Best Dispersed Camping near Pettigrew, AR

Join the fun near Pettigrew. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pettigrew campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Pettigrew, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pettigrew, Arkansas (21)

    1. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    St. Paul, AR
    11 miles

    "Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
    There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road."

    "GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite."

    2. Buffalo Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Pettigrew, AR
    8 miles

    "The final half mile of Madison/404 was too steep and rough to proceed. Cavern Mountain Rd 5 was good. Additionally, Google routed us a bunch of dirt roads to get here."

    3. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    1 Review
    St. Paul, AR
    10 miles

    "Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!"

    4. OHT Backcountry Primitive Site

    1 Review
    Combs, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    6. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed."

    "There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer."

    7. OHT Primitive Site

    Be the first to review!
    Combs, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 369-4128

    $5 / night

    8. Cane Creek Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Clarksville, AR
    31 miles

    "I repeat DO NOT think you can use the pit toilets here. Be self contained and you’ll be fine."

    "No water/electric or toilet. Secluded and safe. The sheriff drove through several times in the two days I was there. There are picnic tables, fire pits and a boat ramp."

    10. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    37 miles

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    "Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pettigrew, AR

38 Reviews of 21 Pettigrew Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2025

    FR1802A, Meadows Knob Rd Dispersed

    Secluded, Light Usage, Dispersed Camping in the Ozarks

    Coordinates: 35.58695,-93.20723. Camped here Dec 29, 2024. Set well off of Meadows Knob Rd. Expect pinstriping along the access track to this secluded dispersed campsite. FR1802A toward the site has some erosion; low clearance vehicles may high center in one or two spots. The main forest road into this part of the Ozark National Forest is okay. The campsite is in open area, located in an old clear cut area. There is a partial view of the distant mountains. The site is a level, dirt surface. Not a large site; okay for one rig. Tent camping possible. No nearby mature trees for hammock camping. The site is overgrown with grass and weeds; a weed whacker is needed to clear the rock fire ring. There is a spot on the ground where a previous campfire was made. Good AT&T and T-Mobile 5G service. No shade; access to Starlink is possible. No hiking trails, although there is a 2-track for hiking that leads down into Graves Creek Canyon and some unnamed waterfalls. The hike along this trck is nice. This is not a pretty dispersed site, but it is well off of the main forest road; very private. Access to the site may be difficult for some vehicles. High clearance 4x4 vehicles should have no problems.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2022

    Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

    Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou

    Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from  Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.

  • Lauren
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Be careful!

    I just got back from staying here for a night. For one, it is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company (by walking 15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites) to help pull me out for $400. The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails. They told me that had I gotten caught with my car in there I would have had to pay a big fine. He said camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in. Saying all of that, there are still multiple really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits. I would have been fine with parking and walking in. Also, I was in pretty deep and could still hear the cars on the highway, but not many come by (at least not on a Tuesday night). The creek is nice. Also tons of fireflies which was cool.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Large dispersed with a view

    Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site. Altough eroded in spots due to recent heavy rains, Morgan Mountain Road was in good condition - no obstacles. A 2wd passenger car can carefully make it over the eroded areas. Except for one small spot, the site is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot. Access into the site from the forest road is easy. There is a clean rock fire ring. Tenting camping is possible. Hammock camping may be possible using nearby trees. The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful. I received no T-Mobile service during my visit. I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite.

  • b
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    Not a camp spot (private propery)

    This was not at all a campsite. Most of the forest is private property with house everywhere. This location in particular is no different. Go to Sam's throne to camp

  • Candace R.
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Buggy but Beautiful

    So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.

  • Summer R.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Title Required: Good. Quiet. Good and quiet.

    Only stayed one night but it was very quiet and peaceful. There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed. No trash service but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Great sites either way. Happy to stay again.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Beautiful location

    Very beautiful place with vault toilets only and no running water. There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer. Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's. No trash cans, pack-in/pack-out facility. Donations are accepted but it is a FREE campsite.

  • J
    May. 2, 2022

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    One of the best remote campgrounds in AR

    I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round.  I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.


Guide to Pettigrew

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pettigrew, Arkansas, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pettigrew

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pettigrew, Arkansas

  • Be prepared for a self-contained experience at OHT Backcountry Primitive Site, as there are no amenities like water or electric hookups available.
  • Keep your campsite clean and respect the natural environment, especially at Buffalo Creek Trail, which is known for its untouched beauty.
  • Bring your own firewood and be mindful of fire regulations at OHT Primitive Site, where campfires are allowed but resources may be limited.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Forest Service Rd 82

  • This location offers a few secluded spots that are well-reviewed for their accessibility and natural beauty, making it a favorite among campers seeking solitude.
  • The area is known for its gravel roads, which are manageable for most vehicles, ensuring easy access to your camping site.
  • With no permit required and free camping available, Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed is an ideal choice for budget-conscious adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pettigrew, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pettigrew, AR is Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pettigrew, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Pettigrew, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.