Dispersed camping sites near Story, Arkansas are scattered throughout the Ouachita National Forest at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 feet. The region features pine and hardwood forests with rolling terrain crossed by numerous creeks and streams. Most sites sit on dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal improvements beyond basic fire rings, offering rustic camping opportunities in all seasons.
What to do
Hike the Ouachita Trail: Access points to this 223-mile trail are available near Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest. Camper Heather C. notes, "There is a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park. You're in the middle of nowhere and it's gorgeous!"
Explore forest roads: The network of gravel roads provides scenic drives through remote areas. Campers at Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain report, "This section of the National Forest offers two hours gravel road through the forest. On the path offers hidden creek waterfalls, lots of one way bridge and a serenity drive."
Creek access and swimming: Many sites offer water access. During summer months, swimming is possible in the deeper pools. At North Fork Creek dispersed sites, campers can reach the river by "bushwacking down a steep hill and over rocks," though the effort pays off with private swimming spots.
What campers like
Ridge-top views: High elevation sites provide scenic vistas. A camper at Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest shares, "This campsite has amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises... extremely rare traffic so minimal reminders of society!"
Water proximity: Creekside camping ranks high among visitor preferences. Sites along CR133/FR146 Hogan Creek Dispersed provide "a secluded spot which can not be easily seen from CR133/FR146... sounds of the creek can be head at this site. There is a path along the creek behind the campsite."
Privacy and isolation: Many campers value the solitude. At Irons Fork, one reviewer mentioned they "were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower," while another noted "only one other person was there" during their visit in July.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to many sites deteriorates after heavy rain. Recent visitors to Forest Service RD 153 warned, "need 4×4 some washouts on forest service rd 153" and another reported, "We couldn't even get to the campsite in our AWD Subaru Outback. There are drainage pipes exposed on the road."
Limited facilities: Most sites have no amenities beyond fire rings. At Irons Fork, a camper advised, "there are bathrooms but they are RANK so just pee n poop in the woods," while another noted issues with "others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom."
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. Pack food securely as one camper reported, "heard a big loud pickup truck w a trailer pull up at 5am... come to find they STOLE OUR PADLOCKED COOLER" while camping at Irons Fork.
Tips for camping with families
Look for level sites: Families need flat areas for tents and activities. The Gladstone Forest Rd (FR11) Large Dispersed site offers "a mostly level dirt surface" that is "large, open" and can "accomodate 4 rigs."
Access to water features: Children enjoy safe creek exploration. Sites along Hogan Creek offer shallow water access points ideal for supervised play during warmer months.
Timing considerations: School vacations bring more visitors. One camper noted mid-July at Irons Fork had minimal crowds despite being peak season: "It was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that." Another mentioned hunting seasons bring different challenges: "best to stay away during hunting season."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many forest roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper at Bear Creek Horse Camp noted, "Some minor erosion on FR772 where small creeks cross the road." The camp itself has "Four sites (2 official national forest sites with metal fire rings plus 2 dispersed sites with rock fire rings)."
Size restrictions: Class C motorhomes represent the practical limit for most sites. At Blue Knob Road, one RVer advises, "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site," while another warns, "Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven surfaces. Sites near Forest Service RD 153 "was not quite level, but workable" according to one camper, while others recommend chocks for stabilizing vehicles on sloped terrain.
