Best Dispersed Camping near Oden, AR

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Oden, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Oden. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oden, AR (27)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Oden

24 Reviews of 27 Oden 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 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Creek Dispersed
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Pigeon Creek Dispersed

    No access

    We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It’s completely overgrown

  • azul darcy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Creek Dispersed
    May. 26, 2024

    Pigeon Creek Dispersed

    Would have been perfect

    The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It’s sad.

  • 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.

  • Jessica W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pigeon Creek Dispersed
    Nov. 16, 2021

    Pigeon Creek Dispersed

    Just what I was looking for.

    The road in was a little bumpy take it slow and you’ll be fine. Just on the right is a clearing you can’t miss next to the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek. You’re surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What’s not to love? The terrain is rocky so use a thick mat or hammock but you will love it.

  • 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 Oden

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oden, 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 Oden, Arkansas

  • When visiting Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest, be prepared for tight access roads; backing in from Buck Mountain is recommended for larger vehicles.
  • Always pack out what you bring in, especially at Irons Fork, where some visitors have noted litter along the access road.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many sites, including Mena Arkansas, do not provide firewood on-site.

Dispersed campers should check out Buck Knob

  • Located in Ouachita National Forest, Buck Knob allows for tent, RV, and even horse camping, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • This area is known for its peaceful surroundings, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat away from crowded campgrounds.
  • With no reservations required, you can enjoy the spontaneity of camping at Buck Knob whenever the mood strikes.

Fishing and swimming while free camping near Oden

  • The Jack Creek Road Dispersed area offers easy access to Jack Creek, where fishing and wading are popular activities during warmer months.
  • Visitors to Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed have reported finding nice swimming holes nearby, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.
  • The scenic views and natural beauty surrounding Irons Fork make it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day by the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oden, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oden, 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 Oden, AR?

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