Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Ouachita Lake, AR has a lot to offer. Ouachita Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Ouachita Lake, AR. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"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."
"I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom."
"Coordinates: 34.75922,-93.20452. Camped here on May 5, 2025. Large wooded dispersed site in the Ouachita National Forest. Suitable for about 3 campervan-sized rigs."
"Off grid camp site need 4×4 some washouts on forest service rd 153"
"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."
"Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and no very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on. Great views"
"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."
"This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest. Please do your homework because the road signs are lacking."
"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."
"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."
LegendLocated 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.
LegendPopular 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.
LegendCoordinates: 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.
LegendCamped 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!
TravelerWe 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
RangerThis 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.
LegendCoordinates: 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.
LegendCoordinates: 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.
LegendCoordinates: 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ouachita Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ouachita Lake is Irons Fork with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ouachita Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 dispersed camping locations near Ouachita Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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