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Best Dispersed Camping near Springdale, AR

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Ozark National Forest provides multiple primitive sites near Springdale, Arkansas. Several free backcountry areas exist along forest service roads, including Lookout Tower Road, Forest Service Road 82, and the Morgan Mountain Road/Spy Rock area. These public lands permit no-reservation camping with minimal regulations. The Buffalo Creek Trail and areas near Devils Den also support primitive camping opportunities, though specific site conditions vary. Most locations lack developed facilities, following true dispersed camping principles on national forest land.

Access roads to many sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain. Morgan Mountain Road has some ruts but remains passable for most vehicles when driven slowly. According to one visitor, "The gravel road has some ruts but if you take your time small SUVs can make it fine." Forest Service Road 82 features several camping spots within 1-2 miles of the main road, with relatively good conditions for standard vehicles. Many dispersed areas have established fire rings but no other amenities. Cell service ranges from none to sporadic depending on location and carrier, with T-Mobile functioning at Morgan Mountain but absent at other sites.

These public lands offer scenic natural settings amid the Ozark landscape. The Morgan Mountain/Spy Rock area provides panoramic mountain views, with one camper noting it has a "beautiful view overlooking the valley." Nearby recreational opportunities include hiking to Spy Rock overlook and local waterfalls. Some sites remain relatively quiet despite occasional off-road vehicle traffic. Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of dispersed areas, with most accommodating multiple vehicles while maintaining privacy. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and all locations require pack-in, pack-out waste management as they lack trash facilities, restrooms, and water sources. Most sites permit tent camping and some can accommodate smaller RVs or vans depending on clearance requirements.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Springdale, Arkansas (10)

    1. Lookout Tower Road

    3 Reviews
    Siloam Springs, AR
    14 miles

    "Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy."

    "We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there."

    2. Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Pineville, MO
    29 miles

    "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."

    "Pretty remote. Quiet. Tick dog tried to get through the tick gate but failed unfortunately. No table. Burn ban, so no fires. No ticks. Hard to get to in the dark, but nice scenery."

    3. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    30 miles

    "Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure."

    "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."

    4. Dispersed Near Devils Den

    2 Reviews
    Chester, AR
    30 miles

    "The coordinates are fairly accurate. The entryways are a little tight for vehicles, but I made it in my sprinter van so everything else should be just fine. Would’ve been a nearly perfect campsite."

    5. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    St. Paul, AR
    41 miles

    "Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
    There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road."

    "GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite."

    6. Lee Creek Off Road Site

    1 Review
    Natural Dam, AR
    33 miles

    7. OHT Backcountry Primitive Site

    1 Review
    Combs, AR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    8. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    1 Review
    St. Paul, AR
    40 miles

    "Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!"

    9. Buffalo Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Pettigrew, AR
    42 miles

    "The final half mile of Madison/404 was too steep and rough to proceed. Cavern Mountain Rd 5 was good. Additionally, Google routed us a bunch of dirt roads to get here."

    10. OHT Primitive Site

    Be the first to review!
    Combs, AR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 369-4128

    $5 / night

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Springdale, AR

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Springdale, AR

14 Reviews of 10 Springdale Campgrounds

  • Lauren
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Be careful!

    I just got back from staying here for a night. For one, 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 (by walking 15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites) to help pull me out for $400. The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails. They told me that had I gotten caught with my car in there I would have had to pay a big fine. He said camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in. Saying all of that, there are still multiple really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits. I would have been fine with parking and walking in. Also, I was in pretty deep and could still hear the cars on the highway, but not many come by (at least not on a Tuesday night). The creek is nice. Also tons of fireflies which was cool.

  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. 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 for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Large dispersed with a view

    Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site. Altough eroded in spots due to recent heavy rains, Morgan Mountain Road was in good condition - no obstacles. A 2wd passenger car can carefully make it over the eroded areas. Except for one small spot, the site is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot. Access into the site from the forest road is easy. There is a clean rock fire ring. Tenting camping is possible. Hammock camping may be possible using nearby trees. The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful. I received no T-Mobile service during my visit. I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite.

  • ‘Chelle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    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). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.

  • Philip W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Forested mountain area with trails

    No toilets/showers/dumpsters/ trash cans.
    Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
    There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road. So you don’t have to go too far if you forgot something. The camp I’m at has the land cleared fairly well of grasses and such.
    The others further down the road are for one vehicle type camps with longer grass. There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away.

  • Bud D.
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Lookout Tower Road

    Fairly clean

    Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.

    Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    Awesome site

    GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite. Spy rock is gorgeous, the trail is a little rough but totally worth it. Trail head is on the right about a mile past camp.

  • Mack Daddy Van L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Great hidden spot by the water

    The coordinates are fairly accurate. The entryways are a little tight for vehicles, but I made it in my sprinter van so everything else should be just fine. Would’ve been a nearly perfect campsite. Had it not been for all the trash left by others. Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing. Insect surprisingly weren’t that bad. Traffic from nearby road is almost nonexistent. Stay two nights no issues.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    Awesome Spot Deep In The Ozarks!

    Forest Rd. 82 has 3-4 spots, all about 1-2 miles in. There may be more the further you go, but I didn't go that far. Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!

Guide to Springdale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Springdale, Arkansas, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Dispersed campers should check out Lookout Tower Road

  • Lookout Tower Road is known for its cleanliness, with less trash than many other free camping spots, making it a pleasant choice for nature enthusiasts.
  • Strong cell signal in various locations allows you to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors, which is a rare find in dispersed camping.
  • The nearby bike trails provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to explore the area on two wheels.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Springdale, Arkansas

  • Always remember to follow the "leave no trace" principle, especially at places like Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area, where maintaining the natural beauty is crucial.
  • Be prepared for remote locations; some areas, like Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area, may not have amenities like drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Check for any burn bans before starting a fire, as some spots may have restrictions in place to protect the environment.

Enjoy hiking and nature while free camping near Springdale

  • The OHT Backcountry Primitive Site offers a hiking-in experience that immerses you in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, perfect for those who love to trek.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed, which provides easy access to fishing and swimming spots, ideal for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
  • If you're looking for a cozy spot, Dispersed Near Devils Den offers a unique blend of accessibility and tranquility, making it a great choice for a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is boondocking and where can I do it near Springdale?

Boondocking is self-sufficient camping without hookups or amenities on public land, typically free of charge. Near Springdale, you can boondock at Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area, a spacious site with room for multiple vehicles that's accessible even with smaller cars despite the dirt road. Lee Creek Off Road Site is another option right off the main road, suitable for vehicles up to 21ft, though larger rigs might find it tight. Remember when boondocking to bring all necessary supplies including water, practice Leave No Trace principles, and check local fire restrictions before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping spots near Springdale?

Dispersed camping spots near Springdale are minimalist by nature, offering few if any amenities. At Lookout Tower Road, you'll find multiple spacious spots with good cell signal and access to bike trails, but no formal facilities. Buffalo Creek Trail is accessible via Cavern Mountain Rd 5 and offers primitive camping with no developed amenities. Most dispersed sites feature natural clearings and sometimes fire rings, but you should plan to be completely self-sufficient with your own water, waste disposal, and toilet facilities. Outfitters along routes to some sites provide opportunities to purchase forgotten supplies. Always pack out everything you bring in.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Springdale?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Springdale. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed offers stunning mountain views and is accessible via a gravel road with some ruts (navigable with AWD vehicles and SUVs if driven slowly). Another option is Dispersed Near Devils Den, which provides nice walking trails along water, though the entry points can be tight for larger vehicles and road conditions vary seasonally. Both locations are on public land, requiring no fees, but follow standard dispersed camping protocols: pack out all trash, observe fire restrictions, and camp in established sites only.

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