Dispersed camping near Siloam Springs, Arkansas offers options on both sides of the Arkansas-Missouri border throughout the Ozark region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet with a humid subtropical climate that features distinct seasons. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations where primitive campers should prepare for temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Explore local water features: Lee Creek Off Road Site provides access to creek areas popular with locals. "There's a fire pit, some paths to a hiking spot. A good public land spot with just enough space for two car campers," notes Kurt G., who adds that while you can hear traffic from the main road, "it's not a lot of traffic."
Wildlife observation: Pine Hollow 1045 Dispersed Camping offers a secluded setting for nature watchers. "Excellent little campsite great for a couple tents at most we camped using a rooftop tent and it was a great spot. Very quite very clean unlike some other sites in the area," reports Dan P.
Fish nearby lakes: Fort Gibson Lake provides multiple fishing opportunities. "You can to the dam and fish for all kinds of fish, hike in the woods, swim up at the lake, or put your boat in for a cruise," says Michele E. David M. adds, "The east side of the lake is spring fed creeks and therefore cleaner and clearer. I grew up on this lake and it can be a fun place."
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area offers privacy despite easy access. "Right off highway K! Coordinates looks like it drops you off at the middle of the road but there is a gravel drive. Brings you to a grass lot with a trail off of it. Can hear K but only a few cars go up and down it. Can't see cars on K from the lot," explains Emily S.
Stargazing opportunities: Radium Springs Firetower Camp (Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area) provides excellent night sky viewing. "Sunsets and sunrises were stunning!!! Great fall retreat," shares Mel M. Kameron B. describes it as "a very large space" that is "completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade."
Accessible water features: Near Devils Den camping areas feature creek access that draws visitors. "Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing. Insect surprisingly weren't that bad," reports Mack Daddy Van L., who stayed for two nights without issues.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. For Near Devils Den, Lauren warns: "It is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company to help pull me out for $400."
Site maintenance concerns: Some areas experience seasonal overgrowth issues. Travis A. reports that Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area needs maintenance: "The entire area is overgrown with tall brush. Difficult to find a spot to set up camp" and "Small donut shaped clearing. The middle and edges are overgrown with tall brush and weeds."
Cellular connectivity: Service varies widely across sites. At Lookout Tower Road, Michelle T. notes: "Starlink didn't work but Verizon did for phone calls only," while Bud D. found "Cell signal was strong in many places."
Tips for camping with families
Fire safety protocols: Most sites permit fires but require proper containment. At Lookout Tower Road, Bud D. mentions established fire areas are available: "Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Bike trails are worth using."
Wildlife preparation: Families should carry appropriate safety equipment. At Radium Springs Firetower Camp, Kameron B. advises: "The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you're good to go."
Plan for weather changes: The Ozark region experiences rapid weather shifts. I W. at Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area shares: "Pretty remote. Quiet. No table. Burn ban, so no fires. Hard to get to in the dark, but nice scenery."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access limitations: High clearance vehicles are recommended for most sites. Chad C. reports successfully navigating Lookout Tower Road with a "40 foot Bluebird Bus" and describes it as a "nice spot well ish maintained."
Limited hookups and facilities: All dispersed sites lack amenities. For Radium Springs Firetower Camp, 'Chelle S. advises: "Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans)."
Level site availability: Finding flat parking can be challenging. Dan P. notes that at Pine Hollow 1045, "There is a second site just down the little pull off but it's not level so would be a last resort. Don't recommend bringing anything to large down the road camper van would be fine but would be difficult with a full size rig or towing anything much larger than a pop up."
