Primitive camping near Paron, Arkansas centers around the Ouachita National Forest where elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet across the forest's ridges and valleys. The region experiences summer temperatures averaging 90°F with high humidity and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites in this area are positioned along forest service roads with rocky, sometimes challenging access requiring careful navigation during wet weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Harris Brake Lake, campers can access shoreline fishing with a decent boat launch on the property. "A beautiful free camp ground but.......accessible lake and picnic table chained to tree. Light traffic at night," notes one visitor who enjoyed the easy water access despite some noise issues.
Hiking nearby trails: The Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed site offers direct access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. According to a reviewer, "The North Fork Pinnacle viewpoint is a half-mile hike from the campsite. The campsite is set back from the forest road; no issues with dust from the road."
Wildlife watching: Forest roads around Paron provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. "The fireflies here are amazing!" reports one camper at Harris Brake Lake, while others mention hearing foxes and seeing various woodland creatures throughout their stays.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Many campers appreciate the soothing sounds of nearby water at Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed where one visitor noted, "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... Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek."
Sunset views: Multiple reviewers mention the spectacular sunsets visible from several sites. At Harris Brake Lake, a camper shared, "The sunset was gorgeous. A little bit of a drive off of I40 but it's a fantastic spot. We are the only ones here."
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution makes Paron's dispersed camping ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. A reviewer at Forest Service RD 132 described "Large site if you are sleeping on the ground bring plenty of padding it is rocky and no very flat. If you are in a rooftop there are plenty of rocks to level up on. Great views."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads accessing these sites vary significantly in quality. A visitor to Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite advised, "2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site," while another camper warned about other roads: "Note that due to recent severe Spring storms, portions of Brown Creek Road have some erosion. The rocky surface is moderately rough in places."
Cell service variability: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. A camper at FR132 Crossroads noted, "The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area," while others report no service with certain carriers at many sites.
Fire resources: While most sites have fire rings, firewood availability varies. "May need to hike a ways in the woods to find firewood. Large rock fire ring on site," reports a Brown Creek Cascade visitor. Some sites may have previously gathered wood left by campers, but don't count on it.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Some sites may present hazards for young children. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, a reviewer noted, "The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping," which could also present tripping hazards for children.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience unexpected noise. A Harris Brake Lake visitor reported, "Beautiful free camp ground but.......loud screaming kids and dogs barking...accessible lake and picnic table chained to tree," suggesting families should prepare for potential noise from neighboring properties.
Site selection timing: Arriving early ensures better site selection, especially during peak seasons. "We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump," shared one Harris Brake Lake camper, highlighting the challenge of after-dark arrivals.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Most dispersed sites around Paron can only accommodate smaller RVs. A visitor to Forest Rd 179 Ouachita NF advised, "It is a large campsite, close to forest road... May be able to back a truck camper into the site; I don't recommend anything larger."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock," noted a Forest Service RD 132 reviewer about site conditions.
Turn-around space: Consider your vehicle's turning radius when selecting sites. A Base of North Fork Pinnacle camper shared, "Maneuvering my van into position took some effort due to the trees at this spot; a little bit of leveling was required," while noting the first fire ring area was easier for setup.
