Primitive tent camping around Ouachita Lake offers diverse options on rugged forest terrain ranging from 600 to 1,600 feet in elevation. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with occasional storms. Most primitive sites require visitors to navigate uneven, rocky terrain with limited amenities.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, visitors can launch directly from shoreline sites. "Spot #1 was right at the waters edge. Concrete/stone picnic table, grill, firepit... Great for kayaking. Fairly level," notes camper Stephanie P.
Equestrian trails: Bear Creek Horse Camp connects to extensive loop trails for riders and hikers. According to Fred S., "The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers."
Off-road exploring: Beyond established campsites, back roads offer secluded spots. "We headed back down Pollard Creek Trail- what a surprise gem we found! Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day," shares Candace R. about her experience near Hickory Nut Mountain.
What campers like
Affordable accessibility: Most primitive tent camping sites around Ouachita Lake are free or low-cost. "Can't ask for much more for a free campsite!" remarks Mark F. about Hickory Nut Mountain.
Waterfront sites: Direct lake access ranks high for tent campers. "Great boat access. If you have an rv or trailer great," notes a reviewer at Irons Fork, while sites at COE Lake Ouachita Buckville Campground offer "Amazing water scenery," according to Sierra S.
Hammock-friendly forests: Tree spacing at many locations accommodates hammock setups. Stephanie P. notes, "The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock" at Irons Fork, while Chrischelle N. mentions the atmospheric addition of "lightning bugs" making nighttime "a little enchanting" at Hickory Nut.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions: Vault toilet facilities vary significantly. "The bathroom is a basically a portapotty so be prepared for that," warns Nicole G. about Hickory Nut Mountain, while Stephanie P. describes "Some sketchy pit toilets" at Irons Fork.
Campsite terrain challenges: Many sites feature rocky, uneven ground that complicates tent setup. Emerald B. notes of Hickory Nut Mountain: "The site itself was nice enough with a place to pull in, a large picnic table, metal grill, and a fire ring with a grate. The spot we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping."
Road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging during wet weather. Fred S. reports "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road" near Fourche Mountain Campground, while access to Hickory Nut requires "a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads" according to Nicole G.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some areas experience concerning nighttime traffic. Emerald B. shares from Hickory Nut Mountain: "The second night, a truck came speeding through at about 11:30pm and stopped in front of our campsite before speeding off again down the road. Nothing happened, but it did make me feel slightly uneasy."
Weather preparation: Summer campers need cooling strategies. Candace R. found relief at "Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day" near creek bed camping spots, demonstrating the importance of water access during hot months.
Quick overnight spots: Some locations work better for brief stays. About Fourche Mountain, Alex B. advises: "Highly recommend staying here overnight if you're road tripping or vanlifing. I wouldn't stay here for more than a night."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive camping areas accommodate only smaller RVs and trailers. Izzy T. notes that Irons Fork is "Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers" but less suited for larger vehicles.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven parking areas at most primitive tent camping sites near Ouachita Lake. "Sites nearly level" at Fourche Mountain Campground makes it an exception according to Fred S., who appreciates this feature for vehicle-based camping.
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies widely, affecting navigation and emergency communication. "Good T-Mobile cell service" at Fourche Mountain contrasts with Bear Creek Horse Camp where Fred S. "received no T-Mobile cell service" despite being in the same general region.
