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Best Dispersed Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

57 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Ozark St. Francis National Forests have several dispersed camping areas where you can pitch a tent away from designated campgrounds. These primitive spots require complete self-sufficiency since you won't find restrooms or running water at places like City Park Campground. You'll need to follow Leave No Trace guidelines and set up at least 200 feet from any water sources or roads. Most dispersed sites in the forests limit stays to 14 days. Many of the best spots require driving on rough forest roads, so vehicles with higher clearance work better for accessing remote areas. The Recreation Area has additional wild camping with no built facilities - no fire rings, no tables, just open space. Fire bans often happen during dry months, so check with rangers before planning to build a campfire. All trash needs to go back out with you when you leave. Weather in the Ozarks can change quickly between hot days and cool nights. Cell phones typically don't work well throughout much of the forests, making paper maps essential. Following the rules helps keep these public lands open and protected for everyone who wants to camp here.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (46)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

57 Reviews of 46 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests 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
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek

    Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.

  • 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
    Jan. 6, 2025

    FR1802A, Meadows Knob Rd Dispersed

    Secluded, Light Usage, Dispersed Camping in the Ozarks

    Coordinates: 35.58695,-93.20723. Camped here Dec 29, 2024. Set well off of Meadows Knob Rd. Expect pinstriping along the access track to this secluded dispersed campsite. FR1802A toward the site has some erosion; low clearance vehicles may high center in one or two spots. The main forest road into this part of the Ozark National Forest is okay. The campsite is in open area, located in an old clear cut area. There is a partial view of the distant mountains. The site is a level, dirt surface. Not a large site; okay for one rig. Tent camping possible. No nearby mature trees for hammock camping. The site is overgrown with grass and weeds; a weed whacker is needed to clear the rock fire ring. There is a spot on the ground where a previous campfire was made. Good AT&T and T-Mobile 5G service. No shade; access to Starlink is possible. No hiking trails, although there is a 2-track for hiking that leads down into Graves Creek Canyon and some unnamed waterfalls. The hike along this trck is nice. This is not a pretty dispersed site, but it is well off of the main forest road; very private. Access to the site may be difficult for some vehicles. High clearance 4x4 vehicles should have no problems.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2022

    Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

    Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou

    Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from  Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR

    Large Group Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Convenient to National Forest OHV Area

    Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

    Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails

    Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322.  Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.

Guide to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Dispersed camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests provides access to over 1.2 million acres of Arkansas wilderness spanning elevations from 600 to 2,700 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop below freezing. Seasonal thunderstorms create flash flood conditions on forest roads, particularly during spring and early summer months.

What to do

Waterfront fishing spots: Harris Brake Lake features multiple shoreline camping areas with good bass fishing access. "Just a picnic table no other amenities and the view is amazing great place to stay for free," notes Harris Brake Lake visitor Sara W.

Hike to cascades: A short quarter-mile trail leads to Brown Creek Cascade from the Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite. "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)," reports Fred S.

Mountain views: Forest roads provide access to elevated viewpoints. At Forest Service RD 132, one camper notes, "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."

What campers like

Solitude: Many dispersed sites offer genuine seclusion. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, campers enjoy peaceful evenings. "The birds and frogs sang all evening," writes Julie A., while another notes, "Peaceful and quiet."

Seasonal wildlife viewing: Spring and early summer bring firefly displays at certain locations. "Absolutely beautiful place the fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights," reports Julian P. at Harris Brake Lake.

Budget-friendly options: All dispersed sites in the national forests are free with no reservation requirements. "It was gorgeous and obviously well taken care of. We were by ourselves the whole night! Designated fire pits and an awesome view of the lake," says a camper at Harris Brake Lake.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Forest roads may require appropriate vehicles. David H. warns about access to Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest: "Google told me it had a faster option and I stupidly accepted. The dirt road starting at HWY-7 is virtually impassible to get to this campground."

Wildlife encounters: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months. "There is a lot of ticks here I pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night," reports one Harris Brake Lake visitor.

Trash management challenges: Pack in/pack out rules aren't always followed. One camper reported: "There was a ton of trash, including broken bottles and broken pans, near each site which was very unpleasant to see and camp near."

Limited privacy at road-accessible sites: Many spots are visible from forest roads. Fred S. notes at Brown Creek Rd/FR805: "The site is clearly visable from the forest road; no privacy, and dust may be an issue during the dry season."

Tips for camping with families

Pre-arrival timing: Arrive during daylight hours to locate suitable sites. "Got here during sunset and it was beautiful but the gravel roads are invisible at night so definitely have some daylight ahead of you," advises Ashley T. at Harris Brake Lake.

Campsite surface preparation: Many dispersed sites have uneven, rocky ground. At FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Fred S. describes "a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up," while Jacob F. recommends: "If you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and not very flat."

Local traffic awareness: Certain sites experience vehicle traffic throughout the night. At Camp Robinson Dispersed Site, one camper reported: "I woke up at 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Fred S. describes "a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller."

Leveling requirements: Many forest sites require substantial leveling. "Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock," notes a reviewer about Forest Service RD 132.

Access points: Several sites have multiple entry options. At Harris Brake Lake, Samuel S. reports: "We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit. 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map available for dispersed camping in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?

While there isn't a dedicated map specifically for dispersed camping in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) available from the Forest Service show forest roads where dispersed camping is permitted. Physical maps can be obtained at ranger district offices in Russellville, Jasper, Mountain View, and other locations. For digital planning, sites like Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed and Charleston - Bell Roads Dispersed provide GPS coordinates (35.49995, -92.80930 and 35.49101, -92.80686 respectively) that can be entered into mapping applications. The Forest Service website also offers interactive maps showing general forest boundaries and roads.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Ozark National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Ozark National Forest is available in several locations throughout the forest. Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite in the Piney Creek Wildlife Management Area offers a large camping area with multiple established fire rings near ATV trails. Another option is Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks, which is a large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou, about a quarter-mile from Highway 27 near Hector. Look for camping opportunities along forest roads, especially near trailheads and recreation areas. Most sites are found off gravel forest roads and are often marked by established fire rings or cleared areas.

Can I camp with an RV when dispersed camping in Ozark National Forest?

RV dispersed camping is possible in Ozark National Forest, but site accessibility varies significantly. At Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed, the large, level site can accommodate 2-3 rigs on its dirt surface. However, many forest roads have limitations - Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite is accessible via gravel roads that may challenge larger RVs. Consider road conditions carefully, as some areas have erosion issues, low clearance concerns, or narrow passages that cause pinstriping. Smaller trailers and camper vans generally have more options than large motorhomes. No hookups are available at dispersed sites, so be prepared for dry camping with sufficient water and waste capacity.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?

Dispersed camping in Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is generally free and follows standard Forest Service guidelines. At sites like FR1802A, Meadows Knob Rd Dispersed and Bear Creek Horse Camp, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and developed recreation areas. Practice Leave No Trace principles by using existing fire rings, properly disposing of waste, and packing out all trash. Firewood gathering is typically allowed for on-site use only (dead and down material). Check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip. Some areas may have specific restrictions during hunting seasons or due to wildlife management concerns.

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