hours for safety. "Got here during sunset and it was beautiful but the gravel roads are invisible at night so definitely have some daylight ahead of you," advises Ashley T.

Multiple vehicle considerations: Some sites accommodate several vehicles. "The site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here," notes a camper at Ouachitas FR179.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Many sites have uneven terrain. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, "Maneuvering my van into position took some effort due to the trees at this spot; a little bit of leveling was required."

Size limitations: Most free sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "We have a 25' travel trailer and didn't need to do any backing up to get in or out. Full cell signal with XFINITY mobile," reports Ashley T. at Harris Brake Lake.

Ground conditions: Tent campers should note surface challenges. "Large site 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," advises Jacob F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free car camping near North Little Rock?

The Ouachita National Forest offers numerous free car camping options near North Little Rock. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite is a popular single-site area on Brown Creek Road in Perry County with a creek running behind it. Harris Brake Lake provides a more developed feel with mowed areas, picnic tables and fire pits while remaining free. Both sites are accessible by car and offer scenic surroundings. Most dispersed sites in the area have basic fire rings but no facilities, so come prepared with all essentials including water and waste disposal methods.

What permits are required for dispersed camping around North Little Rock?

No special permits are required for dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest areas surrounding North Little Rock. Sites like FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed and Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site operate under standard National Forest rules. This means camping is generally limited to 14 consecutive days. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings, and camp only in established dispersed sites. While permits aren't needed, it's advisable to check with the Ouachita National Forest ranger district office for any temporary restrictions due to fire danger or other conditions.

Is dispersed camping in North Little Rock available year-round?

Yes, dispersed camping near North Little Rock is generally available year-round. Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed has documented winter camping in December, while Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed shows early-year use. Weather can affect accessibility, especially on forest roads after heavy rain or during winter conditions. Some sites along Forest Road 132 and 179 may become muddy or difficult to access. The Ouachita National Forest doesn't typically implement seasonal closures for dispersed camping, but road conditions vary seasonally. Always check recent weather conditions and forest alerts before planning winter trips.

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