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Best Tent Camping near Oden, AR

825 Reviews

The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Oden, Arkansas offers several primitive tent camping options within a short drive. Tent campers can find established sites at Big Brushy campground in Pencil Bluff, which features four tent-friendly sites adjacent to Big Brushy Creek. Hickory Nut Mountain, located near Mount Ida, provides free tent camping with views of Lake Ouachita. Crystal NF Campground near Norman offers 8-12 tent sites with designated tent pads. These locations provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and natural water features within the forest's pine and hardwood landscape.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and basic vault toilets, but lack running water or electrical hookups. Tent campers should bring all necessary water or be prepared to filter from nearby creeks and streams. The terrain varies from nearly level to slightly sloped, with surfaces ranging from natural forest floor to designated gravel pads. Flash flooding can occur near creek-side campsites, particularly at Big Brushy where warning signs are posted throughout the area. Forest roads accessing these primitive tent sites may require careful navigation during wet weather.

Walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience away from vehicle noise. According to reviews, the Cossatot Falls area offers six large, improved tent-only sites with enough room for three tents each, plus grills, fire pits, tables, and bear poles. One camper noted that "Sandbar is one of my favorite camping spots along the Cossatot. It is tents only... The tent spaces are very nice with lots of trees which make it very cozy." The Eagle Rock Loop trail system features several backcountry tent camping opportunities like Long Creek and Straight Creek primitive campsites, accessible only by hiking in from trailheads. These sites offer cleared tent spaces alongside creeks, providing natural water sources that require filtering. During spring and summer, insect activity increases substantially, making proper preparation essential for comfortable tent camping.

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Best Tent Sites Near Oden, Arkansas (43)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Oden, AR

18 Photos of 43 Oden Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Oden, AR

825 Reviews of 43 Oden 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Spring Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful Family Campground

    Camped here mid-week on May 28, 2024, just after Memorial Day weedend. The Spring Lake Receation Area is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The recreation area is gated between 10pm and 6am. It has a day use area, and a campground which is a long walk or short drive away from the day use area. The day use area has picnic tables, grills, beach and a central restroom/shower facility. Day use fee is $4. The small campgound is situated in the woods along Spring Lake across from the day use area. Camping fee is $15 ($7.50 for federal pass holders). Sounds from folks enjoying the day use area can be heard in the campground during the day, but it's very quiet during the night when the day use is closed. The campground has 13 sites. All of the sites can accomodate tent camping. Each site is unpaved and has a level tent pad, table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Most of the sites are small with little privacy between sites. The sites are in the woods and have a view of the lake, with some actually on the lake shore. Our site, #8, has a short walking path to the shoreline - good for bank fishing. The campground has two single unit vault toilets which were reasonably clean. For showers and flush toilets, campers will have to use the central restroom/shower facilites in the day use area. The campgound has two water spigots, and trash reeceptacles. There is also a playground with swings and a group pavilion in the campground. There are no hookups at the campsites. I don't recommend this campground for RV camping; Cove Lake Recreation Area is a better choice. Because of the campsite sizes, levelness and ability to access, I believe sites 1, 5, 7 and 8 can accomodate van, RTT or SUV camping, and possibly small towables such as a pop-up or tear drop campers. In my opinion, all of the other sites are too small with tight access and not level enough for anything other than tent camping. Our site, #8, had a level pad which accomodated our camper van, plus a smaller seperate tent pad. The camp host was very friendly and provided good information. There is an iron ranger with payment envelopes at the campground entrance; cash and checks are accepted. There was no AT&T and T-Mobile reception, although cell reception may be possible at other locations around the lake. I came across three possible disperse camping spots around the lake (see separate listings). Overall, this is a beautiful campground. It was quiet and peaceful during the night. I would stay here again, especially in the Fall.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Cheri H.
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Lenox Marcus Recreation Area & Campground

    Beautiful quiet evening

    Beautiful and for the most part a quiet campground. I was here on a Sunday night and it was fully occupied by 6:00 p.m. This is an Army Corps of Engineers Class D campground. No services, no electric hookups, and no fees charged. I stayed one night but would happily stay longer the next time I am here. My neighbor went paddle boarding in the cove and it’s a great place to go swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. I could not get a cell signal in the campground but I walked up the hill going back towards the main road and was able to call out. I have AT&T cell phone service.

    There’s tent sites on both the open lake side and on the cove side before you get to the boat launch area. I was on the cove side. Road is nice and paved, well lit near the bathrooms which have flush toilets and screen doors. They are rustic and shows signs of age (built in the 70s), being vandalized with spray paint and not regularly maintained but are working. The campground sites have a concrete tent pad, brown site markers, picnic tables and some a grill and round food prep table.

    Outside the designated campground there are several more remote sites. I was able to get back there in my small SUV easily since it was very dry and packed but there’s only a couple that I would attempt if I had been in my Class C RV. None of them would I attempt if it’s rained recently as that would be a recipe for disaster and a great reason to have to call a tow truck which is made more difficult by the limited cell phone coverage in the area. All of the roads in to those sites are dirt and deeply rutted. And since you can’t see if they’re occupied or not until you get back there I would walk in and check out before driving my RV in there because if someone is set up there it’s difficult to turn around since these are essentially what appear to be logging roads.

    Also if you are in a RV I noticed two sites beside the road where you could essentially parallel park overnight if it is dry conditions and the campground is full.

Guide to Oden

Tent camping around Oden, Arkansas offers primitive experiences within the Ouachita National Forest's pine-covered mountains and winding waterways. The area sits at elevations between 600-2,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates from valley floors to ridge tops. Many primitive tent sites experience temperature shifts of 10-15 degrees between day and night, even during summer months when daytime highs regularly exceed 90°F.

What to do

Water activities: Fishing: Anglers staying at Crystal NF Campground can access clear spring water sources. One camper noted the site has "a clear spring you can get water from" alongside 8-12 sites with tent pads.

Hiking: Eagle Rock Loop: The 28-30 mile trail offers multiple primitive camping options. A visitor to Straight Creek Campsite shared: "Went here a while back for some hiking and camping. Spent 3 days put here. Rained heavily on the 2nd day and small creeks and rivers became huge swells. This is for a more experienced hiker if ypu going during rainy season."

Stargazing: Dark skies: The Ouachita National Forest offers minimal light pollution for stargazing. At Hickory Nut Mountain, one camper described how "at night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs'. Which makes the experience a little enchanting."

What campers like

Solitude: Weekday visits: Many primitive sites see minimal use Monday through Thursday. At Hickory Nut Mountain, a camper reported: "The first night (Tuesday) we were the only people in the campground but the second night we had some neighbors."

Free camping: No fees: Several locations offer no-cost tent camping. A Hickory Nut Mountain visitor confirmed: "Great campsite with parking, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and a restroom. Right next to the trails! Beautiful view of lake below."

Swimming holes: Natural pools: Creek access provides cooling options during hot summer months. One backpacker at Long Creek Campsite found "a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour."

What you should know

Flash flooding: Safety risks: Creek-side tent sites can experience rapid water rise during storms. At Big Brushy, a camper warned: "The Big Brushy Creek is right beside the campground and has several walking trails down to the creek. This creek floods quickly and there are signs located through the park indicating it is a flash flood area, so be aware."

Road conditions: Access challenges: Many tent sites require navigating unpaved forest roads. One Hickory Nut Mountain visitor mentioned: "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."

Limited facilities: Primitive conditions: Most tent sites offer basic amenities only. A Rocky Shoals visitor observed: "Each site has a picnic table (one spot has two) a BBQ grill and a pole for hanging a lantern. Boat access to the river is available. Site does have a male/female outhouse."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Level ground: Choose camping areas with flat terrain for easier tent setup. At Hickory Nut Mountain, a camper advised: "The site we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping."

Water sources: Filtering needed: Families should bring water filters for creek water. At Albert Pike Recreation Area, a visitor recommended: "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."

Insect protection: Essential gear: The area experiences heavy bug activity May-September. A hiker noted: "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."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Small trailers only: Most tent camping areas near Oden restrict vehicle size. A Crystal NF Campground visitor observed there are "8-12 sites here... a few small, medium and a couple larger sites but no pull through except one perhaps."

Generator policies: Restrictions common: Many Ouachita National Forest campsites prohibit generator use. Campers should prepare for off-grid power needs with alternative solutions like solar chargers or power banks.

Road clearance: High-clearance vehicles recommended: Forest service roads often have rough sections. A visitor warned about a site being "a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads" requiring careful navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oden, AR is Shirley Creek with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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