Dispersed camping areas near Sherwood, Arkansas provide primitive camping options within the Ouachita National Forest, with most sites located 30-45 miles southwest of town. These free camping spots require self-sufficiency with temperatures ranging from winter lows near 30°F to summer highs above 90°F. Access roads through the forest vary in quality, with several sites clustered along Forest Roads 132 and 179.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed site provides direct access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail with a half-mile hike to a viewpoint. According to Fred S., "The North Fork Pinnacle viewpoint is a half-mile hike from the campsite. The site has easy access from both the forest road and the backpacking trail."
Fishing opportunities: Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed site offers creek fishing access close to camp. A visitor notes, "Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site." While at Harris Brake Lake, there's shoreline fishing with boat launch access, as one camper observed "the locals fish and swim in the lake so light traffic."
Wildlife viewing: Camp near Harris Brake Lake for firefly displays during summer months. Julian P. reports, "absolutely beautiful place the fireflies here are amazing! Nobody else was camping here which made for some quiet nights."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest provides elevated spots for stargazing. Jared E. mentions the site has a "beautiful view from atop the mountain" and another camper noted the "fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south."
Sunset watching: Harris Brake Lake offers prime sunset viewing over water. Todd G. shared, "No amenities but it's quiet and pretty and free. The sunset was gorgeous." Another visitor, Kyle C., added, "I really enjoyed this site. I stopped on a weekday and I was the only one there. It was nice watching the sun set over the lake."
Creek sounds: Forest Rd 179 Creekside Dispersed provides sites with flowing water ambiance. A reviewer describes it as offering "a wonderful sound of the creek" and notes the creek is "nice for a summertime dip when its running high."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite is accessible via gravel roads that require caution. Fred S. notes, "2-wheel drive passenger cars can make it to the site," while at Forest Service RD 132, David H. warns, "The dirt road starting at HWY-7 is virtually impassible to get to this campground."
Cell service is limited: Coverage varies by carrier and location. At the Base of North Fork Pinnacle site, "There was spotty T-Mobile service, but good AT&T service," while Forest Rd 179 Dispersed has "No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service."
Site surfaces: Many sites have rocky, uneven surfaces challenging for tent camping. At Forest Service RD 132, one reviewer mentioned "dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping," and at Creekside Dispersed, "The site itself is very rocky, so it may be uncomfortable for tent camping."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings ticks and mosquitoes. Julian P. at Harris Brake Lake reported, "There is a lot of ticks here i pulled 7 off of me and my dog in one night."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming spots: Camp Robinson Dispersed Site offers lake access for cooling off. Rylie R. described it as a "Great spot to pitch a tent by lake Conway. Isolated but not too far out."
Noise levels: Some sites experience unexpected traffic. At Camp Robinson, Mason G. reported, "I woke up a 11am to someone driving in then 12:30am then at 1:30 a loud truck came in slinging rocks."
Safety considerations: Bring insect repellent for summer camping. Ken H. noted, "I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning."
Site selection: Choose more remote sites for family privacy. Julie A. found Camp Robinson "peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed accommodates smaller vehicles only. Fred S. notes, "Because of the position of the trees on the site, maneuvering a truck camper into the site may be a challenge; don't recommend anything larger."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. At Forest Service RD 132, one visitor mentioned, "Not level; some leveling is required."
Road clearance issues: Forest roads can challenge larger vehicles. At North Fork Pinnacle, "The ride on Forest Road 132 from the east (Hwy 9) is bumpy/rocky in several places. Erosion seems to be getting worse over time on this unpaved road."
Turning space: Consider site layout before committing. Ashley T. at Harris Brake Lake noted, "We have a 25' travel trailer and didn't need to do any backing up to get in or out," while Samuel S. shared, "I am towing a 19' travel trailer. And someone else is here with a 22'. There are a few places to park with no need to backup."
