Primitive camping sites surround Pencil Bluff, Arkansas within the Ouachita National Forest, where elevations range between 600-2,700 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures often reach into the 90s with high humidity levels, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent camping. Most dispersed sites in this area require campers to bring their own water sources, as natural water access is unreliable during dry periods.
What to do
Creek swimming spots: At Crystal NF Campground, campers can access clear spring water for both drinking and swimming. One visitor noted, "There's a clear spring you can get water from" while enjoying the surrounding natural pools.
Fishing opportunities: The Little Missouri River watershed offers excellent trout fishing. At Long Creek Campsite, accessible only by hiking in from trailheads, you'll find productive fishing spots. A camper reported, "Perhaps 100 feet up river from our campsite I found a nice fishing hole and caught and released 7 trout and 1 sunfish within about 1 hour."
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads near Pencil Bluff connect to the Eagle Rock Loop trail system. The western section via Athens Big Fork trail rewards hikers with diverse forest scenery. A hiker at Straight Creek shared, "On your hike into this site you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine and maple."
Off-road exploring: Some camping areas offer additional adventure opportunities beyond the main sites. At Hickory Nut Mountain, one camper suggested, "If the gate is open then explore an hour worth moderate off roading. This place also offers great hiking trails and primitive camping."
What campers like
Expansive views: Hickory Nut Mountain provides elevated camping with partial lake vistas. A reviewer mentioned, "The view of the lake was fairly limited, but the site we stayed in did have a clearing in the trees big enough to catch a glimpse of the lake and the surrounding 'mountains'."
Wildlife encounters: The Ouachita Forest offers abundant natural encounters, especially at night. A camper at Hickory Nut noted, "At night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs,' which makes the experience a little enchanting."
Creek-side campsites: Irons Fork Primitive Camping features waterfront sites with natural amenities. A visitor shared, "Spot #1 was right at the waters edge. Concrete/stone picnic table, grill, firepit. The trees were perfect size and spacing for a hammock."
Secluded locations: Tent camping Pencil Bluff offers genuine solitude on less-traveled forest roads and trails. One Hickory Nut Mountain visitor remarked, "If you truly want to hide from the world, this is the place for a weekend solitude."
What you should know
Flash flooding risks: Many camping areas near Pencil Bluff, Arkansas sit in flood zones. At Big Brushy, a recent visitor warned, "The Big Brushy Creek is right beside the campground and has several walking trails down to the creek. This creek floods quickly and there are signs located through the park indicating it is a flash flood area."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites offer minimal or no services. Crystal Campground provides "a vault toilet no pumped water but there is a clear spring you can get water from."
Day-use restrictions: Several former campgrounds now permit only daytime access. Rocky Shoals "is a former campground turned day use only area, only open from 6am to 10pm. This location has four sites now for picnicing only."
Weather awareness: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Ouachita Mountains. A visitor to the Eagle Rock Loop trail cautioned, "Rained heavily on the 2nd day and small creeks and rivers became huge swells. This is for a more experienced hiker if you going during rainy season."
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: Choose established sites with some amenities for easier family camping. Albert Pike Recreation Area, though only open for day use, provides "parking spaces, picnic tables, water faucets and restrooms with toilets, sinks and showers."
Insect protection: Families should prepare for heavy insect activity, especially during warm months. One experienced camper advised, "During the spring and summer the insects can be intense. I advise treating clothing and gear with permethrin to prevent ticks and picaridin for other insects."
Creek exploration: Several creeks provide natural play areas for supervised children. Near Straight Creek Campsite, families can enjoy "beautiful scenery as you walk through majestic forests of oak, pine and maple. You'll also see a variety of flowers and plants."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Evening hours bring increased wildlife activity. At Hickory Nut Mountain campground, families can experience "lightning bugs" that make "the experience a little enchanting."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Pencil Bluff restrict RV access due to size. At Straight Creek Campsite, one camper noted the area is "Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers."
Road access challenges: Forest roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. At Hickory Nut Mountain, a visitor reported it was "located down a 3 mile gravel road (my Hyundai hatchback handled it ok)."
Leveling considerations: Many sites require careful positioning due to uneven terrain. One camper at Hickory Nut Mountain mentioned, "The spot we picked was mostly rocky and downhill, so not great for tent camping."
Seasonal crowding: RVers should plan for weekend congestion at accessible sites. A Crystal Campground visitor noted, "I believe there are 8-12 sites here. There's a few small, medium and a couple larger sites but no pull through except one perhaps."
