Best Tent Camping near Sims, AR
Tent campsites in the Ouachita National Forest near Sims, Arkansas offer primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Rocky Shoals campground, located directly in Sims, provides tent sites along the water, though recent reports indicate it may now be day-use only. Nearby options include Dragover Float Camp and Hickory Nut Mountain, which offers free tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings.
Most tent camping areas in this region feature basic amenities with vault toilets but no running water or showers. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and occasionally lantern poles. The terrain consists primarily of forested settings with dirt or gravel tent pads. According to one visitor, "The sites had decent separation but the middle row would be tight if there had been a lot of people." Access roads to primitive tent sites can deteriorate quickly after rain, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for some locations. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as services are limited in this remote area.
The tent camping experience in the Ouachita National Forest provides excellent opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Many sites are situated near creeks or the Ouachita River, offering both scenic views and water access. A review mentioned that "At night you're surrounded by lightning bugs, which makes the experience a little enchanting." The surrounding forest provides ample shade for most tent sites, keeping them cooler during hot summer months. Hiking trails connect many of the primitive tent camping areas, allowing for day hikes or longer backpacking routes. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors frequently reporting deer, various birds, and occasionally black bears. Flash flooding can occur in low-lying tent campgrounds, so campers should monitor weather conditions, particularly when camping near creeks or rivers.
