Dispersed camping areas around Royal, Arkansas offer free primitive sites scattered throughout the Ouachita National Forest at elevations ranging from 600-2,300 feet. Most camping opportunities cluster along forest service roads including FR11, FR124, and FR772, with varying levels of accessibility depending on recent weather and vehicle capabilities. Many sites feature established fire rings and level spots suitable for tent camping, though surface conditions range from smooth dirt to rocky terrain.
What to do
Hiking access: The Ouachita National Recreation Trail can be reached from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR with a short drive. A camper noted, "Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby," making this spot ideal for backpackers wanting to explore sections of this 223-mile trail system.
Horse riding: Trail riders will find accommodations at Bear Creek Horse Camp with equestrian facilities. One visitor explained, "The camp serves as a small primitive camping area for equestrian riders on the network of interconnecting loop trails that comprise the Bear Creek Equestrain Trail system. These trails are also open to hikers."
Wildlife viewing: Deer are abundant in the area, particularly during hunting seasons. A visitor to Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain observed, "Best to stay away during hunting season as we spotted over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day; a hunting paradise as well."
Boat access: Some locations near Harris Brake Lake offer direct water access with one camper noting, "Most people were using site to launch boats. It was quiet & we were undisturbed until a couple of locals parked their pickups right next to us at 7 am."
What campers like
Sunset viewpoints: Several high-elevation sites provide panoramic vistas, particularly at Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest where one camper described "amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises. A bit rocky for tent campers but should have no trouble finding a spot for a 4 man tent."
Peace and solitude: Despite proximity to forest roads, many sites remain quiet. At North Fork Creek Road, a visitor observed, "During my stay, only 2 vehicles drove by. There are no hiking trails nearby. I enjoyed walking along the forest road and strolling in the forest surrounding the site."
Natural swimming: Irons Fork offers water access for cooling off in summer months. A camper appreciated having "a great spot on the water for a morning shower" and noted swimming helped with summer heat, stating "I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that."
Budget-friendly camping: Free sites throughout the area provide no-cost alternatives to developed campgrounds. Even at Harris Brake Lake, campers found it "maintained, lovely view, FREE" with amenities like "a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. One camper at Forest Service RD 153 warned, "Forest road 153 btween this site and Highway 7 appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places."
Site suitability: Finding level tent spots can be challenging on rocky terrain. At Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest, campers noted, "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."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. A camper at North Fork Creek reported, "There was no T-Mobile cell service at this site" while another found "about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage" at Irons Fork.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are present in the area. One reviewer cautioned, "It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage" when camping at Irons Fork, where evidence of wildlife activity was observed.
Bathroom facilities: When available, facilities can be poorly maintained. A visitor to Irons Fork noted, "There are bathrooms but they are RANK so just pee n poop in the woods" while another mentioned "I used my own pop up toilet as there's is not close to being clean."
Tips for camping with families
Security considerations: Some free camping areas near Royal may have occasional issues. One camper at Irons Fork reported, "Heard a big loud pickup truck w a trailer pull up at 5am... come to find they STOLE OUR PADLOCKED COOLER," suggesting securing valuables or keeping them in vehicles.
Avoiding crowds: Weekday camping typically offers more solitude. A camper at Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) Large Dispersed found "a large, open dispersed site... should accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller," ideal for family groups needing space.
Water access: Sites near water bodies provide recreation options for children. At Harris Brake Lake, "the locals fish and swim in the lake so light traffic" creates opportunities for water play, though insect protection is important as one camper noted pulling "7 off of me and my dog in one night."
Seasonal planning: Consider timing your visit carefully. Summer brings heat and insects, while winter offers better views at some sites. A camper noted Forest Service RD 153 provides a "better view during winter season camping" when foliage is reduced.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many free camping sites near Royal require effort to level rigs. One camper at Forest Service RD 153 mentioned the site "was not quite level, but workable" while another noted needing to find rocks to level their vehicle.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At North Fork Creek Rd, a camper observed the site is "suitable for about 3 campervan-sized rigs. A truck camper will be able to enter the site, but the trees may prevent maneuvering deeper into the site."
Space between rigs: Some locations allow for privacy between camping units. At Forest Service RD 132, a visitor found "ample room for large van and many tents" with enough space for comfort between sites.
Shade considerations: Solar access varies by location. A reviewer at North Fork Creek noted their site was "shaded; solar recharging and Starlink connectivity is not likely" while other ridge-top sites offer better solar exposure.
