Primitive camping in the Ouachita National Forest near Plainview, Arkansas sits at elevations ranging from 600-2,200 feet, offering varied terrain for tent campers. The region receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions but also potential seasonal flooding on lower campsites. Forest Road 772 provides access to several remote camping options not connected to established recreation areas.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Nimrod: At COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground, visitors can access a boat ramp and sandy beach area. "Great fishing on a mostly shallow lake that keeps the personal watercraft and skiers away. Boat ramps are in great condition," notes Jason W.
Riverside exploration: The South Fourche campground provides direct river access. "There is a canoe/kayak ramp for access to the South Fourche la Fave River. A separate parking lot is provided for day use," reports Fred S.
Hiking trails: The Ouachita National Forest trail system connects to several primitive sites. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, "The trailhead is located at the rear of the camp. These trails are also open to hikers," according to a recent review.
What campers like
Elevated views: Hickory Nut Mountain offers tent camping with partial lake vistas. "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'," says Emerald B. Another camper adds, "At night you're surrounded by 'lightning bugs', which makes the experience a little enchanting."
Quiet weekday camping: Many tent sites remain uncrowded during non-peak times. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, campers appreciate the solitude: "Very quiet. Heavily shaded. Ideal for tents, vans and tear drop campers. Great views of the water," reports Izzy T.
Natural swimming spots: Several locations offer natural water features for cooling off. One camper at Hickory Nut Mountain shares: "Creek bed camping! Cool spring to cool off on this warm fall day. Plenty of room for our tent and camp kitchen!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to remote tent sites requires preparation. At Fourche Mountain Campground, "Campground is located at eastbound turnoff onto Forest Road 83W - a well maintained gravel road," notes Fred S. For more remote sites, one camper warns: "Roads are steep further back but well covered with gravel and very few large rocks, so you should be okay with most cars in good weather."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location. Bear Creek Horse Camp has "no T-Mobile cell service" while Hickory Nut Mountain offers "T-Mobile Cellphone reception." At some established campgrounds, "No cell service or wifi. Had to walk to the dam to get it."
Seasonal flooding concerns: Water levels impact campsite availability. At Irons Fork Primitive Camping, a camper noted: "They had some recent flooding, not all sites were available."
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded sites: Summer heat makes tree cover important. At Hickory Nut Mountain, campsites are "surrounded by forest - easy to stroll around in," while Fourche Mountain Campground has "pine & oak trees in the campground."
Kid-friendly water access: Several campgrounds offer safe water entry points. "Spot #1 was right at the waters edge... Great for kayaking," notes a camper at Irons Fork.
Clean facilities: Delaware Park offers "nice campsites on the water" with limited but functional facilities. When selecting family-friendly sites, consider that "the campsites on the water were beautiful" though some locations may have limited maintenance.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Smaller RVs can access some primitive sites. At Fourche Mountain Campground, "Sites are small with reasonable separation, but no privacy. Sites nearly level. Sites may be able to accommodate a truck camper & smaller."
Site layout challenges: At Carter Cove Campground, "The sites are a little tight for larger rigs to maneuver and many sites don't have water. The water connections were kind of far from the site so had to use longer hose."
Dump station availability: Plan for self-contained camping at most locations. While Carter Cove offers a sanitary dump station, most primitive tent camping areas near Plainview require carrying out all waste.
