Primitive camping near Umpire, Arkansas offers backcountry experiences within the Ouachita National Forest at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet. The region features steep ridges and narrow valleys with seasonal creeks that typically run higher in spring and early summer. Winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer brings high humidity.
What to do
Swimming access: 40 feet from campsite at Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek. "Stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole. Very private," notes camper Ken H. about this location off Forest Road 51220.
Enjoy wildlife viewing: Pigeon Creek Dispersed camping sits at the convergence of waterways. "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. The river and creek merging was so beautiful," reports Jessica W. The terrain is rocky, requiring thick sleeping mats.
Take scenic drives: The Talimena Scenic Drive offers mountain vistas and roadside pull-offs for camping. "Love this place. Hidden gem," shares Melissa R. The drive itself provides numerous elevated viewpoints, though one camper warns: "Just hope you don't catch fog... you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car."
What campers like
Complete isolation: The County Road D1590 Dispersed site provides deep forest immersion. "Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night," reports Wesley H., who reached the site in a 29-foot Class C motorhome. The access road consists "mostly of small rocks" requiring slow, careful driving.
Secluded privacy: Mena Arkansas dispersed camping area provides "good secluded spot for privacy," according to Ernest W. These primitive sites are situated away from developed areas.
Swimming opportunities: Irons Fork offers multiple water access points. "We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower," notes Charity S. Another camper adds: "I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that."
What you should know
Bear precautions required: Black bears are active throughout the region. "It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage," advises Matthew J. about Irons Fork. Bears have been known to investigate improperly stored trash, with Charity S. reporting "others trash was gone through by wildlife."
Bathroom facilities limited: Even at sites with toilets, maintenance is minimal. At Irons Fork, one camper noted: "There are bathrooms but they are RANK so just pee n poop in the woods." Another mentions using "my own pop up toilet as there's is not close to being clean."
Cell service variability: Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed offers "Att service good" according to Jeanne A. At Irons Fork, a camper reports: "We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established sites with fire rings. "Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart," notes Jeanne A. about Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed.
Water access consideration: When camping with children, sites near water provide recreation options. Primitive sites at Pigeon Creek Dispersed feature river access, though one camper warns: "Whoever was there before me trashed it out. It's sad."
Pack portable toilets: Given the lack of facilities, families should bring portable toilet solutions. Formal restrooms, where available, receive minimal maintenance and may be unusable, as multiple campers report across different sites.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest accommodates mid-sized RVs with proper technique. "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site," advises Heather C.
Backing skills essential: For Blue Knob Road, Carlos P. recommends: "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain." This approach prevents difficult turning situations on narrow forest roads.
Coordinate arrival time: Plan to arrive during daylight hours. Several sites are described as difficult to locate, with one camper reporting about Pigeon Creek: "We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there."
