Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sherwood, AR

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Sherwood? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Arkansas camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sherwood, AR (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    1. Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    28 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2. Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    74 Saves

    If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it. Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains. Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    3. Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    10 Saves

    Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.

    Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Beagle Club Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Beagle Club Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

    5. Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    7 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    7. Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    62 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
    Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sherwood

    32 Reviews of 18 Sherwood Campgrounds


    • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed
      Oct. 14, 2024

      FR132 - Crossroads Site Dispersed

      Super Simple But Has Signal

      WARNING Stay on the good gravel roads. GPS took me down 4 miles of an old log trail that I wasn't able to turn around on. Spent thirty minutes cursing GPS and contemplating my life choices. I was headed for one of the other sites but was so tired when I saw this one I took it.

      The site is at a crossroads so quite convenient. Only room for one vehicle. It does have a stone ring for a fire pit. The main draw however is that there is pretty good signal with Verizon here which is really rare in the area.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Harris Brake Lake

      A place to stop for the night

      We arrived late at night, and I'm glad we had our lightbar. It's dispersed camping, so no dumpster, no gray water dump. It does have a picnick table, though.

    • Arthur S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite
      Aug. 20, 2024

      Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite

      Nice weekend

      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. Bring a chair if you want a comfortable seat, also hard to find decent wood to burn, had to walk a bit to find. Not many cars drive down the road, saw some people hiking, also Sunday morning there were hunters out, so hearing gunshot pretty close to camp. All in all though it is good to be with nature and I’d go back to this spot or find another one on the road. I didn’t go very far down the road have more to explore!

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Jun. 23, 2024

      FR132/152 T-Junction Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

      Convenient Dispersed Camping 2 Miles from Lake Sylvia

      Large dispersed campsite located 2 miles west of Lake Sylvia State Park, where Forest Road 152 meets Forest Road 132. Clean site with one rock fire ring. Can fit a couple of vehicles. 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. Tent camping is possible. This is a level dirt site with some embedded rocks jutting up. Nice wooded area around site to stroll through. Seasonal track FR132C is adjacent to the site; this track is hikeable. Since the site is at the intersection of popular forest roads, there will be vehicles driving by. The site is set back enough that dust may not be a concern. No T-Mobile cell service. This is convenient, pretty campsite.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR
      Jun. 22, 2024

      FR132 Small Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR

      Overnight Dispersed Site

      Coordinates: 34.85431, -92.88115. Small dispersed campsite in the woods just off of Forest Road 132. Close to the forest road; easy access. There is a clean rock fire ring. Good campsite for a quick overnight stay. The surface of the site is dirt with a little bit of pea gravel. This site is only big enough for one rig, truck camper and smaller size. Pitching a tent is possible in a small clearing to the left of the rock fire ring. Slight downward slope but not bad. Shaded in summer. Nice wooded area. No T-Mobile cell service. There are no hiking trails nearby or remarkable natural features here, but the forest at this site is pretty. This is a nice site in the autumn.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Mountain Dispersed
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Crystal Mountain Dispersed

      Good View with Difficult Access

      I haven't camped here recently. Forest Road 132A, which climbs up to the Crystal Mountain Overlook fom Forest Road 132, is not maintained and badly eroded. Drivers with high clearance 4x4 vehicles and OHVs will enjoy driving up this track, but I don't recommend this drive for the average passenger vehicle. I no longer attempt this with my stock AWD Subaru Outback - just not enough clearance. There are two rock fire rings at the top. Despite the nice views at the top, the dispersed campsites are usually trashy. I included an older photo of the view with Lake Winona in the distance.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR
      Jun. 21, 2024

      FR132 Grindstone Mountain Area Dispersed, Ouachita NF. AR

      Forested Group Dispersed Site near Crystal Mountain Overlook

      Coordinates: 34.83903, -92.94556.  Set back from Forest Road 132 off of an old track - a short distance west of Forest Road 75. There is some minor erosion on the access to this site from FR132. Large site; good for groups. Should accommodate 4 rigs -  truck campersize & smaller. This site can accommodate 4x4 drivers that are planning to tackle Forest Road 132A to the Crystal Mountain Overlook - a short distance east of this site. FR132A is hikeable for those who do not drive high clearance 4x4s. The dispersed site has a level dirt surface. There are two rock fire rings. Beautiful forest backdrop. No T-Mobile service.

    • k
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
      Jun. 18, 2024

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      Free camp in the trees by drained part of lake

      Thank goodness there is a slight breeze. 90 degrees. Summer swampy area. Picked up a med bag of trash; cans, bottles, and paper. Looks better now. I definitely put on bug spray right away. Nice place to sleep and get back on 40East in the morning. Doing a cross country from San Francisco to Pennsylvania.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 18, 2024

      Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest

      Fantastic View

      Near Oak Mtn Vista overlook. Great spot; fantastic unobstructed view of the hills to the south. Some shade in the summer. Fantastic view during the winter season. Large site; can comfortably accommodate 2, maybe 3 rigs - truck camper & smaller. Not level; some leveling is required. Dirt surface with exposed embedded rock - may be uncomfortable for tent camping. Close to road, which can get busy at times. Nice rock fire ring. Clean site. T-Mobile cell service.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Forest Service RD 29145 Ouachita National Forest

      Good Overnight Dispersed Campsite

      Small drive up site in a nice, wooded area. Very close to Forest Road 124, which is not busy. A few sections of this forest road coming from Trail 86 has minor erosion, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can carefully make it. The campsite slopes down slightly; some leveling may be required. Rock fire ring. Although close to the forest road, this is a pretty site. Good for an overnight stay while exlporing the forest. No T-Mobile cell service.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest

      Small Site with Great View

      Located on Forest Road 153. Small site with a nice view. The view is better during winter season camping. Close to the forest road with very little traffic; may get dusty at times. Two rock fire rings. This site has a rocky surface with sparse grass. High summer undergrowth around site. The site was not quite level, but workable. Fits one rig, truck camper and smaller. Finding a soft place for a tent may be difficult. Forest road 153 btween this site and Highway 7 appears to have been badly damaged by heavy rain and erosion. Looks like attempts were made to repair it, but still sketchy in places. There are some minor obstacles and washouts. I don't recommend this road for a 2WD passenger car; 4x4's with some high clearence should have no problem. I received good T-Mobile service at this site. Love this dispersed campsite.

    • h
      Camper-submitted photo from Beagle Club Road Pull-Off
      Jun. 1, 2024

      Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

      Small, super primitive. Says permit required doubt anyone is checking .

      Not much too it. Basically just two relatively small parking lots in the woods, past some houses off the highway. Would only be good for a super quick over night.

    • Julie A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Robinson Dispersed Site
      May. 21, 2024

      Camp Robinson Dispersed Site

      Great place to overnight

      The lake has been partially drained to allow work to be done on stumps. The road back to it is well maintained and we had good cell reception with AT&T and Spectrum. The sunset was beautiful. Peaceful and quiet. The birds and frogs sang all evening.

    • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
      May. 18, 2024

      Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site

      Creekside dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest

      Camped here on Dec 13, 2023. Along well maintained gravel forest road, FR 179 in the Ouachita National Forest, Saline County, Arkansas. Really nice large site with a creek that flows into the North Fork of the Saline River was behind the site. Site appears to be large enough for 2 rigs no large than a truck camper. Multiple tents can be set up here. Did not have a problem parking our camper van on a level spot. The dirt surface is level. The site has a rock fire ring. Only a few vehicles drove by the site on FR179. Lots of trees surrounding the site with an open sky above for star gazing. Fishing is possible in the North Fork of the Saline River a short walk south of the site. No hiking trails nearby. No T-Mobile or AT&T cell service.  Love this spot!

    • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beagle Club Road Pull-Off
      Apr. 15, 2024

      Beagle Club Road Pull-Off

      Fine for a night

      Spent just one night here. Easy to find and has a water spigot. Noticed a sign in the morning that said hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check. One other person here. A bit buggy but otherwise a quiet spot to get some sleep!

    • Sophia W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR
      Oct. 9, 2023

      Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, AR

      Worthwhile if you take some time to look!

      Stayed at two different spots here. First was a couple miles from the main road (highway 7). Plenty of room but close to the road and some trash, decent for pulling in after dark though. Second spot (pictured) was amazing— maybe 5-10 miles back of I had to guess. There are a few forest service roads back here so pay attention to the signs. Roads are steep further back but we’ll 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.

    • Mitch H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Aug. 28, 2023

      Harris Brake Lake

      Beautiful Simple Campground (Permit Required)

      Solid site minus the heat and bugs this time of year. I was greeted with a sign at the entrance saying that a hunting/ fishing license or land pass was required to camp. There was no one else there and I wasn't bothered, but keep in mind you might get a wake up call from a ranger. Neither the dyrt or the WMA website said anything about this so that would've been my alibi. Great location with a beautiful sunset on the lake.

    • sThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Aug. 15, 2023

      Harris Brake Lake

      Absolutely beautiful!

      It was gorgeous and obviously well taken care of. we were by ourselves the whole night! Designated fire pits and an awesome view of the lake. However, there were two reasons for the four stars. 1) a little deeper into the woods, there were telltale signs for this camping site being a storage spot for people without houses. we had no issues but as two girls camping in a new state, it def made us a bit nervous. 2) there were two relatively major roads running right next to the site, so we got all of the sounds and the lights that come with that. we also got several curious individuals that drove down through to see what it was. but it was free!!! so definitely no major complaints here.

    • Kyle C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Apr. 10, 2022

      Harris Brake Lake

      Hidden gem

      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.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Nov. 15, 2021

      Harris Brake Lake

      BARKING DOGS

      Overall a great site. Big trailers, no problem ..... No amenities. Great view. Great fishing lake.

      Attempted to have a fire one night and the neighborhood dogs literally never stopped barking... Never.

    • Samuel S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Nov. 13, 2021

      Harris Brake Lake

      Maintained, lovely view, FREE

      We had a really great night here. The place was mowed, there was a picnic table and firepit and the previous occupant left us some gathered firewood. This is small as far as public land goes; more like a little park. Very pretty however, and lovely view of the lake!

      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.

      My coordinates: 34.9831627, -92.7626397

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Oct. 26, 2021

      Harris Brake Lake

      Beautiful sunsets

      No amenities but it’s quiet and pretty and free. The sunset was gorgeous. A little bit of a drive off of I40 but it’s a fantastic spot. We are the only ones here

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Harris Brake Lake
      Sep. 24, 2021

      Harris Brake Lake

      Beautiful view

      Got here during sunset and it was beautiful but the gravel roads are invisible at night so definitely have some daylight ahead of you. We have a 25’ travel trailer and didn’t need to do any backing up to get in or out. Full cell signal with XFINITY mobile. 2 picnic tables and spots for fire overlooking lake. Ample places to park



    Guide to Sherwood

    Camping near Sherwood, Arkansas, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

    What to do

    • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Petit Jean State Park. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful campground. Site was not level front to back but plenty of space."
    • Fishing: Head to Lake Catherine State Park Campground where you can fish right off your site. A camper shared, "Our site on the lake was very beautiful and every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off."
    • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites!"

    What campers like

    • Scenic views: Campers love the picturesque settings. A visitor at Catherine's Landing noted, "The property offers large pull-through RV sites, tent sites, yurts, and cottages... The hills of the Ouachita River Valley envelop the immaculate property."
    • Clean facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at Gulpha Gorge Campground remarked, "Cleanest shower house I've ever seen."
    • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Maumelle Park said, "The staff was excellent and friendly."

    What you should know

    • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception at some campgrounds. A camper at Petit Jean State Park mentioned, "Just no signal."
    • Reservations recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground advised, "This place is really popular in summer time, so expect to book a year in advance."
    • Wildlife encounters: Be cautious of local wildlife. A camper at Willow Beach warned, "Locals warned us to beware of mosquitoes at sunset."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with roomy sites. A family at Lake Catherine State Park Campground enjoyed, "The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption."
    • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of fun things to do. One family at Woolly Hollow State Park loved the "trails, bike paths, water activities, and BEAUTIFUL scenery."
    • Pack snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Catherine's Landing appreciated the "free popcorn" available at the gift shop.

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Downtown Riverside RV Park noted, "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) with concrete, level pads."
    • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Downtown Riverside RV Park mentioned, "A lot of highway noise all day and night."
    • Bring your own firewood: Some places don’t sell firewood. A visitor at Gulpha Gorge Campground wished they had firewood available, saying, "We couldn’t find any anywhere in town and had to scavenge."

    Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, the campgrounds near Sherwood, AR, have something for everyone.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sherwood, AR?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sherwood, AR is Camp Robinson Dispersed Site with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sherwood, AR?

      TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Sherwood, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.