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Best Dispersed Camping near Parks, AR

19 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Parks, Arkansas centers primarily in the Ouachita National Forest, where several free primitive sites exist along forest roads and creek areas. Turner Creek Road, Blue Knob Road, and Jack Creek areas provide backcountry camping opportunities without designated facilities or reservations. The region features multiple dispersed sites scattered throughout the forest, particularly along secondary roads that branch from main forest routes. Most sites consist of simple clearings with rock fire rings and minimal improvements.

Forest roads accessing these primitive campsites vary considerably in quality, with some requiring careful navigation due to erosion, especially where creeks cross the roads. Many dispersed sites are accessible via drive-in routes, though high clearance vehicles may be necessary for reaching more remote locations. Most areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fires are generally permitted in existing rock rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas, with T-Mobile coverage particularly spotty throughout the forest.

The backcountry camping experience in this region offers solitude amid the dense Ouachita forest, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Jack Creek provides swimming holes and hiking trails within a short drive of several dispersed sites. Many campsites feature proximity to creeks or rivers, adding to their appeal. Campers report varying experiences with road conditions and site privacy. "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful," noted one visitor to Turner Creek Road. Another camper described Blue Knob Road as having "a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!"

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Parks, Arkansas (28)

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30 Photos of 28 Parks Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parks, AR

19 Reviews of 28 Parks Campgrounds

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2020

    Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    Exploring the hidden road

    This 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    CR133/FR146 Hogan Creek Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

    Small Dispersed Site, Tucked Away

    Coordinates: 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Jack Creek Rd Pull Thru Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Small Pull Thru Site with Easy Access

    Coordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain

    No dispersed site at coordinates

    The coordinates placed me at a gated forest road. There is no dispersed campsite here. There is also no river access or creeks at this location. I bet the original reviewer is describing a location down Forest Road 796 which goes westbound from near this location toward the Fourche La Fave River.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest

    Solitude

    I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site. There is a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!

Guide to Parks

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Parks, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure in the Ouachita National Forest. With a variety of sites to choose from, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Parks

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Mena Arkansas

  • Mena Arkansas provides a secluded spot for privacy, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the crowds at Mena Arkansas.
  • The area is big rig friendly, allowing larger vehicles to access the site comfortably, which is a plus for RV campers at Mena Arkansas.
  • With no permit required, you can enjoy a hassle-free camping experience at Mena Arkansas, making it easy to plan your getaway.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Parks, Arkansas

  • When visiting Jack Creek Road Dispersed, be prepared for a mixed dirt and gravel road that may require careful navigation, especially during wet conditions.
  • Bring your own firewood to Buck Knob, as there are no firewood supplies available on-site, ensuring you can enjoy a cozy campfire.
  • Keep in mind that many dispersed sites, like Irons Fork, may lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets, so plan accordingly and pack sufficient supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in Arkansas state parks?

Arkansas state parks generally do not offer free camping - they typically charge fees for campsite use. However, free dispersed camping is widely available in Arkansas' national forests. For example, Irons Fork offers beautiful lakeside dispersed camping at no cost, complete with swimming access and even a pit toilet. Similarly, Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) Large Dispersed provides free camping along forest roads in the Ouachita National Forest. For free camping, focus on national forest lands rather than state parks. Be prepared for minimal or no amenities at these free sites, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

What are the rules for boondocking in Arkansas national forests?

When boondocking in Arkansas national forests, you can generally camp for up to 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. Use existing fire rings when possible, and fully extinguish all fires. Pack out all trash and waste. At sites like Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain, be especially cautious during hunting seasons when the area sees increased activity. For locations like CR133/FR146 Hogan Creek Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR, note that road conditions vary seasonally, and some forest roads may become difficult to navigate after rain. Always check with the local ranger district for temporary closures or specific regulations before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities in both the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests. In the Ouachita National Forest, you'll find numerous dispersed sites along forest roads like North Fork Creek Rd (FR779) Dispersed, which offers wooded sites suitable for multiple campers. The Ozark National Forest features sites like West Side Spring Lake Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR, providing beautiful lake views. Most dispersed sites are accessible via forest roads, with some requiring 4WD vehicles. Look for established pull-offs near forest roads, typically indicated by fire rings or cleared areas. Seasonal accessibility varies, with many sites more accessible during winter when vegetation is minimal.

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