Dispersed camping in the Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forest provides numerous free camping options near Van Buren, Arkansas. These forest areas sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet with oak-hickory forests dominating the landscape. Most dispersed sites become accessible from April through November, though many remain open year-round depending on weather conditions and road access.
What to do
Creek access: Jack Creek Dispersed offers a short path down to the water suitable for fishing and wading. "Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek," notes a camper about this Jack Creek Dispersed site.
Mountain biking: The forest roads and nearby trails provide opportunities for mountain biking. "Bike trails are worth using," mentions a camper at Lookout Tower Road, which offers strong cell signals in many spots.
Hiking to overlooks: Several trails lead to scenic viewpoints. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of the Morgan Mountain Road site. A camper reports, "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."
Stargazing: Many sites offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. One visitor to Lookout Tower Road shared, "We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive... it was a sweet little private getaway for a night before driving on."
What campers like
Mountain views: Several sites provide panoramic vistas. At Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed, a visitor notes, "A downed tree blocks part of the view, but still has a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The disbursed sight is large, but only part of it is level enough to camp on in my opinion."
Secluded spots: Many dispersed areas offer privacy away from crowds. "This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season," explains a camper.
Wildlife sounds: Natural soundscapes enhance the camping experience. At Cane Creek Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "Nice sounds at night if you like the wildlife sleep track," highlighting the natural ambient sounds.
Sunset views: Water-adjacent sites provide scenic evening views. "Be sure to catch the sunset here. This has a beautiful setting even though it has been basically abandoned by the COE," recommends a visitor to Cane Creek Recreation Area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and condition. For Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed, a camper advises, "Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!"
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. At Morgan Mtn Rd, one visitor reports, "T-Mobile has anywhere from one bar LTE to three bars of 5G extended to 2 bars 5G here. I was able to stream video on my phone before bedtime each night."
Pack out trash: Leave No Trace principles are essential. "Less trash than most free camps... Bring it in take it out, it's that easy," reminds a visitor to Lookout Tower Road.
Weather awareness: Storms can develop quickly. A camper at Cane Creek Recreation Area warns, "Have a weather app, if you're not local storms here are fast to arrive and violent compared to other parts of the country."
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Some sites provide room for multiple families. At Morgan Mtn Rd, "The site is large enough for 3, maybe 4 Overlanding Rigs. Couple established fire rings."
Wildlife awareness: Keep an eye out for nocturnal visitors. A camper at Cane Creek Recreation Area notes, "Also, be aware if you use a flashlight, you WILL see eyeballs looking back at you from the other side of the water."
Swimming opportunities: Several sites offer water access for swimming during warmer months. Near Devils Den, a camper mentioned, "Nice walk trails along the water. Local stop in for swimming and fishing."
Tick prevention: Be prepared for insects during warmer months. At Lookout Tower Road, a camper appreciated that "There was plenty of space for the dog to roam without getting into high grass where ticks would be festering."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain. At Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed, a visitor notes, "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."
Vehicle size limitations: Forest roads can restrict larger rigs. At Lee Creek Off Road Site, a camper mentions, "I don't think a bus would fit but my 21ft. van was mostly a tight fit."
Power options: No electric hookups exist at dispersed sites. For Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed, one visitor notes, "There are too many trees to use Starlink," making alternative power sources necessary.
Road navigation: Drive carefully on forest service roads. A visitor to Morgan Mtn Rd advises, "Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains," indicating the need for cautious driving even in standard vehicles.
