Best Dispersed Camping near Roland, AR
Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest surrounds the Roland, Arkansas area, with multiple free primitive sites situated along forest roads and near waterways. Several dispersed camping areas are located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive), Forest Road 179, and Brown Creek Road (Forest Road 805), offering access to natural features like the North Fork of the Saline River, Brown Creek, and various mountain vistas. These sites typically feature simple rock fire rings with no designated facilities, situated on public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Forest roads throughout the region range from well-maintained gravel surfaces to rough, eroded tracks requiring careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many sites, particularly after rain when erosion can create challenging conditions. Most dispersed areas lack basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many locations, with T-Mobile coverage particularly limited. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers must follow leave-no-trace principles.
The dispersed sites near Roland provide access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and various natural features like Brown Creek Cascade. Sites along Forest Road 179 feature creekside camping with opportunities for cooling off during summer months. The region offers a mix of wooded sites with good shade and open areas suitable for stargazing. According to one visitor, "Beautiful site in the woods. Quiet. Next to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail which is a wonderful hiking trail." Another camper noted that Forest Road 132 "is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road," highlighting the importance of vehicle preparation when accessing backcountry areas.