Best Dispersed Camping near Shirley, AR

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Shirley? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Shirley. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Shirley just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shirley, AR (13)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Shirley

32 Reviews of 13 Shirley Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Nice site to hang-out in

    The pin location may not be accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.44497, -92.76914. This is a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site is located on a dirt track - Forest Road 93021L, which is off of Tackett Mountain Road - Forest Road 1319. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd, but it is close to Forest Road 93021L. Tackett Mountain Rd is a wide, well maintained, gravel forest road. Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover. Once up the incline, the track becomes dirt, goes through a clearing and heads into the woods where the dispersed site is located on the right. One can camp in the clearing; there is a small rock fire ring that is overgrown with grass and weeds, but the site in this review is nicer. The clearing was logged long ago where one may find some pieces of firewood. Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site. There are no hiking trails here, although one can take a stroll along FR90231L which is less than a half-mile long. Even though there is not much to do around here, it's a nice place to simply hang out in. I liked it.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Lake View Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates: 35.49123, -92.80548. Large open dispersed site set back from Charleston Road, just north of Bell Rd (Forest Road 1334). Located in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trails area. Charleston Road is a wide, well-maintained gravel road. Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible. The dispersed site has a dirt surface with some embedded rocks. It's on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view. Solar recharging is possible in this open site. The site is on what appears to be a parking area along an old dirt track; this track appears as an older section of Charleston Rd on some maps. There is a dirt ramp into the lake. There is room for multiple rigs at the campsite. Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked. There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small. Tent Camping is possible near the fire rings. The lake was drained at the time of my visit; otherwise, it's a really nice view.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek

    Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR

    Large Group Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

    Convenient to National Forest OHV Area

    Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.

  • Taylor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Cute spot!

    Quiet and beautiful spot in AR! Patchy cell service and no water hookups, but there are bathrooms, lots of privacy, fire pits, and trails connected to the sites! Highly recommend a visit here

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

    Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails

    Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322.  Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.

  • Summer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Title Required: Good. Quiet. Good and quiet.

    Only stayed one night but it was very quiet and peaceful. There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed. No trash service but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Great sites either way. Happy to stay again.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Julie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks
    May. 26, 2022

    Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

    Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou

    Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from  Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    May. 2, 2022

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    One of the best remote campgrounds in AR

    I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round.  I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.

  • Kloee S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Mar. 26, 2022

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Beautiful campground!

    This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming. There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces. We had full hookups to boot!

  • Candace R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Buggy but Beautiful

    So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Peace on Earth

    Amazing peaceful campsite. Can be eerie pulling up at night but is so beautiful and peaceful. On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky. Bathrooms are cleaned every other day.no running water or showers just two vault toliet. Some campsites have cell phone service. Att and had the best out of all of our phones. Place is completely free. Beautiful path to walk to see the open ozarks but not much else to do here. Bambi and her mom also seem to live here.

  • Bob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Secluded and Scenic!

    Several first come-first serve sites for RV or tent. Fire rings at each site and vault toilets at each end of campground. Limited Verizon cell. Great hikes on bluffs overlooking valley.

  • Ivan M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Mar. 29, 2021

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Gem of a Site

    We camped right next to the trail head and apart from all the traffic during the day for the trail (cars coming and going) it’s great. The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base amo if you’re rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that. Compost bathroom s were super clean. Had a great experience there

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Jan. 12, 2021

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Beautiful Area, Clean Campsites & Bathrooms

    Pros:

    -Campground was completely empty when I arrived on a Thursday evening in December.

    -Sites are separated by trees, so some privacy.

    -There are more than one compositing toilet on site& they are cleaned regularly.

    -Beautiful cliff views are a short walk away.

    Cons:

    -No water access, so bring your own

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
    Dec. 10, 2020

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    The BEST view!

    Private camping spots, with trees separating each site. There’s fit pits, but no rv hook ups and only a couple bathrooms there.
    It is considered a national park spot so it’s not set up for rv, but if your van or rv is self standing is perfect!!

  • Jacob B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Extremly beautiful area, simple camp ground

    I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren’t open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings. Beautiful area!

  • Shelly J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
    Jun. 4, 2019

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Quiet, spacious, with the best swimming hole!

    This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash. We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back.


Drive Time


Guide to Shirley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shirley, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, where you can set up camp on a rise above the lake, providing a stunning backdrop for your outdoor experience.
  • The Austin Trailhead Dispersed offers a shaded site in a small clearing, perfect for those who appreciate a more secluded atmosphere while still being close to OHV trails.
  • For a more wooded experience, check out Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, where you can find a level dirt surface surrounded by trees, ideal for tent and hammock camping.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Shirley

  • Explore the multi-use trails at Charleston Road Dispersed, which is conveniently located near the Mountain Man Trailhead, making it a great spot for hiking and off-road adventures.
  • The Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed site provides access to a wide track leading along Brock Creek, perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, the Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks offers a large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou, ideal for relaxing by the water and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Group Sites

  • For those traveling with friends or family, the Group Dispersed, Charleston Road area can accommodate multiple vehicles and offers a spacious environment for group gatherings.
  • The Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite is suitable for group camping and features established fire rings, making it a great choice for evening campfires and storytelling.
  • Experience the camaraderie of camping with others at the Falling Water Creek, where you can find ample space for multiple setups and enjoy the beautiful scenery together.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shirley, AR is Sam's Throne Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Shirley, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.