Dispersed camping sites in the Ouachita National Forest near Pencil Bluff, Arkansas range from 800 to 2,300 feet elevation, with most concentrated in the northern and western sections of the forest. The area features a mixed hardwood-pine ecosystem with rocky terrain and seasonal creeks. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing conditions and limited road access.
What to do
Fishing access points: Jack Creek offers several dispersed camping locations with pathways to water for fishing. "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," notes Fred S. about Jack Creek Dispersed.
Trail exploration: The Sugar Creek hiking trail provides moderate hiking opportunities accessible from several nearby dispersed sites. Campers staying at Jack Creek area sites can easily reach this trail for day hikes through dense forest and along seasonal waterways.
Wildlife observation: The Fourche Mountain area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest... On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive," writes Jeff P. about Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The dispersed sites off Girard Road provide isolation from other campers. "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," explains Fred S. about Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed.
Basic amenities: Some primitive camping areas feature simple improvements. Turner Creek Road offers "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful," according to Jacob.
Swimming opportunities: The Jack Creek area contains several locations suitable for cooling off during hot months. Multiple dispersed sites are within short driving distance of swimming holes along the various creeks and streams, though water levels vary seasonally.
What you should know
Bear safety practices: The entire region is black bear habitat requiring proper food storage. At Irons Fork, a camper reported: "We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower... It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom," notes Charity S. about Irons Fork.
Cell coverage limitations: Service varies significantly throughout the area. Some sites like those near Girard Road report "strong T-Mobile 5G signal" while others have no coverage whatsoever.
Bathroom facilities condition: Where pit toilets exist, maintenance is inconsistent. One camper at Irons Fork stated, "I used my own pop up toilet as there's is not close to being clean," while another noted, "there are bathrooms but they are RANK so just pee n poop in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access evaluation: When camping with children, scout water access points first. At certain locations in Mena Arkansas, "secluded spot for Privacy" means you can enjoy water activities without disturbing other campers, according to Ernest W.
Location verification: Coordinates may be inaccurate for some sites. A camper at Fourche Mountain advised: "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."
Security considerations: Be mindful of belongings security at more accessible areas. One Irons Fork camper reported: "figured it might be some local early morning fishers or something. saw them leave after an hour tho, and come to find they STOLE OUR PADLOCKED COOLER."
Tips from RVers
Road accessibility assessment: Accurately assess vehicle capabilities against road conditions. Carlos P. advises about Blue Knob Road: "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain throughout the area is uneven. At Fourche Mountain, one camper notes, "site is a little uneven, so chocks were helpful" for stabilizing their rig.
Seasonal road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate significantly during and after rain. Most primitive camping locations around Pencil Bluff require higher clearance vehicles after precipitation, with many becoming impassable for trailers or larger RVs during wet periods.
