Best Dispersed Camping near Story, AR
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Ouachita National Forest near Story, Arkansas. Several free primitive sites exist along forest roads, including Irons Fork, Fourche Mountain, and North Fork Creek Road (FR779). Most sites feature basic rock fire rings and level dirt surfaces suitable for tents, small RVs, or truck campers. According to reviews, Irons Fork offers "beautiful lake access points" with approximately five sites, each equipped with a grill and fire ring. The Bear Creek Horse Camp provides a small primitive camping area with access to equestrian trails that are also open to hikers.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region. Forest roads are typically unpaved gravel or dirt with occasional erosion and washouts. Many sites remain accessible to standard passenger vehicles when driven carefully, though high-clearance vehicles are advantageous after rain. Campers report that Forest Road 132 (Winona Scenic Drive) can be "bumpy/rocky in several places" with "erosion getting worse over time." Most dispersed sites lack amenities; no drinking water, electricity, or sanitary facilities are available. Cell service is spotty, with T-Mobile and AT&T coverage varying by location.
The Ouachita National Forest follows standard dispersed camping regulations. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings when no fire bans are in effect. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. The area is black bear country, so proper food storage is essential. Winter camping offers more solitude, while summer brings higher humidity and occasional thunderstorms. During hunting season, particularly in fall, increased hunter presence may affect camping experiences, as one reviewer noted seeing "over ten deer hunters in the area in a single day."
