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Best Dispersed Camping near Ouachita Lake

51 Reviews

Ouachita National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Ouachita Lake, with most sites concentrated along forest service roads. Forest Road 132 provides sites with mountain views, while Forest Roads 153, 779, and 83W feature more secluded locations. Most areas have rock fire rings and accommodate small vehicles, though tent camping can be challenging due to rocky, uneven terrain at ridge-top sites.

Road conditions vary significantly across the forest. A visitor noted, "Forest road 153 between 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." Many areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. Sites along FR132 and FR153 offer cell service and spectacular views, but the exposed ridge locations can be windy during colder months. Most dispersed sites lack facilities—no toilets, trash service, or water sources—except for Irons Fork, which has a vault toilet described in reviews as "RANK." Bear activity has been reported; proper food storage is essential.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ouachita Lake (42)

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45 Photos of 42 Ouachita Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ouachita Lake

51 Reviews of 42 Ouachita Lake 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

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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
    Jun. 15, 2024

    CR133/FR146 Hogan Creek Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Small Dispersed Site, Tucked Away

    Coordinates: 34.93095,-93.32258. This a small dispersed camp site tucked away a short way from County Road 133/ Forest Rd 146 in the Ouachita National Forest. It's at the end of a short dirt track which may have been an old forest road. Above Hogan Creek, sounds of the creek can be head at this site. There is a path along the creek behind the campsite; it eventually provides access down hill to the creek. This is a secluded spot which can not be easily seen from CR133/FR146. Backing your vehicle into the site is best. There is a small rock fire ring at the end of the access track. The site's entrance is on the right hand side just after the bridge crossing Hogan Creek when coming from the west on CR133/FR146. A truck camper and smaller can fit into the site. A little bit of leveling may be required. Tent camping is also possible. It's a pretty campsite. The forest road is in great shape.

  • 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.

Guide to Ouachita Lake

Dispersed camping near Ouachita Lake in Arkansas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of sites available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

Fishing Opportunities While Free Camping Near Ouachita Lake

Wildlife Watching for Nature Lovers

  • The Irons Fork area is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for campers interested in birdwatching and observing local fauna.
  • At Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest,, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while keeping an eye out for deer and other wildlife that frequent the area.
  • The FR 83W/CR84 Dispersed near Pond site offers a unique opportunity to spot various species of birds and other wildlife, especially during early morning or late evening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping at Ouachita Lake in Arkansas?

Several free dispersed camping options exist around Ouachita Lake in the Ouachita National Forest. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR offers primitive camping along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) with access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The site has a rock fire ring but no facilities. Another option is Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, a popular single-site location on Brown Creek Road with the South Fork of Brown Creek running behind it, perfect for those who want to be near water and hiking trails.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Ouachita Lake?

Dispersed camping at Ouachita Lake follows standard Forest Service regulations: camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. At sites like FR132-Grindstone Rd Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR and North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed, camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Existing fire rings should be used where available. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during dry periods. Check with the Ouachita National Forest ranger district office for current restrictions before your trip.

How far is Ouachita Lake dispersed camping from Little Rock, Arkansas?

Dispersed camping areas around Ouachita Lake are approximately 50-70 miles west of Little Rock, with driving times ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the specific site. FR132 Wilderness Boundary Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR is among the closer options, located about 50 miles from Little Rock via Highway 10 and Forest Road 132. Bear Creek Horse Camp is slightly farther west, roughly 70 miles from the city. Most sites require some travel on gravel forest roads after leaving main highways, so allow extra time for the final approach.

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