Best Tent Camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Tent camping in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests of Arkansas provides a range of primitive and established options for outdoor enthusiasts. Haw Creek Falls Camping in Hagarville offers tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings near a scenic waterfall, while Bayou Bluff Point of Interest near Hector features four drive-up tent sites with unique CCC-built rock shelters overlooking Illinois Bayou. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite provides a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience along South Fork of Brown Creek. These tent-only areas are situated within the forested landscape of the Ozarks, offering access to hiking trails, water features, and natural scenery.

Most tent campgrounds in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with minimal amenities. Vault toilets are common at established sites like Haw Creek Falls and Bayou Bluff, but drinking water is rarely available. Campers should pack in all necessary water or bring filtration systems for creek water. Fire rings are provided at most sites, though firewood can be scarce at dispersed locations. Weather considerations are important for tent camping in this area, as creek flooding can affect access during rainy seasons. Cell service varies significantly throughout the forest, with better coverage at higher elevations and near highways.

The primitive tent camping experience in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offers unique natural features not found at developed campgrounds. According to reviews, the stone shelters at Bayou Bluff provide distinctive protection from weather with functional fireplaces. One visitor noted, "The stone buildings are nice to set up somewhat out of the weather." At Brown Creek Cascade, campers report peaceful conditions with "the sound from the creek was soothing" and "very quiet with no vehicles passing by during the night." Walk-in tent sites at several locations provide greater solitude, though they require carrying gear short distances. Hammock camping is possible at many sites due to the abundance of suitable trees. For backcountry tent camping, dispersed sites along forest roads offer level tent pads but require self-sufficiency with no amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (27)

    1. Shirewood

    1 Review
    Morrilton, AR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 920-7895

    $125 / night

    "Check them out and share your trip on the Dyrt!"

    2. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    10 Reviews
    Hector, AR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 284-3150

    "This campground has no water or electricity but has 4 drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire circle, and rock shelters that overlook the beautiful Illinois Bayou."

    "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces.  The walk to the river is very easy.  "

    3. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Paron, AR
    20 miles
    Website

    "Located on the gravel Brown Creek Road in Perry County, Arkansas. The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite."

    "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."

    4. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Mayflower, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 345-0325

    "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."

    "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."

    5. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    Jessieville, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 984-5313

    "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."

    6. COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Nimrod Lake, AR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 272-4835

    "Clean, kid friendly campground with RV and tent sites available, 30 amp electric and water, bathrooms are kept clean and have showers."

    7. Xtreme Paintball and Laser Tag

    1 Review
    Dover, AR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 280-4009

    $350 / night

    8. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "This is a pretty nice and quite camp site there is definitely traffic through here more than we’re use to but it’s a really nice spot, it’s all primitive camping, there is vault toilets on site we keep"

    "The campground is located in the Ozark National Forest. Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."

    9. South Fourche

    2 Reviews
    Nimrod Lake, AR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 321-5202

    "It is located on a body of water (not the cleanest at least when I was there). It is a pretty small campground and I assume stays pretty quiet (so would be good for groups that want lots of privacy)."

    10. Delaware Park

    3 Reviews
    Dardanelle, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 968-5008

    "We pulled in after a long drive through Arkansas, tired and chilly. We picked a random site as there were plenty to choose from since no one was in the entire park."

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

931 Reviews of 27 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Campgrounds



Guide to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Tent camping near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in Arkansas offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is Shirewood with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.