Best Dispersed Camping near Pocahontas, AR

Dispersed camping opportunities near Pocahontas, Arkansas include several primitive sites in both Arkansas and neighboring Missouri. Greene Road Camp provides two pull-in spots with concrete picnic tables in a quiet, wooded setting. Several river access points in Missouri, including Whitten River Access, Cane Bluff River Access, and Thomasville River Access, permit primitive camping with varying levels of amenities. McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers free camping sites with basic facilities. Beaver Lake Recreation Area features dispersed sites well off the main roads, providing secluded camping experiences.

Access roads to these dispersed sites are typically gravel or dirt, with some requiring careful navigation. Whitten River Access has steep but passable roads, while Beaver Lake Recreation Area is accessed via remote gravel routes. Most sites have minimal to no amenities, though some locations like McCormack Lake and Cane Bluff offer vault toilets, trash collection, and drinking water. Fire rings are present at some sites, and fires are generally permitted except at Thomasville River Access. Vehicle access varies by location, with most areas accommodating standard vehicles, though larger RVs may struggle on rougher roads.

The region provides scenic camping experiences with varied natural features. "Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here," notes one visitor about Beaver Lake Recreation Area. Wildlife encounters are common, with local reports of wild pigs and ticks in some forested areas. River access points are particularly popular with kayakers and anglers. "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people," according to a Whitten River Access visitor. Campers at McCormack Lake enjoy the seclusion, with one reviewer noting they "had the whole place to ourselves" and another describing it as a "secluded dreamy lake." These areas generally provide quiet, remote camping experiences with minimal crowds.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pocahontas, Arkansas (6)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pocahontas, AR

8 Reviews of 6 Pocahontas Campgrounds


  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

    Stumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.

    Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.

    Great stargazing on the beach and you'll see some bats too! Think they really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those.

    Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Whitten River Access

    Spent a cold night here

    Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough.

  • Greg H.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    Nice place, well off the beaten path.

    Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Whitten River Access

    Great place for kayakers

    It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size rv's there. It's free and first come camping. There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp. The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    Ticks, pigs, and limited spots

    This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.

  • Kevin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 18, 2025

    Greene Road Camp Dispersed

    Quiet in the woods

    Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area.

  • Glen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Really great camping

    A really nice place to get away to , has a big rock pad with a rope swing and a great place to dive in

  • Joshua D.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Love This Place

    Have camped here several times. Very primitive with only vault toilets. If you want seclusion in a beautiful setting this place is for you.


Guide to Pocahontas

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pocahontas, Arkansas, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pocahontas, Arkansas

  • Look for spots that allow for primitive camping, such as Greene Road Camp, which requires no permits and offers a drive-in access for easy arrival.
  • Be prepared for a rugged experience; many areas, like Whitten River Access, feature rough gravel roads that may slow down larger RVs but provide beautiful river access for kayaking and fishing.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed sites, including Beaver Lake Recreation Area, do not have trash disposal facilities.

Kayaking and fishing adventures while free camping near Pocahontas

  • The Whitten River Access is perfect for kayakers, featuring a boat ramp and several clear camping spots along the river, making it a great base for trout fishing trips.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Cane Bluff River Access, where you can enjoy swimming and diving from rock pads while surrounded by nature.
  • If you’re looking for a peaceful fishing spot, McCormack Lake Rec Area offers a serene lake setting, ideal for casting a line and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors.

Wildlife encounters and natural beauty while dispersed camping

  • Be on the lookout for local wildlife at Beaver Lake Recreation Area, where visitors have reported encounters with wild pigs and a variety of birds in a beautiful forest setting.
  • The Cane Bluff River Access provides a stunning backdrop for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and a chance to see bats flitting about at dusk.
  • Enjoy the lush surroundings and crystal-clear waters at Thomasville River Access, where you can immerse yourself in nature and experience the serenity of the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Pocahontas dispersed camping areas?

Amenities at dispersed camping areas near Pocahontas are minimal. McCormack Lake Rec Area offers lake access for fishing and primitive sites, though water quality varies seasonally. Some campers have reported concrete picnic tables at select sites. Thomasville River Access provides drive-in access and basic river recreation opportunities. Most dispersed sites feature primitive fire rings but lack potable water, electricity, or shower facilities. Some areas like Cane Bluff have vault toilets, but you should generally plan to be self-sufficient with water and sanitation supplies.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pocahontas?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Pocahontas. Cane Bluff River Access offers secluded spots along a river with a few primitive campsites located down a dirt road past farmland. You'll feel immersed in wilderness here. Beaver Lake Recreation Area provides free camping with several pull-off spots accessible via gravel roads. While limited (about 5-6 decent spots total), these areas offer peaceful surroundings without crowds and typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Pocahontas?

Dispersed camping near Pocahontas generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no formal permit system. Whitten River Access and Greene Road Camp Dispersed follow typical dispersed camping regulations: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when available, and stay in clearly established camping areas. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions, especially during dry months. Most sites have unofficial length-of-stay limits (typically 14 days), though these aren't always strictly enforced in more remote areas.