Dispersed camping near Roland, Arkansas offers numerous free sites within the Ouachita National Forest where forest roads provide access to primitive camping. The region sits within a transitional zone between the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, making creekside camping locations particularly valuable for cooling off.
What to do
Creek exploration: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite provides easy access to a scenic waterfall hike. A camper notes, "Located next to the trailhead for Brown Creek Cascade - a short 1/4 mile hike (includes a creek crossing)." The cascade trail requires crossing the creek once and takes about 15-20 minutes to hike.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas near the North Fork of the Saline River offer fishing access. The river holds various fish species including bluegill and bass. As one visitor to Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site reported, "Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site."
Stargazing: The distance from major cities creates minimal light pollution at many dispersed sites. A camper at Harris Brake Lake mentioned, "Full cell signal with XFINITY mobile. 2 picnic tables and spots for fire overlooking lake. Ample places to park" while noting the open areas perfect for viewing the night sky.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some sites offer seclusion while others provide easier access. At Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed, a visitor appreciated that "The site is set back from the forest road; no issues with dust from the road."
Waterfront locations: Several campers prize the creekside and lakefront sites. At Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed, a visitor explained, "The creek is nice for a summertime dip when its running high. The site is mostly shaded."
Accessibility: Many sites don't require advanced equipment to access. As noted at Brown Creek Cascade, "2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site." This makes the area accessible for various vehicle types, though conditions worsen after rainfall.
Natural sounds: The peace and quiet is frequently mentioned. At Brown Creek Road dispersed camping, one camper described it as "Peaceful at night. The only sounds came from the birds, the breeze and the creek."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality. FR132 (Winona Scenic Drive) was described as "bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road." Consider vehicle clearance before attempting access after rain.
Limited amenities: No sites offer drinking water, toilets, or trash service. At Brown Creek Rd/FR805 Dispersed, there is "a large, nicely constructed rock fire ring on the site; other than this, there are no amenities at the site."
Cell coverage: Service varies significantly by carrier. While some sites report "spotty T-Mobile service, but good AT&T service," others have no coverage whatsoever. Download offline maps before arrival.
Weather considerations: Summer brings heat and humidity while spring often brings storms and road erosion. Fall offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for camping in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming spots: Creekside camping along Forest Road 179 provides natural swimming holes. One camper noted sites are positioned with "a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site," offering natural water play areas during warmer months.
Fire preparation: Gathering sufficient firewood can be challenging. A camper at Brown Creek Cascade mentioned they "had to walk a bit to find" usable firewood. Bring some starter wood or plan extra time for gathering.
Wildlife awareness: The forests harbor typical Ozark wildlife including deer, turkey, and occasionally black bears. Store food properly and keep a clean campsite to minimize unwanted animal encounters.
Insect protection: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent in warmer months. A visitor to Camp Robinson Dispersed Site advised, "I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. For Forest Road 179 Creekside, one camper advised, "Recommend campervan and smaller rigs. Due to the trees on the site, a truck camper will have a difficult time pulling all the way into the site."
Leveling challenges: Many forest sites require leveling equipment. At FR132 Small Dispersed camping, a visitor noted there's a "Slight downward slope but not bad," which is manageable with basic leveling blocks.
Turn-around space: Limited maneuvering room affects larger vehicles. Many sites have specific limitations such as "This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size," making advance planning essential for RVers.
Access considerations: For dispersed camping on FR132/152, a camper observed that "Maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger," highlighting the importance of matching vehicle size to site access.
