Dispersed camping near St. Paul, Arkansas offers primitive backcountry experiences within the Ozark National Forest's varied terrain, ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most forest roads become increasingly difficult to navigate after rain events, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hike to Spy Rock overlook: A moderately difficult trail accessible from Morgan Mountain Road provides panoramic views. "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," notes Caitlin F. from Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed.
Rock climbing routes: The bluffs around Sam's Throne Recreation Area feature established climbing routes for various skill levels. Ivan M. mentions, "The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base camp if you're rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that."
Fishing access: Multiple water access points provide fishing opportunities. At Cane Creek Recreation Area, "Quiet, not maintained but not in bad shape... Bring a boat, lots of fishing," according to Sadie P., who adds that the "nice sounds at night if you like the wildlife sleep track" enhance the experience.
Night sky viewing: The area offers minimal light pollution. Lauren at Dispersed Near Devils Den notes "tons of fireflies which was cool" and the site provides good stargazing conditions when skies are clear.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many dispersed sites offer room for multiple vehicles or tents. "Site is large enough for 3, maybe 4 Overlanding Rigs. Couple established fire rings," reports JEFF F. about Morgan Mountain Road camping areas.
Water features: Creeks and small lakes provide cooling options during hot months. "Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing," according to Mack Daddy Van L. about Dispersed Near Devils Den.
Privacy between sites: Trees and natural terrain separate many camping areas. At Sam's Throne Recreation Area, Kelsey R. appreciates "Private camping spots, with trees separating each site."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common near many campsites. Multiple campers report nighttime wildlife activity, with Devin R. warning, "be aware if you use a flashlight, you WILL see eyeballs looking back at you from the other side of the water."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads deteriorate quickly after rain. Philip W. notes about Morgan Mountain Road that "my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains."
Cell service variability: Coverage is unpredictable throughout the region. At Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed, service depends on your carrier and exact location, while Amy A. reports, "T-Mobile has anywhere from one bar LTE to three bars of 5G extended to 2 bars 5G" at their Morgan Mountain campsite.
Satellite limitations: Tree cover affects satellite communications. Amy A. notes "There are too many trees to use Starlink so this was very helpful" regarding having cell service instead.
Pack-out requirements: No trash facilities exist at most sites. Ed O. emphasizes at Cane Creek that this is an "Excellent free campground if you are self contained. No water/electric or toilet."
Legal access points: Some areas have restrictions on vehicle entry. Lauren warns about Devils Den, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra water: No reliable water sources exist at dispersed sites. Multiple reviewers emphasize the need for complete self-sufficiency with water supplies.
Accessibility challenges: Some sites require difficult hiking or driving. Ashley F. notes at OHT Backcountry Primitive Site that trail difficulty varies significantly, so research specific trails before bringing children.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential due to animals. Bri at Sam's Throne Recreation Area mentions, "Bambi and her mom also seem to live here," indicating regular deer presence around campsites.
Plan for bathroom needs: Most sites lack toilet facilities. While Sam's Throne has vault toilets that are "cleaned every other day," according to Bri, most primitive camping locations require bringing portable solutions.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Jon D. from Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed shares, "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."
Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain at many sites requires leveling equipment. Fred S. notes about one Morgan Mountain site: "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."
Limited turnaround space: Plan vehicle positioning carefully. Kurt G. at Lee Creek Off Road Site cautions, "I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit... A good public land spot with just enough space for two car campers."
