Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Looking for the best Ozark-St. Francis National Forests dispersed camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, AR (35)

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    1. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    28 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    74 Saves

    If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it. Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    4. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    62 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    8. Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    10 Saves

    Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.

    Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
    Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

    40 Reviews of 35 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Campgrounds


    • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
      Oct. 14, 2024

      FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

      Super Simple But Has Signal

      WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

      The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Harris Brake Lake

      A place to stop for the night

      We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump. It does have a picnick table, though.

    • Arthur S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
      Aug. 20, 2024

      Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

      Nice weekend

      Didn’t have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
      Jul. 10, 2024

      Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

      Nice site to hang-out in

      The pin location may not be accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.44497, -92.76914. This is a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site is located on a dirt track - Forest Road 93021L, which is off of Tackett Mountain Road - Forest Road 1319. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd, but it is close to Forest Road 93021L. Tackett Mountain Rd is a wide, well maintained, gravel forest road. Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover. Once up the incline, the track becomes dirt, goes through a clearing and heads into the woods where the dispersed site is located on the right. One can camp in the clearing; there is a small rock fire ring that is overgrown with grass and weeds, but the site in this review is nicer. The clearing was logged long ago where one may find some pieces of firewood. Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site. There are no hiking trails here, although one can take a stroll along FR90231L which is less than a half-mile long. Even though there is not much to do around here, it's a nice place to simply hang out in. I liked it.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
      Jul. 9, 2024

      Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

      Lake View Dispersed Camping

      Coordinates: 35.49123, -92.80548. Large open dispersed site set back from Charleston Road, just north of Bell Rd (Forest Road 1334). Located in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trails area. Charleston Road is a wide, well-maintained gravel road. Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible. The dispersed site has a dirt surface with some embedded rocks. It's on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view. Solar recharging is possible in this open site. The site is on what appears to be a parking area along an old dirt track; this track appears as an older section of Charleston Rd on some maps. There is a dirt ramp into the lake. There is room for multiple rigs at the campsite. Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked. There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small. Tent Camping is possible near the fire rings. The lake was drained at the time of my visit; otherwise, it's a really nice view.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
      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
      Camper-submitted photo from Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR
      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
      Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
      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
      Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
      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.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Jun. 23, 2024

      FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

      Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

      Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Jun. 22, 2024

      FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

      Overnight Dispersed Site

      Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Mountain Dispersed
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Crystal Mountain Dispersed

      Good View with Difficult Access

      I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      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.

    • k
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
      Jun. 18, 2024

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      Free camp in the trees by drained part of lake

      Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. Picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now. I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 18, 2024

      Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

      Fantastic View

      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. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

      Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

      Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

      Small Site with Great View

      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. Two rock fire rings. This site has a rocky surface with sparse grass. High summer undergrowth around site. The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller. Finding a soft place for a tent may be difficult. Forest road 153 btween 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. There are some minor obstacles and washouts. I don't recommend this road for a 2WD passenger car; 4x4's with some high clearence should have no problem. I received good T-Mobile service at this site. Love this dispersed campsite.

    • Julie A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
      May. 21, 2024

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      Great place to overnight

      The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
      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!

    • Sophia W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
      Oct. 9, 2023

      Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

      Worthwhile if you take some time to look!

      Stayed at two different spots here. 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. Second spot (pictured) was amazing— maybe 5-10 miles back of I had to guess. There are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but we’ll covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather. Not sure how many sites are back here total. Expect to drive a ways between spots.

    • Mitch H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Aug. 28, 2023

      Harris Brake Lake

      Beautiful Simple Campground (Permit Required)

      Solid site minus the heat and bugs this time of year. I was greeted with a sign at the entrance saying that a hunting/ fishing license or land pass was required to camp. There was no one else there and I wasn't bothered, but keep in mind you might get a wake up call from a ranger. Neither the dyrt or the WMA website said anything about this so that would've been my alibi. Great location with a beautiful sunset on the lake.

    • sThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Aug. 15, 2023

      Harris Brake Lake

      Absolutely beautiful!

      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. However, there were two reasons for the four stars. 1) a little deeper into the woods, there were telltale signs for this camping site being a storage spot for people without houses. we had no issues but as two girls camping in a new state, it def made us a bit nervous. 2) there were two relatively major roads running right next to the site, so we got all of the sounds and the lights that come with that. we also got several curious individuals that drove down through to see what it was. but it was free!!! so definitely no major complaints here.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Irons Fork
      Jul. 17, 2023

      Irons Fork

      Nicest free spot I’ve seen!

      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. Some nice mature trees were there but didn’t get in the way of our view of the lake. There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring. More spaces are available near the road as well. Bugs weren’t much of an issue but we did use bug spray. There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire. I’m happy we visited, but not happy about the humidity- I am thankful we were able to sleep in the car though! There was only one other person there. It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage. We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal.



    Guide to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

    Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing in nature, there’s something for everyone.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails in the area. Campers love the trails at Mount Nebo State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "The trails were nicely kept and the waterfall we hiked to on Lizard Trail was so picturesque!"
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. At Piney Bay, one visitor mentioned, "Many of the campers were fishing Dardenelle lake," highlighting the fishing opportunities.
    • Swimming: Enjoy the water at Woolly Hollow State Park. A camper shared, "The swimming area was crazy busy the weekend we were there," indicating it's a popular spot for a dip.

    What campers like:

    • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One happy visitor at Petit Jean State Park exclaimed, "I found everything to be absolutely amazing! Beautiful, stunning, and can’t wait to visit again!"
    • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A reviewer at Maumelle Park noted, "The campsites are pretty spacious for tents with their own fire rings too."
    • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Lake Dardanelle State Park, one visitor said, "The host was very friendly however," making for a welcoming experience.

    What you should know:

    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A camper at Long Pool Recreation Area mentioned, "There was only one bathhouse with a shower. It wasn’t the greatest and was pretty dirty area."
    • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A reviewer at Little Rock North KOA pointed out, "You get a lot of road noise."
    • Cell service: Expect limited or no cell service in some areas. One camper at Mount Nebo State Park Campground noted, "We had no service, but the lodge was so nice to be able to do homeschool and work."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Maumelle Park found, "Well spaced out. Not right beside your neighbor."
    • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One visitor at Woolly Hollow State Park mentioned, "There are lots of trails, bike paths, water activities and BEAUTIFUL scenery."
    • Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for parks with playgrounds or swimming areas. A camper at Lake Dardanelle State Park said, "The information center was large and the employees were very friendly."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Piney Bay warned, "The spots also say they’re ‘big/long enough’ for a 42’ rig but in reality it’s super tight."
    • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One camper at Petit Jean State Park appreciated the "full hook ups" available at their site.
    • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped. A reviewer at Little Rock North KOA mentioned, "Sites are easy access but tight, not much room between rigs if both rigs have slides."

    Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is Camp Robinson Dispersed Site with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests?

      TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.