Dispersed campsites in the Ouachita National Forest provide primitive tent camping opportunities near Roland, Arkansas. Most sites are free and accessible by gravel roads that can be navigated with passenger vehicles during dry weather. The terrain consists primarily of pine and hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet, creating a varied camping experience depending on location.
What to do
Fishing access: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers fishing opportunities even during lake maintenance periods. "The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening," notes Julie A. from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site.
Hiking nearby trails: At Dispersed FR132 in Ouachita National Forest, campers can access the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from their site. A reviewer mentioned, "Located along Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Flatside Wilderness Area located across the road from the site. Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby."
Equestrian trails: Bear Creek Horse Camp offers designated equestrian camping with access to dedicated trail systems. "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," according to Fred S. from Bear Creek Horse Camp.
What campers like
Natural water features: Tent campers appreciate the Illinois Bayou at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest. "There is a creek to swim or fish in, there are personal pavilions and a larger pavilion for big groups. There is a hiking trail directly from the camp ground. Down the road you can bushwack to Penhook falls," shares Tanda P. from Bayou Bluff Point of Interest.
Historic stone structures: The CCC-built rock shelters at Bayou Bluff provide unique camping spots. "The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces. The walk to the river is very easy," reports valerie.
Secluded forest settings: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite offers a quiet forest experience. "Didn't have to drive too far down the road found a spot on the left. Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking," writes Arthur S. from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite.
What you should know
Site availability: Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Bayou Bluff now functions differently than before. "The Bayou Bluff Recreation Area is now called the Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI). In summary, there are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve."
Limited facilities: Prepare for primitive camping conditions at most sites. At South Fourche Campground, "The vault toilet is reasonably clean with toilet paper provided. There is no drinking at the time of my visit. The campground appears to be well maintained. Fee is $5 - down from the previous fee of $8," reports Fred S. from South Fourche.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge. I received no T-Mobile cell service." At Brown Creek, another camper noted, "No AT&T and T-Mobile cell service. Very quiet; no vehicles passed by during the night."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: When tent camping near Roland with children, consider noise factors. South Fourche Campground is "located on a body of water (not the cleanest at least when I was there). It is a pretty small campground and I assume stays pretty quiet (so would be good for groups that want lots of privacy)."
Water access points: For family swimming, Bayou Bluff offers options but requires caution. "Swimming is a small but slightly difficult walk down a steep Rocky path. It's rarely crowded which is why we like it," advises Stephanie M.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise disturbances. At Camp Robinson, one camper reported, "I woke up a 11pm to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks and a guy was screaming out the window. So I was packed up and was out by 2am."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed sites in the Ouachita National Forest accommodate only small rigs. At Bayou Bluff, "It's not really well suited for big RV's but wouldn't be impossible. I went in January so there was only one other camper."
Hookup availability: Carter Cove Campground offers more amenities but has limitations. "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. Did have 50 amp power though," notes Jack W. from COE Nimrod Lake Carter Cove Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. For FR132 dispersed sites, "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. Not sure how many sites are back here total. Expect to drive a ways between spots."
